A migraine is classified as a more debilitating type of headache. Unlike a typical headache, migraines often have severe symptoms such as sensitivity to light & motion, throbbing and/or stabbing pains, nausea and even vomiting for some people. The WHO (World health Organization) estimates approximately 10% of the global population (7.8 Billion people) have migraines! And women are three times more likely to get migraines than men according to the Migraine Research Foundation. Shocking how prevalent they are world wide.
So What causes a Migraine?
Shockingly, the exact cause is still unknown. But there are some known key contributing factors:
Genetics
Changes to blood supply in the brain along with inflammation
Serotonin levels
Hormone levels
For years, I thought I was just having painful “sinus headaches” and being sensitive to quick movements or light was normal for everyone. But I quickly discovered those symptoms were migraine specific (and run in my family). I’m lucky to only have them a few times a year, if at all. But they’re painful and brutal enough to warrant some serious research and trail & error on different remedies to help alleviate those symptoms.
Below are some well known remedies to aid migraines, as well as some specific products I’ve personally found extremely helpful.
1. Purple Iris (Iris Versicolor)
This beautiful flower is a common perennial herb from Canada and the US. It’s been a homeopathic approach to dealing with headaches by topically rubbing oils onto your temples and back of the neck. This is especially helpful for people who suffer from blurry vision, intense pain and vomiting or nausea caused by the headache.
2. Sodium Chloride (aka Salt)
There’s some strange evidence pointing to increased salt intake causing a rise in your cerebrospinal fluid (the liquid that surrounds your brain and central nervous system). Several studies have shown people with higher salt intake actually have lower levels of migraines. This Forces of Nature product below contains both of the above incredients in a topical blend and has helped me numerous times. Click the image to check out their website for more info.
3. Lavender
The essential oils from lavender have been found helpful in reducing the severity of migraines in some people, according to a European Neurology study in 2012. It’s easy to add some oils to your diffuser while you’re resting. Plus it smells lovely and who doesn’t like the smell of lavender?!
4. Peppermint
This is another essential oil (that contains menthol) which has been found to relax muscles and ease pain. You could also apply diluted peppermint oil topically on your temples for pain relief.
5. Ginger
This common household ingredient is known to increase serotonin levels and reduce inflammation. Both of those factors are associated with migraines. An emergency Room in Utah actually treated people with a ginger supplements and placebo. They found after 2 hours a significant reduction and/or elimination of pain in those who took the ginger supplement. You can read a fascinating interview on the subject here . I like to take a good thumb size chunk of ginger and add it to a green smoothie. There’s also ginger supplements (in pill form) for those who are not a huge fan of the flavor.
6. Magnesium
Low magnesium levels have been linked to increased headaches and migraines. Whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables, beans, legumes, almonds and even yogurt & milk contain magnesium. But many people are not consuming enough of these foods daily to maintain a healthy magnesium level. You can also absorb magnesium through the skin (via hair follicles). Epsom Salt is high in magnesium. Soaking in a hot relaxing epsom salt bath is another option, which also helps alleviate soar muscles. A great way to boost magnesium levels while recovering your soar muscles from a workout or hard day at work.
Maybe some of these remedies may offer you or a loved one some effective relief.
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