8 NATURAL WAYS TO COMBAT MIGRAINE SYMPTOMS
WRITTEN BY EMILY HADDINGTON
With National Migraine Week, creating awareness of the debilitating symptoms affecting migraine sufferers, here’s how to relieve those uncomfortable headaches using natural and holistic methods.
A migraine isn’t your typical headache. When you suffer from a migraine, you experience a throbbing, pounding pain in the head that co-indices with ultra sensitivity to environmental sounds and light. Migraine symptoms should always be treated by a doctor, but there are also natural remedies you can try at home that may help to ease the severity of your condition.
Avoid junk food
Some foods with higher amounts of salt, saturated fat and sugar are known for triggering migraine symptoms. Avoid foods that are overly processed, as well as sweets, chocolate and fizzy drinks. Refrain from drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages if caffeine gives you migraine symptoms. Foods containing artificial flavour enhancers and sweeteners should also be avoided.
Use peppermint and lavender essential oils
Lavender oil is known for its calming and relaxing properties, and has been known to ease migraine symptoms if applied to the temples or wrists and inhaled. You can purchase aromatherapy balms containing lavender essential oil. Likewise, peppermint oil is known for clearing the mind and relieving headaches. Put a few drops in a hot bath, sink in and inhale deeply.
Drink home-made ginger tea
Infuse a thumb-sized piece of peeled natural ginger in boiling water with a little honey and drink up. Ginger powders can also be used either in drinks or sprinkled into dishes to ease the duration and frequency of migraine symptoms.
Try yoga
Yoga techniques that use meditation, breathing and relaxing poses can promote a calm and collected mood, reliving the stress and anxiety that can lead to a migraine attack.
Boost your magnesium intake
A deficiency in magnesium is commonly linked to headache and migraine symptoms. Speak to your doctor about whether this may apply to your situation, as you may need to take supplements. Foods that are high in magnesium include eggs, dark green vegetables like greens and cabbage, oats, milk, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds and peanuts.
Cool down with a cold pack
Placing an ice pack or cold wash cloth (that has been in the freezer) on your forehead can help relieve migraine symptoms through restricting blood flow. This method doesn’t work for everyone, but is always worth a try.
Sleep as much as possible
Both napping and sleeping can help relieve migraine symptoms. Try to fall asleep and wake up around the same time each day, and get at least eight hours of sleep a night. This should give your body and mind enough rest to keep migraines at bay.
Up your Vitamin B2 intake
Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, helps our bodies to break down fats and carbohydrates so that we can maintain energy. If your Vitamin B2 level is low, you may feel very tired and irritable and prone to migraine attacks. Vitamin B2 can be found in many proteins and meats including fish and chicken, and other dairy products such as milk and cheese. Try increasing these foods in your diet to see if they ease your migraine symptoms.
WRITTEN BY EMILY HADDINGTON