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How do I Choose the Best Migraine Headache Home Remedy?

Amanda R. Bell
Amanda R. Bell

If you suffer from regular migraines you may benefit from a migraine headache home remedy. Choosing the best one is usually done by trial and error; keeping a headache journal can help you determine what might be causing the migraines and also decide what treatments are working best for you. You can also try different supplements and herbs as a migraine headache home remedy. Engaging in relaxing activities, drinking plenty of water, and monitoring your caffeine intake may also help.

Keeping a journal may help you choose a migraine headache home remedy. Writing down what you were doing right before a migraine occurs can track possible triggers, thus assisting you in avoiding them in the first place. Making a note of the time your headache sets in, what you use to treat it, and how long the migraine lasts can help you pick the most effective migraine headache home remedy. For example, if you attempt to treat one migraine by tying a headband around your head and another with a hot or cold compress, the journal may tell you which treatment worked quickest.

Consuming a little caffeine, such as that found in a small cup of coffee, can sometimes help prevent a migraine.
Consuming a little caffeine, such as that found in a small cup of coffee, can sometimes help prevent a migraine.

While there is little scientific research behind treating migraines with supplements or herbs, many people swear they work. Common migraine headache home remedy supplements include peppermint oil or fish oil capsules. These are believed to reduce inflammation that may cause migraines. Ginger, a common anti-nausea treatment, may also help with migraines. In the least, it may help you with any stomach issues associated with your headaches. The only way to determine if these remedies will work for you is to try them.

There are several home remedies a person with a migraine can try to help relieve the pain.
There are several home remedies a person with a migraine can try to help relieve the pain.

Butterbee, a plant native to Germany, has the most research to back it up as a migraine headache home remedy. When ground and put into pill form, it has been shown to help many people, especially those sensitive to over-the-counter painkillers, recover from a migraine. While not typically sold in stores, these pills can be ordered on the Internet and are considered safe by many doctors.

Keeping a journal can help patients identify possible migraine triggers.
Keeping a journal can help patients identify possible migraine triggers.

If you notice in your migraine journal that stress is triggering your headaches, try participating in a relaxing activity. Yoga and meditation have long been believed to be some of the best ways to relieve stress. Yoga, or any other type of exercise, has the added benefit of increasing circulation and improving your overall health, which may reduce the amount of migraines you experience. Dehydration is also a common cause of headaches; drinking plenty of water can help to prevent a migraine as well as help to alleviate one.

Yoga exercises can be used to help lower stress in patients prone to migraines.
Yoga exercises can be used to help lower stress in patients prone to migraines.

Caffeine is considered another type of migraine headache home remedy; although caution is needed, however. While this substance is found in most painkillers meant for migraines, too much of it can actually be a cause of the headache in the first place. If you eat or drink items containing a lot of caffeine, you can experience a crash which can cause a severe headache. Drinking a small amount, such as one cup of coffee, can sometimes help prevent a migraine if you feel one coming on. Caffeine constricts the blood vessels, thus preventing them from swelling and causing a headache.

There are several options for people who experience frequent migraines, including lifestyle modification and keeping a "headache journal."
There are several options for people who experience frequent migraines, including lifestyle modification and keeping a "headache journal."

Choosing the best migraine headache home remedy for you can take some time, but reducing your use of painkillers can be good for your overall health. As with treating any medical condition, talk with your doctor before using any herbs or supplements to make sure they won't react badly with any other medication you're taking or any health issues you may have. Migraines can be excruciating and debilitating; choosing the best home remedy can be helpful in dealing with them.

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    • Consuming a little caffeine, such as that found in a small cup of coffee, can sometimes help prevent a migraine.
      By: picsfive
      Consuming a little caffeine, such as that found in a small cup of coffee, can sometimes help prevent a migraine.
    • There are several home remedies a person with a migraine can try to help relieve the pain.
      By: emde71
      There are several home remedies a person with a migraine can try to help relieve the pain.
    • Keeping a journal can help patients identify possible migraine triggers.
      By: pio3
      Keeping a journal can help patients identify possible migraine triggers.
    • Yoga exercises can be used to help lower stress in patients prone to migraines.
      By: Deklofenak
      Yoga exercises can be used to help lower stress in patients prone to migraines.
    • There are several options for people who experience frequent migraines, including lifestyle modification and keeping a "headache journal."
      By: vbaleha
      There are several options for people who experience frequent migraines, including lifestyle modification and keeping a "headache journal."
    • Finding the best home remedy for migraines may involve some trial and error.
      By: Andy Dean
      Finding the best home remedy for migraines may involve some trial and error.
    • Sitting in a quiet, dark room may help alleviate the symptoms of a migraine.
      By: Doreen Salcher
      Sitting in a quiet, dark room may help alleviate the symptoms of a migraine.
    • Migraine headaches may be accompanied by light sensitivity and nausea.
      By: lightwavemedia
      Migraine headaches may be accompanied by light sensitivity and nausea.