Written By: Anusuya Suresh | Updated : November 17, 2014 11:05 AM IST
For people who suffer from migraines, the very mention of the word is often enough to evoke strongly unpleasant memories about their suffering. The unique combination of nausea, vomiting, throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and the overall inability to work, sleep or do any other activity is enough to drive people up the wall. Most of the medicines used to deal with migraine cannot cure the problem; instead, they act to reduce the symptoms associated with the condition. Fortunately, there are quite a few natural remedies that are as effective at dealing with the symptoms of migraine and they provide a safer alternative to drugs.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint leaves contain a volatile oil that is made up of menthol; menthol has strong action against pain and it can also help to relieve nausea. When you feel a migraine attack coming on, dab a few drops of peppermint oil onto your forehead, temples, behind the ears and at the back of the neckand massage gently. Alternatively, you may also put in a few drops of peppermint oil into boiling water and inhale.
Ginger
Ginger helps to relieve the nausea and vomiting sensation that is such a common symptom of migraines. Besides, it has been found to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins that are the mediators of inflammation and pain; thus, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and this can help deal with the pain of migraine. Wash, peel and grate a small piece of the ginger rhizome and boil in a cup of water; steep for about 15 minutes and then drink this ginger tea after mixing in a few drops of honey and lime juice.
Coffee
Many people who feel a headache coming on find relief by drinking a cup of strong coffee. This is because the caffeine in coffee helps to block the effects of a substance called adenosine that plays a role in triggering migraine. However, in some persons who are sensitive to caffeine, drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages such as tea or cola can trigger migraine so it is important to use this remedy with care.
Coriander
Coriander is most well-known as a digestive, spice and flavouring properties; however, many ancient cultures have used this remedy for treatment of migraines. Even in Ayurveda, coriander seeds add to hot water have been used as a inhalation remedy for curing headaches. The volatile oil present in coriander has strong anti-inflammatory action and this is responsible for its efficacy against migraine. Make a coriander tea by adding 1 teaspoon of crushed coriander seeds into 2 cups of boiling water; steep for about 10 minutes, strain and add a little sugar and drink the sweetened coriander tea.
Lavender oil
With its sweet, aromatic smell, lavender oil has the property of reducing stress and calming the mind. This proves useful in treating migraines that have been triggered by stress and anxiety. Dab a few drops of lavender oil onto a paper tissue and inhale; if you wish to apply the oil to the temples or the forehead, dilute it with a few drops of coconut oil because lavender oil alone may irritate the skin. Another way to use lavender oil for migraine is to add a few drops of the oil into boiling water and inhale the vapours.
Ayurvedic remedies
According to Ayurveda, migraine is mainly a result of imbalance in the Vata and Pitta doshas. Therefore, remedies that help to correct this imbalance are useful in dealing with the problem. Some of the herbs recommended are Brahmi, Jatamansi, Shankhpushpi and Ashwagandha, but for best results, they need to be taken at the appropriate dose under the supervision of an experienced Ayurveda practitioner.
Migraine headaches are difficult to cure and therefore, over time, it is important that you learn to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Maintain a migraine diary to keep track of the food you eat, your emotional state of mind, menstrual cycle and level of physical fatigue on a daily basis and try to correlate this to the occurrence of migraine symptoms. After a few months, you will be in a better position to find out what is triggering your migraine and this can help you take preventive action against these debilitating headaches.
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