Natural Home Remedies for Migraines Headache at Headaches-Migraine-Relief.com

For the many millions of people who suffer from migraines finding an effective treatment has been difficult and has taken a considerable time. Even after years of research there is no miracle cure, but a new class of drugs known as triptans are as close to a miracle cure as we have come for these often intensely painful headaches that can strike at any time.

The triptans are a form of drug which is chemically similar to serotonin, which is itself a neurotransmitter that is believed to play a part in causing migraines. As with many drug treatments, success often comes from creating a compound which is chemically similar to a naturally occurring chemical in the body and using this to boost levels in the body at times when symptoms appear.  In this case triptans attach themselves to receptors where the body’s natural biochemical would normally be found, but behavior slightly differently to alleviate symptoms. Technically triptans are in a class of drugs known as 5-HT1B/1D agonists.

Although these new drugs have been shown to be effective in many cases of migraine there are some studies which suggest that they are more effective for migraine sufferers who lack skin sensitivity. For those people who do experience skin sensitivity during an attack triptans can still be effective, but they should be taken as soon as possible after the onset of a migraine and preferably within no more than about 20 minutes after the appearance of symptoms.

In many cases migraine sufferers experience what is known as an ‘aura’ prior to the onset of their headache and this is not only the warning sign of an approaching headache but also the cue to start treatment. Although not all sufferers will experience an aura for those that do it varies widely but is essentially a visual disturbance consisting of such things as seeing spots or flashing lights.

Triptan drugs were first introduced during the 1990s and there are now various different types of these drugs available under a variety of different commercial names. One very common treatment is sumatriptan, which is sold under the brand name of Imitrex. This first generation of drugs proved very effective but still did not quite do the trick as well as doctors would have wished and so today we see a second generation of more effective triptans. These include zolmitriptan (sold as Zomig) and rizatriptan (sold as Maxalt).

These second generation drugs are often referred to as ‘aborters’ or ‘interrupters’ because they are designed to stop a migraine in its early stages and before it builds into the intense and pulsating pain which is so familiar to migraine sufferers. Second generation triptans are preferred by many sufferers because they do not have to be taken before the arrival of the headache, which can be difficult to predict as symptoms are not always very pronounced. In addition, they are effective for a longer period of time, which is also important for those people whose migraines can last for days rather than hours. Triptans can also help to relieve or eliminate other migraine symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

One other problem which is often present with traditional medicines taken in pill form is that they require you to have water on hand to take the pill and then take time to work as the pill is broken down and absorbed into the bloodstream. Many of the new triptans however, such as rizatriptan (marketed as Maxalt), are available in a wafer form which simply dissolves on the tongue and drugs are now also available in the form of nasal sprays which are very fast acting.

As with any medication triptans do carry a range of side effects and you should consult your physician before using any of these drugs to treat your migraine.

What is Migraine Headaches?

Migraine Headaches are paroxysmal ailments, that are accompanied by a severe headache. The headache normally occurs on one side of the head. Migraine is associated with disorders of digestion, liver, and sight. Migraine headaches occur sometimes due to great mental tension and stress. Migraine headache patients are typically smart, inflexible, disciplined. Sudden migraine attacks may occur due to overworked muscles in the head and neck and due to continuous stress.

Treatments

Natural treatment methods for migraine headaches are usually harmless and also cheaper than traditional pain medications. Sure, it’s possible you could experience a negative reaction or even increase your headache pain because of a natural treatment, but the odds are far less than with pain-relieving medications.

Chiropractic adjustments, or chiropractic manipulations, are a very popular natural treatment method for headache relief. Patients with migraine headaches have been visiting chiropractors for over 100 years, and with very good results. Studies have shown that over 80% of headache patients find relief with chiropractic care. Plus, chiropractic treatment has been shown to be extremely safe. Spinal problems do cause headaches and by correcting these spinal problems many headache sufferers find welcome relief.

Biofeedback is another form of treatment that is safe and can be effective in eliminating pain. Biofeedback is a training program designed to help a person develop the ability to control their autonomic (involuntary) nervous system. Functions that are normally automatic can be controlled voluntarily. This technique makes it possible for a person to control their own heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature, and of course, the relaxation of their tense muscles.

