Migraine attacks can be debilitating. The throbbing headaches don’t just dampen your efficiency, but also take a toll over your life.
While numerous over-the-counter analgesics such as aspirin and ibuprofen are promising pain-killers, they often turn ineffective when it comes to migraine.
Certain common home remedies can, in fact, prove effective in alleviating the migraine pain.
1. Drink water
Dehydration is deemed to be the biggest trigger factor for migraine. Thus, remaining well hydrated, during all times and at all seasons is important.
People tend to take in less water during winters than in summers. But remember, drinking ample amounts of water in winters is as important as it is in summers.
2. Drink coffee
Drinking a hot cup of coffee can help ease pain. Caffeine, the main ingredient of coffee, restricts blood vessels and lessens pain.
But excessive use of caffeine can act as a double-edged sword. “It can cause a rebound headache, making existing headaches worse.”
3. Use a headband
Applying a pain relieving gel and tying a headband over it can prove extremely effective. But the headband should be loose enough to allow blood circulation. Trying peppermint oil instead of an over-the-counter pain relieving ointment can also prove helpful.
4. Fish oil
As fish oil is touted for its ability to cut inflammation, it can aid blood supply to temples, cutting the sensation of pain.
5. Take raw ginger or ginger capsules
Ginger is a potent tool when it comes to fighting nausea. As nausea is a devastating side-effect of migraine, overcoming it is like battle half-won.
6. Cold and hot compress
Alternating a cold compress with a hot one distracts the patient, thus indirectly lowering the intensity of the migraine headache.
7. Magnesium and Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamins and vascular protective minerals like magnesium are important for human health. Deficiency of these minerals can increase the frequency of attacks. Keeping them at optimum levels lowers the odds of suffering from migraine attacks.
While 400 to 600 milligrams of magnesium per day can fight menstrual-associated migraines in women, 400 milligrams of Vitamin B12 a day acts as a preventative tool against migraines.
Edited by Neelam Goswami on 07/02/2014.
