It can really screw up your day when your head feels like it is getting pounded by a drum. Migraines are terrible in all their forms and some people suffer from them chronically. Most doctors will prescribe you medicines like Excedrin but before you make that choice, consider some natural alternatives. You may actually solve the root of the problem and avoid nasty symptoms.
Why do migraines occur? There is a myriad of reasons, but ultimately it is a response to an internal problem. These problems range from circulation issues, stagnant blood in the head, digestive problems, eye strain, too much meat, emotional drainage, exhaustion, liver issues, toxins, anemia of the brain, and even energetic issues in the crown chakra. To figure out why you have a migraine you will have to reassess your body and lifestyle.
Migraines can occur in different regions of the head and this is how most doctors attempt to locate the root cause. A therapist who understands the meridians of the body can locate the disturbed channel. Acupuncture can be a very useful therapy for migraines. Other therapies that may help are massage therapy, reflexology, meditation, and yoga. Crystal therapy is also becoming more popular for migraines, utilizing stones such as amethyst, lapis lazuli, aventurine, selenite, rose quartz, and jet. Aromatherapy also works great and can be done on your own. Purchase an oil diffuser and organic essential oils that help with migraines like lavender, peppermint, and basil.
Supplements to treat migraines
To make sure you are keeping internal imbalances in check, you must include specific foods into your diet as well as vitamin and mineral support. Here are some supplements that are proven to help treat imbalances which cause migraines:
- Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
- Magnesium
- 5 HTP (hydroxytryptophan or the seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia plant)
- CoQ10
Foods to incorporate into your diet as part of a migraine treatment plan
Here are some foods that will also support migraine relief:
- Buckwheat
- Flax seeds
- Chia seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Wild Alaskan salmon
- Tuna
- Walnuts
- Back beans
- Soy beans
- Sunflower seeds
- Quinoa
- Eggs
- Mushrooms
- Asparagus
- Brussel sprouts
- Spinach (don’t eat too much)
- Almonds (don’t eat too much)
Foods to avoid if you have migraines
There are things that you will want to avoid. Certain foods and chemicals in food can definitely make migraines worse. Foods highly contraindicated for migraines are:
- Peanuts
- Bananas
- Chocolate
- Avocado
- Citrus fruits
- Onions
- Pickled foods
- Hot dogs
- Bacon
You also want to avoid large amounts of sugar. You want to stick to more natural foods and avoid preservatives like high fructose corn syrup, which is also known to make migraines worse.
Herbs to help treat migraines
Making these changes to your diet will have a huge effect on migraines but the real holistic treatment of migraines should be done with herbs and homeopathic remedies. Here are some that can help.
- Feverfew – Feverfew has be used for migraines for many years. This ancient remedy got its name for its wonderful attributes as a fever and flu medicine. It prevents and treats migraine headaches by decreasing platelet aggregation and by preventing the release of serotonin.
- Ginger – Ginger helps to simultaneously regulate circulation and digestion. It should be taken alongside these other medicines to increase their effectiveness.
- Lavender – Lavender relaxes the upper extremities gently easing tension. It has been used as a headache and migraine remedy for many years. It can also be used in many ways like essential oil on the head or diffused in the air, or the dry herb in tea.
- Wintergreen birch – This herb can be used as oil on the head or dry herb in tea (do not use the oil in tea). It was used as a remedy for many years for all sorts of bodily pains including migraines.
- Butterbur – This is a great remedy for migraines. It can be found in pill form.
- Milk thistle – This herb is an all-around great liver tonic. Since migraines are sometimes connected to liver issues, it’s important to keep your liver healthy and functioning properly.
- Dandelion – Dandelion is a gentle herb that cleanses the body of toxins. It contains iron and increases the body’s absorption of iron treating anemia which is another factor of migraines. It is also an amazing liver medicine treating many types of liver ailments.
Homeopathic remedies for migraines
Homeopathic physicians will recommend a number of homeopathic formulas for migraines based off of the area where the pain resides. Here are some of those remedies.
- NatSluph
- Byonia
- Chichona (temples)
- Coffea cruda (excitement)
- Ignatia (emotional)
- Iris versicolor (right side or behind eye)
Aside from all this, it is very important that you drink a lot of water, exercise regularly to stimulate the bodies functions, and getting an adequate amount of sleep at the right times. Get out in nature and away from TV and computer screens. The more time you have to meditate on your migraines the more you will understand them. It is only an imbalance and can be corrected naturally with dedication and focus. Keep your spirits high and remember to smile.