Migraine – 5 NATURAL PAIN RELIEF HOME REMEDIES

A migraine is a severe headache which occurs as a result of some physiological changes in the brain. A headache can be of any type; one can not term normal head pain as a migraine headache. Some specific symptoms occur which tells that you have a migraine headache. These migraine headache symptoms can vary from person to person. A migraine normally occurs on just one side of the brain. A migraine occurs in various stages; it is not necessary you experience all of them.

4 stages of A Migraine

1) Prodrome – This stage occurs 1 to 2 days before a migraine. It shows some warnings like

• Constipation
• Mood change from depression to euphoria
• Food cravings
• Neck stiffness
• More thirst and urination
• Laziness

2) Migraine Aura – It may occur before or during a migraine headache. People, most of the time do not experience this stage. Auras are symptoms of the nervous system. For migraine sufferers aura acts as a warning, telling them a headache is coming soon. It shows symptoms like visual disturbance, verbal disturbance, sensory disturbances. Each of these symptoms starts and take some time to build up and then lasts for 20 to 60 mins. Aura shows

• Confusing thoughts and experience
• Visual disturbance like flashes of light or zigzag vision
• Pins and needles in arms and legs
• Blind spots in vision
• Unpleasant smell
• Neck, shoulder stiffness
• Weakness or numbness on one side of body or face
• Verbal difficulty
• Hearing noises and music
• Sometimes migraine with aura may be related to weakness in limbs

3) Attack – Normally migraine lasts for 4 to 72 hours if not treated well. The intensity of a migraine headache varies from person to person. During this stage you may experience:

• pain on one or both sides of the head
• Sound or light sensitivity
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Lightheadedness, sometimes fainting also

4) Postdrome – It is a final stage of a migraine which occurs after the migraine attack. During this time you may feel drained or washed out, whereas some feel elated. It lasts for 24 hours, and you may feel :

• Confusion
• Moodswing
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Sensitivity to light and sound

Migraine Causes

A migraine can be caused by changes occurring in the brainstem and its interaction with trigeminal nerve, a major pain pathway. Serotonin which is a brain chemical its level may drop during a migraine attack. This induces trigeminal nerve to release substances called neuropeptides, which travel to your brain’s outer covering. This leads to migraine pain. There are various reasons which trigger migraine pain. These are

• Fluctuations in estrogen hormone in women may cause a migraine headache. A woman with a history of a migraine may suffer from migraine headaches before or during periods when estrogen level drops profoundly.
• Foods like aged cheeses, salty foods, processed food may initiate a migraine.
• Allergies and allergic reactions.
• Food additives like sweetener such as aspartame and preservatives such as monosodium glutamate present in many foods may initiate a migraine.
• Smoking or exposure to smoking.
• Stress can cause a migraine.
• Medications such as sleeping tablets, contraceptive pills may cause a migraine.
• Bright lights, sun glare, loud sound, can induce a migraine.
• Skipping meals and fasting leads to low blood sugar level which triggers a migraine.
• Missing sleep or getting too much sleep may initiate a migraine in some people.
• Intense physical exertion, which includes even sexual activity may give rise to a migraine headache.
• Climatic changes can also initiate migraines.

Migraine Headache Symptoms

There are various symptoms which shows your headache is not normal headache it is a migraine. These may be distinct from person to person.

• Normal to significant pain, usually stays on one side of the head, but can occur on any side of the head.
• Pain increases during physical activity.
• Intensity of pain is steady
• Eye pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Blurred vision
• Unable to perform routine activities
• Abdominal pain with upset stomach
• Loss of appetite
• Sensations of being warm or cold
• Paleness
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

Some Lifestyle Advice To Treat A migraine headache

Some lifestyle alterations may help to reduce migraine frequency includes:

• Getting enough sleep
• Reducing stress
• Drinking plenty of water
• Avoiding certain foods
• Regular exercise

Migraine Headache Treatment or Migraine Pain Relief Home Remedy

1. Feverfew – It is an effective home remedy for treating migraine pain. Feverfew contains a compound called parthenolide that cures spasms in smooth muscle tissue and prevents inflammation. It also helps to neutralize prostaglandins that influence pain signals thereby reducing pain.
   Remedy – Prepare herbal tea by steeping 1 tsp of each feverfew leaves and dried peppermint in a cup of hot water for half an hour. Strain and drink this tea few times throughout the day. Continue this remedy until pain relieves.
2. Ice Pack – This remedy is most common for curing migraine headaches as well as tensions. It causes a numbing effect that reduces pain.
   Remedy – Place few ice cubes in a clean towel and place it on your forehead, the back of your neck and temples for 10 to 15 mins. Use this remedy when the pain starts.
3. Cayenne Pepper – It is very useful spice and can be used as an effective home remedy to relieve migraine pain. It stimulates blood circulation and improves blood flow. It contains capsaicin, a compound which works as a natural painkiller.
   Remedy – Mix almost half or 1 tsp of cayenne pepper in a cup of warm water. You can add a little honey and some lemon juice to improve taste which in addition enhance health benefits. Drink it when a migraine headache occurs.
4. Peppermint – It contains anti-inflammatory properties which help in soothing the nerves. It also has an antispasmodic effect and calming effect.
   Remedy – You can make peppermint tea and consume it. You can also massage your temples or head with peppermint essential oil.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar – Being nutritional powerhouse, it helps to reduce a migraine headache. It may also help to lose weight, regulate blood pressure, controlling blood sugar, aids detoxification and also helps to cure constipation.
   Remedy – Add 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water. You can also mix 1 tsp of honey to it to improve taste. Drink this every day to prevent as well as a cure migraine headache.

At last but not the least drink plenty of water. Water has the capacity to resist many health issues. So always keep hydrated, because dehydration may lead to various health issues. Drink plenty of water every day.