Home Remedies for Migraine Headaches
Studies show that migraine sufferers are usually between 20 and 30 years of age. Women who are menstruating, or who are pregnant, are more susceptible to suffer from these headaches. Studies have determined this is either caused by a change in hormones, or by the stress caused by the two conditions.
Migraine sufferers often experience other symptoms days before the actual pain sets in. The first part, or the “Prodrome Phase”, can be marked by fatigue, food cravings, moodiness, and depression.
The second phase of a Migraine Headache, which is known as the “Aura”, commonly affects the sufferer’s vision. Their vision can become blurred or cloudy. They can also experience tingling in their hands and arms.
The third phase is when the throbbing headache actually starts. The pain can leave in as little as four hours, or remain for as long as seventy-two hours.
And, finally, the fourth stage of a Migraine Headache, or the “Postdrome Phase”, leaves the sufferer feeling tired and moody.
Since stress is considered to be the key factor in causing these painful episodes, the home remedies for Migraine Headaches usually deal with relieving tension.
Aromatherapy is an effective cure for relieving stress at any time. It can be most beneficial to use a scent, or a combination of aromas, to relieve the pain of a headache. Some of the best stress-busting scents include Lavender, Peppermint, Sandalwood, or Eucalyptus. You can either bathe using an Aroma-rich soap or body wash, light candles that contain these fragrances, or sprinkle an oil or two on a hankie. Place the hankie where you can smell it and inhale the aroma. You can even put the scented hankie on your pillowcase when you go to bed.
Another home remedy for a Migraine Headache is to visit a licensed Massage Therapist. He or she can use a combination of Aromatherapy and massage to relieve your stress. The scents of particular oils and the massaging action will also loosen up tense, achy muscles.
If you suffer from Migraine Headaches, you can also perform a mini-massage on yourself to relieve the pain. Place a drop or two of Lavender, Peppermint, Sandalwood, or Eucalyptus oil on your forefingers. Place your forefingers on your temples, and gently rub in a circular motion. You should also rub the back of your neck as well, to help relieve pain and stiffness.
There are a number of vitamins and supplements you can also take as home remedies for Migraine Headaches. When you choose a multi-vitamin to take every day, you should make sure it contains plenty of Vitamin B and C. Both vitamins can be helpful because they help your body produce a hormone that naturally relieves stress, a key factor shown to cause Migraine Headaches.