Abortive: The goal of abortive therapy is to prevent a migraine attack or to stop it once it starts. The prescribed medications stop a headache during its prodrome stage or once it has begun and may be taken as needed. Some can be administered as a self-injection into the thigh; others, as a wafer that melts on the tongue. These forms of medication are especially useful for people who vomit during a migraine, and they work quickly.

Preventive: This type of treatment is considered if a migraineur has more than 1 migraine per week. The goal is to lessen the frequency and severity of the migraine attacks. Medication to prevent a migraine can be taken daily.

Some alternative methods are there, such as acupuncture and the use of certain herbs, can help some people. However, it is important to ask your physician about alternative medicines before trying them for yourself. This is especially true of herbal treatments because they can interfere with more traditional methods of treatment.

Summary

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Migraine headaches are among the most serious and painful type of headaches. They are usually described as an intense, throbbing or pounding pain that involves your temple, forehead, around the eye, or the back of the head. They can also be accompanied by flashing, brightly colored lights in a zigzag pattern usually starting in the middle of the visual field and progressing outward and can also include abnormal tastes and smells.

Migraines are caused by the enlargement of blood vessels and the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around these blood vessels. As your blood vessels enlarge, the nerves surrounding them stretch. This stretching action causes the nerves to release chemicals. These chemicals cause inflammation, pain, and further enlargement of the artery, which intensifies the pain.

About 10% of the world’s population suffers from migraine headaches. And this serious problem is largely under-treated and, in most sufferers, undiagnosed. In fact, less than half of migraine headache sufferers are diagnosed by their doctors.

The first course of treatment for migraines are over-the-counter analgesics and pain relievers (like acetaminophen and ibuprofen among others). Your doctor can also prescribe other medications like triptans to relieve the pain from migraine headaches. But these remedies only treat the symptoms of migraines; that is, they are only effective once the pain begins.

Using traditional migraine remedies on an ongoing basis can also be very expensive. And, they only mask your headache symptoms. They do nothing to eliminate the cause of your headaches. Using these traditional treatments, your headaches will return again and again!

Alternative holistic medical approaches can also be effective for some migraine sufferers. Of course, you should discuss these alternative approaches with your doctor before trying any of these treatments.

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The type of headache is also known by the duration; migraines often last four hours or sometimes even for days. The severity of the pain is often moderate to severe. A severe intensity of pain is often associated with the harsher side effects. The migraine has “triggers” which may furthermore aggravate them. These may be situations such as stress, fatigue, hormonal changes, changes in the weather, food allergies or sensitivities, and even other medical conditions. Side Effects

However, the side effects of migraine headaches vary between people. While for some it causes only the pain, whereas others may have side effects such as nausea, light sensitivity, noise sensitivity, body aches, and fatigue. A doctor should be consulted foe curbing these side effects. Many allopathic as well as herbal medications are available for the cure.

Nausea is caused by sensitivity to smell and physical stomach pain, when suffering a migraine. The patient would find comfort in a place free of food or other smells. Sometimes in severe cases the nausea can be accompanied by vomiting. The doctor should be consulted immediately unless the other viral cause is known.

Environmental sensitivities such as light or sound are among the catalyst and aggravating situation. For a person suffering from the headache, the head is already throbbing with pain. Light or sound can seem to further agitate the situation. The best remedy for most people is a long rest in a dark room.

Dietary Triggers

Dietary triggers of migraines are comestibles like chocolate, banana or red wine. If a person notices a particular sensitivity to any particular foods, they should avoid the foods for a while then reincorporate the offending food in small amounts until there is no longer sensitivity. The doctor should be consulted.

Other dietary factors can include caffeine consumption (either too much caffeine or excessive withdrawal) and how often one takes his meals; even skipping meals can give a person a migraine headache, this is because the drop in blood sugar from missing a proper meal causes all imbalances and thus may trigger a migraine headache. Having too much caffeine or withdrawal from caffeine can also trigger a migraine headache. Knowing that a person has this type of trigger can help them avoid it.

