Anyone who has experienced a migraine will know that it is more than a severe headache. Migraines generally involve acute pains, often over eye and perhaps disturbed vision or flashing lights. There may also be nausea or vomiting and sensitivity to bright light.
Causes of Migraine
A migraine can be triggered by all sorts of factors: hormone changes, stress, stuffy atmospheres, noises, smells and certain foods are well known triggers. Repeated attacks call for professional help; self-help treatments should be largely used as preventive measures.
Home remedies for Migraine
Aromatherapy - Since the sense of smell is altered and often heightened during a migraine, aromatherapy is definitely used between attacks; use at the earliest stage of a migraine only if the smell is well tolerated.
A central feature of the natural approach to migraines is to distinguish between a "hot" migraine, where the blood vessels are dilated, and a "cold" migraine, where there is excessive contradiction of the blood vessels. In the first type, a cold or perhaps just cool compress (see page 15) across the forehead will give relief and oils of Peppermint or Lavender can be used.
For "cold" types of migraine, a hot compress on the forehead or back of the neck may help using Marjoram.
Herbalism - Catching the migraine early gives the best chance of success (otherwise try to use these infusions regularly, as a preventive). Choose from the following:
CHAMOMILE (Chamomilla recutita): for dull, throbbing headache with a feeling of queasiness - add a little Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) to relieve more severe nausea.
FEVERFEW (Chrysanthemum parthenium): an excellent remedy taken daily to prevent the "cold" type of migraine, where there is a sense of a tight band around the head. This is widely available in tablet form as well.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): good where stress is a trigger for migraines, and where local warmth gives relief.
Homeopathy - During an attack try one of these:
KALI BTCH: for an intense headache, preceded by a loss of vision and nausea, made worse in hot weather.
NATRUM MURIATICUM: for a severe, pounding headache with zigzags in front of the eyes, nausea and a pale face. The migraine may also be triggered by menstruation.
SILICA: for pains spreading from the back of the neck over to the eyes, usually right-sided, and often vomiting.
Naturopathy - Diet needs to be looked at carefully; try to avoid tea, coffee, alcohol especially red wine, red meat, cheese, chocolate, tomatoes and eggs. Eat plenty of fresh, raw salads and drink lots of fluid, as dehydration can be a factor. Try taking a Vitamin B supplement daily and see if this helps to reduce attacks. In between attacks, exercises to relieve tension in the neck and shoulders can be useful, and also massage of these areas.
