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Natural Remidies to Treat Migraine
Migraine is the most common form of headaches and widely researched, mostly caused due to a poor diet, environmental, physical and psychological factors. With its strong genetic content, migraines occur commonly among members of a family. Migraine sufferers have trouble focusing and speaking, get sensitive to lights and loud noise, feel light headed and weak, and see flickering lights. The period of migraine can be at any time of the day, though it is mostly said to start in the mornings, and could last a few hours or up to one or two days There are a lot of natural remedies to help migraine attacks more manageable, some of which are discussed below.
Magnesium
Blood vessel spasms prevention, healthy bones and regulating blood sugar levels are all possible by magnesium. Found mostly in whole grains, nuts, soybeans, fish and vegetables, it is supposed to be the most effective mineral in the study of headache relief. When taken, it is believed to have reduced the intensity and the duration of migraine headaches, also, reducing their dependancy on prescription medications that prevent these headaches. Getting magnesium supplements or foods that are rich in it, like bananas, milk and apricots should be included in the diet.
Vitamins B and D
Research has shown that migraine attacks are reduced considerably by taking Vitamin B over a placebo, as it is riboflavin, a nutrient required for energy metabolism. Women experiencing migraine headaches due to premenopausal and postmenopausal reasons taking Vitamin D and calcium therapy showed signs of relief.
Petasite or Batterbur (Petasites hybridus)
This herb originated in Europe and Asia, and studies have shown that migraine patients take this experienced reduced pain, shorter duration of headaches and fewer attacks when compared to migraneurs taking a placebo.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Originally used to treat menstrual problems and infertility, its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory qualities have proven to bring relief to migraneurs as compared to other treatments for migraine. Blood vessel tone is re-established by its intake which is useful in the decrease of the intensity of headaches and vomitting associated with it.
5 HTP (Hydroxytryptophan)
Derived from the protein amino acid L-tryptophan, it increases the serotonin levels in the brain which in turn helps in controlling anxiety, aggression, sleep, appetite and insomnia. Since headaches are mostly caused by low levels of serotonin, taking 5 HTP may treat the underlying cause.
Conclusion
Understanding migraine triggers can be very difficult, if understood, can help manage these headaches, in turn bringing relief to the ones suffering from it. Proper diagnosis has to be done ruling out other health conditions that could be the cause of migraine headaches. Consultation with a doctor, maintaining a headache diary and taking proper dietary supplements, can be starting points to treating migraine headaches.