Existing Medical Conditions

Existing medical conditions such as asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, and sleeping disorders can contribute to migraine headaches. These headaches might also be hereditary, and surprisingly, a startling four of five migraine sufferers have a family history of the condition. For example, if one parent has a history of migraine headaches, the children each have a 50% chance of having migraines themselves; if both parents have a history the children’s chances jump to 75%.

Taking care of the symptoms, individual triggers, and how these factors react with existing medical conditions the person can chary the migraine. Medications are always available but a doctor should be consulted for evaluating your medical status and to the best medications.

For more information about Migraine Headaches

While most people only think about the piercing pain in their head that they experience during a migraine attack, there are quite a few associated symptoms. Some of these symptoms can occur before the headache begins and are used as warning signs by people who suffer from frequent migraines. If you have symptoms before your headache begins, you probably have classic migraines. These warning signs are often called auras. If you don’t have any symptoms before the migraine begins, you are most likely suffering from common migraines.

Usually, if you have classic migraines, you won’t have common migraines. However, on occasion, you may suddenly have one type of migraine when you usually have the other. No matter which type of migraine you have, there are quite a few symptoms that can develop because of an attack. Some are more common before a classic attack, while others can happen during all types of migraines. Here is a list of common symptoms you should be aware of.

* A dull ache developing in the jaw, neck, or back of the head.

* Pain in an eye socket.

* Pain in your forehead.

* Loss of vision in one of your eyes for a short time.

* Blurred vision in either one or both of your eyes.

* Strange odors that only you can smell.

* Visual or auditory hallucinations.

* Nausea.

* Sensitivity to light.

* Pain when you stand up or sit down.

* Loss of hand-eye coordination.

* Dizziness and problems with balance.

* Speaking difficulties.

* Difficulty focusing and thinking clearly.

* Exhaustion.

* Weakness in one or all your limbs.

* Temporary paralysis on either your right or left side.

You may notice that some of your migraines are gone in just a few hours, especially if you take a long nap and a painkiller. However, more severe migraines are more debilitating, taking an entire night or even two weeks to finally disappear. If you suffer from one of these migraines, don’t expect to bounce back right away. The longer period of pain will probably leave you feeling extremely drained and tired for several days after the headache is gone.

So, if you suffer from migraines, be sure to learn your symptoms. With experience, you may be able to lessen the severity of a developing migraine. A combination of immediate rest, medication and a dark, quiet room will often help reduce the impact of the approaching migraine. Prevention is always better than cure folks.

A new clinical trial published in the journal Headache stated that a proprietary extract of butterbur root, an herbal remedy from Europe, has been able to successfully lower the occurrence of migraines in children and adolescents. Three to seven percent of all children experience migraines. Since most migraine therapies are not effective when given to children, it is a necessity for further research on new promising therapies that can help to prevent migraines in children. Although there have been numerous studies testing therapies for adults with migraines, there have only been a few controlled trials investigating the prophylactic treatment of migraines in children and adolescents.

Butterbur, which is a native European plant, has most successfully been used for its ability to relieve pain and spasms in conditions such as migraines, asthma, urinary tract spasms, and lower back pain. This trial, which took place in Germany, was an open-label study, as getting approval for placebo-controlled trials in children is very difficult to obtain. Unlike a placebo-controlled trial, in which both the patients and researchers are unaware of who is using the real active agent and who is using a placebo, a open-label trial gives all patients the active treatment with both the patients and researchers being aware of it.

This study, which was conducted in five pediatric clinics and thirteen medical practices, included a total of 108 subjects. Twenty-nine were children between the ages of six and nine years, and seventy-nine were adolescents between the ages of ten and seventeen years. Only those patients who had been suffering from migraines for at least a year were included in the trial. Each patient was treated with 50-150mg, depending on age and tolerance to medication, of butterbur root extract for four months. The treatment progression was recorded in migraine journals which were especially designed for children and adolescents.

The use of butterbur extract substantially reduced the number of migraine attacks in children and adolescents. The rate of attacks fell from 9.4 in the 6-9 year olds and 9.7 in the 10-17 year olds in the last three months prior to the study, to 4.0 and 5.8 attacks after four months of treatment. Of all the patients, seventy-seven percent of them reported a reduction in the frequency of their migraine attacks by at least half. The butterbur extract showed little adverse effects throughout the trial. Belching was the most commonly reported side-effect and the only well known adverse effect to the butterbur extract. The results of this study concluded that butterbur extract may be an effective treatment to migraines in children and adolescents. However, the researchers do caution that, since the study had an uncontrolled design, the positive results may not be sufficient enough to draw any definite conclusions regarding the effectiveness of the treatment. But, when this trial is combined with the results of two previously published clinical trials in adults, it seems that the extract is a safe and effective alternative to migraine treatment in children and adolescents.

The Feverfew herb is a member of the daisy family. Feverfew has instilled new hope for fewer and milder migraine headaches. In ancient Greece the herb Feverfew was used to reduce swelling and for women’s menstrual distress. The herbs name is a Latin derivative meaning to chase away fevers. You may even say it was the aspirin of the eighteenth century. It was used to treat fevers, menstrual and rheumatic pain. Herbalists stopped using the herb for a few hundred years, but now the herb Feverfew is being used to combat migraine headaches.

The plant grows to about two feet high and it is a perennial. The leaves are doubly divided and have a tooth like edge. The flower will look very much like a daisy with white petals and a yellow center. Feverfew requires lots of sun and good drainage; it is very easy to grow and is considered a weed.

There was a time when the whole plant was used medicinally, now only the leaves of the Feverfew are used. It is best to harvest the herb before the plant flowers. Pick the leaves and either dry them or freeze them. The Feverfew leaves will have a strong, bitter, and aromatic scent.

Migraines are still a mystery to the medical and holistic community. But there have been many studies done on the herb Feverfew. Over aggregating of platelets in the blood appear just before a migraine forcing a release of serotonin. Serotonin causes the blood vessel to dilate. Feverfew, or more correctly the parthenolide contained in it, will stop over-aggregating keeping the blood vessel normal resulting in less painful, less frequent or cessation of migraines.

After many studies the compound in Feverfew is parthenolide which inhibits the brains chemicals that dilate blood vessels. Use three to four leaves to make an herbal tea. The leaves have a bitter taste so you might want to stir a little honey in the tea. You could also make a tincture using 1-2 teaspoons daily. There are no side effects except some people said that chewing on the leaves gave them mouth sores.

If your migraines are chronic you need to find what is triggering them. Keep a migraine diary and write everything you did on each day. Record what you ate, how you slept, even what you smelled and how you feel. Compare the days when you did not have a migraine to the ones when you did have one. Compare several days together. You should be able to tell what is affecting you before an onslaught of the migraine.

If you don’t want to grow the herb, there are herbal compounds available. There are a few things that are crucial when buying a herbal supplement with Feverfew. First, try to get a product that has about .7% of parthenolide, remember this is what makes feverfew effective against migraine headaches. Many Feverfew supplements have varying amounts of parthenolide, .7% is good amount. Two other components should be in the tablet.

Riboflavin, or Vitamin B-2, keeps your co enzymes stable, they are necessary for keeping your brain functioning well. There are studies being done to see if Riboflavin could be used on it’s own to treat migraines, but it seems to be more effective with the other two ingredients.

Magnesium is the third ingredient that you should find in the supplement. In many of the studies of it is showing to be a critical component for people who suffer from migraine headaches. Without magnesium, in your body you will lack sleep, develop stomach pain, shorten you breath or make you feel weak. It has been shown to lessen migraine pain.

There is one product that I have seen recommended time after time and that is MigreLief. I do not work with that company and get no financial gain by mentioning them in this article. You can find it in health food stores and on the internet.

This migraine therapy must be done daily and will take at least four weeks for you to see a difference. Isn’t worth four weeks worth it to lessen and perhaps eliminate migraine pain? It may take up to three months to see a serious benefit for you and to get rid of those awful migraine headaches. Do some research on the herb Feverfew; you’ll be glad you did.

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

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Natural treatment methods for migraine headaches are usually harmless and also cheaper than traditional pain medications. Sure, it’s possible you could experience a negative reaction or even increase your headache pain because of a natural treatment, but the odds are far less than with pain-relieving medications.

People are different from each other. A natural treatment that might relieve one person’s migraine headaches may not relieve someone else’s. But on the same measure, just because one migraine headache treatment does not work for one person does not mean it won’t work for you. There are many effective alternatives to taking medication when it comes to relieving migraine headaches. One of these alternative methods may be just what you have been looking for.

Chiropractic adjustments, or chiropractic manipulations, are a very popular natural treatment method for headache relief. Patients with migraine headaches have been visiting chiropractors for over 100 years, and with very good results. Studies have shown that over 80% of headache patients find relief with chiropractic care. Plus, chiropractic treatment has been shown to be extremely safe. Spinal problems do cause headaches and by correcting these spinal problems many headache sufferers find welcome relief.

Biofeedback is another form of treatment that is safe and can be effective in eliminating pain. Biofeedback is a training program designed to help a person develop the ability to control their autonomic (involuntary) nervous system. Functions that are normally automatic can be controlled voluntarily. This technique makes it possible for a person to control their own heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature, and of course, the relaxation of their tense muscles.

Stress can cause tension, which can lead to muscle tightness (muscle tension) and cause headaches. By relaxing these tense muscles, especially in the neck, it is possible to relieve the tension causing the migraine headaches. With biofeedback, once the technique is learned there is no longer any need for the biofeedback equipment. The patient with migraine headaches can now produce the desired effect at any. They can control certain bodily functions, such as muscle relaxation, which can help reduce and relieve their migraine headaches.

Most people are unaware that too much salt can cause headaches. And by simply lessening the salt intake headaches can sometimes be prevented.

Food allergies or sensitivities can also cause migraine headaches. Certain foods such as cheese, alcohol, monosodium glutamate (a food additive), nuts, beans, caffeine, chocolate and onions can cause migraines. Foods that cause headaches are called triggers. People who experience migraine headaches because of food sensitivities can eliminate their pain by simply eliminating the foods causing the pain.

However, its not always easy to discover which foods are the culprits. One way is to keep a food diary. Get a small notebook, with each page representing one day. On each daily page make three columns. The first column will contain the hours in the day. The second column will be a list of the foods eaten that day. And the third column will list the symptoms that you experience.

As an example, if you had eggs and toast for breakfast at 8 AM you would write eggs and toast in the food column that corresponds with 8 AM. Make a note of everything that is eaten on this list and at what time they were eaten.

When you eventually experience a migraine headache you write migraine headache or headache down in the symptoms column at the time it began. For example, if one of your headaches begins at 2 PM you will write headache in the symptoms column for 2 PM.

It may take a few weeks or even a few months, but after experiencing a few migraine headaches, with the help of the food diary, you will be able to tell which foods cause headaches. Over time, by figuring out which ingredients in these foods are causing your pain, you will be able to eliminate these ingredients and relieve some pain.

Another very common cause of tension headaches and migraine headaches is just plain stress. People who experience tension can get headaches from their increased tension.

Relieving tension can often relieve migraine headaches. Tension can be relieved in many ways such as with biofeedback training (as explained above), taking a warm bath or shower, lying down and resting in a quiet dark room, putting something cold on the back of the neck (at the base of the skull) or having someone massage your neck muscles and possibly your temporal region to help relieve your tension and muscle spasms. Regular exercise can also, over time, reduce tension.

These are just a few of the many natural treatment methods that are available to migraine headache patients. They are all considered safe and are effective for many people. If you have headaches it may be beneficial to try some of these treatments or search out others on your own. But as always it is a good idea to talk with your doctor before attempting to treat yourself for a health problem.

Having a migraine headache can be the worst feeling in the world. Sensitivity to light; noise, even movement can cause a migraine headache to increase in pain. If you have ever had a migraine, you know it can leave you irritated and, at times, debilitated for as long as it lasts. Well, there is some good news for migraine sufferers. There are natural headache relief solutions to this on-going problem.

The cause of migraine is unknown. The condition may result from a series of reactions in the central nervous system caused by changes in the body or in the environment. There is often a family history of the disorder, suggesting that migraine sufferers may inherit sensitivity to triggers that produce inflammation in the blood vessels and nerves around the brain, causing pain.

Migraine pain is often described as throbbing or pulsating pain that is intensified by routine physical activity, coughing, straining, or lowering the head. The headache is often so severe that it interferes with daily activity and may awaken the person. The attack is debilitating, and migraine sufferers are often left feeling tired and weak once the headache has passed.

A migraine typically begins in a specific area on one side of the head, then spreads and builds in intensity over 1 to 2 hours and then gradually subsides. It can last up to 24 hours, and in some cases, several days. Some of the causes of migraine headaches may be attributed to the following:

- Did you forego your caffeine fix in the morning? This would certainly bring on a migraine, at least for most of us.

- Perhaps your body is filled with toxins. Drink plenty of water every day to eliminate the potential pain.

- Exercise is a great stress-reliever. Stress induces headaches, and therefore a proper exercise regimen is in order. Yoga can help maintain a calm and balanced you.

- Are you lacking sleep? This can also cause migraines to occur. Sleep deprivation can cause many problems; so ensure you are receiving at least seven to eight hours sleep a night.

- Another factor which may cause a migraine may be in the food you consume. MSG in Chinese food, or caffeine in chocolate, and nitrates in processed foods are the main culprits.

- Alcohol can also cause migraines, specifically red wine.

- Hormonal changes can also contribute to migraines. Check with your doctor to determine what methods can be followed to relieve your pain.

Headaches are, unfortunately, a fact of life. We all live in a world where everything has to be accomplished yesterday, and there doesn’t seem to be room enough to enjoy life. To avoid migraine headaches, improving your diet, exercise, and overall health is the only way to eliminate the pain, and often help control the causes of migraine headaches which keep you from living each day to its fullest.

Migraine headaches are the bane of many people’s existence. For most migraine headache sufferers, they come without warning and overstay their welcome, leaving their host disabled and unable to perform daily activities. Migraine headache pains are more often than not, of moderate to severe intensity. It would have been difficult or near impossible to continue functioning without a rest in a darkened and isolated room.

The pain usually is localized in the front of the head and on the sides. The splitting pain can sometimes be accompanied by nausea and even vomiting. For those migraine sufferers that get warning signs of a coming headache, they may also experience “aura”. Migraines with aura are those that caused their hosts to experience zigzag lines, halo, blurred visions, before the headaches actually strike.

Though there is no one cause of migraine headaches, there are some similar traits share by people who experience them. For example, most people who experience migraine headaches are between the ages of fifteen and fifty, which leads us to assume that the chemical processes that come into effect during puberty may have a role in creating the headaches. They are more common in women and they tend to decrease in frequency and severity with age.

There are a few explanations as to the real cause behind migraine headaches. According to some, migraine headaches are caused due to a lack of blood flow to certain parts of the brain, while others say that chemical reactions in the brain are responsible for migraines. Yet for some sufferers, migraine headaches have a genetic basis. It is believed that you have a greater chance of getting migraines if one or both of your parents also suffer from migraine headaches.

No matter what is the real cause, there is consensus that there are some common triggers that can bring about your migraine headaches. For instance, stress has been identified as a major trigger for migraine headaches.

Although most people would love to find a simple cure for migraine headaches, the truth is that there is no magic pill that will pull you through those times of high tension. But there are, in fact, several things you can do to alleviate some of the symptoms of a migraine headache. Drugs are often used in battling migraines. Some work to attack the root causes of the headaches, while others treat the symptoms. In addition, there are natural treatments available to relieve your headache pains.

It has been found that many migraine headache sufferers do not seek treatment for their headaches. This is due to a lack of education and awareness that migraines are actually a neurological disorder of the brain.

I cannot stress enough that it is important to realize that migraine headaches can be treated in a variety of effective ways. Knowing what these treatment options are provides the key to getting out of bed and leading an active life.