Q: Are there any natural remedies for migraine headaches? I am a 35-year-old woman and have to take medication daily to prevent migraines.
A: Identifying things that may trigger your headaches is a good place to start in trying to prevent them. Triggers can include particular foods, stress, menstruation or other hormonal fluctuations, certain smells, smoking, alcohol, too much sun, or changes in barometric pressure. Many people, though, have difficulty identifying triggers, even after months or years of keeping track of their headaches and these details in their lives.
Almost as elusive as finding the cause of migraines is finding the treatment to alleviate the debilitating symptoms. Given that triggers are unique to different people, it may take you some trial and error to determine which therapies work best for you. Some people have found relief with chiropractic treatment, biofeedback therapy, massage, craniosacral treatment, acupuncture, and homeopathy.
In addition, there have been some compelling research findings that may help identify other approaches to relieving migraines. People with migraine headaches tend to have lower levels of magnesium compared with people without headaches and people with other types of headaches. Because of this interesting finding, some preliminary studies have been done to see if a daily magnesium supplement in the range of 200-600 milligrams/day will help prevent migraine headaches. I would recommend taking 500 milligrams of magnesium per day together with calcium, which will help ensure bone health.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) in doses of 400 milligrams/day may help prevent migraine headaches as well. The herb feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) has also been proposed to prevent migraines. There is some concern, however, about inconsistent amounts of feverfew in different over-the-counter products. If you are going to try feverfew to prevent migraines, use products from a reputable company and stick with the same brand. The dose for feverfew is 250-300 milligrams as a dried capsule two times per day or 30 drops of the tincture three times per day. If you do not find relief from vitamin B2 or feverfew after three to four months, stop taking them.
Omega-3 fatty acids may have some theoretical benefit, because migraines are thought to be related to initial constriction of blood vessels in the head followed by dilatation. Essential fatty acids may help stabilize this process. You can get omega-3 fatty acids by eating fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, at least three times per week, or by eating two to three tablespoons of flaxseed a day (keep the seeds refrigerated and grind within 24 hours of use).
As with all types of headaches, general relaxation techniques may be helpful, particularly if you suspect that stress is a trigger. Regular practice of yoga or meditation is helpful. Plus, when you are lying in a dark room with a cloth over your head, add some aromatherapy oil placed either directly on your temples or in a vaporizer in the room; scents of lavender, eucalyptus, and rosemary tend to be particularly relaxing.
A: Identifying things that may trigger your headaches is a good place to start in trying to prevent them. Triggers can include particular foods, stress, menstruation or other hormonal fluctuations, certain smells, smoking, alcohol, too much sun, or changes in barometric pressure. Many people, though, have difficulty identifying triggers, even after months or years of keeping track of their headaches and these details in their lives.
Almost as elusive as finding the cause of migraines is finding the treatment to alleviate the debilitating symptoms. Given that triggers are unique to different people, it may take you some trial and error to determine which therapies work best for you. Some people have found relief with chiropractic treatment, biofeedback therapy, massage, craniosacral treatment, acupuncture, and homeopathy.
In addition, there have been some compelling research findings that may help identify other approaches to relieving migraines. People with migraine headaches tend to have lower levels of magnesium compared with people without headaches and people with other types of headaches. Because of this interesting finding, some preliminary studies have been done to see if a daily magnesium supplement in the range of 200-600 milligrams/day will help prevent migraine headaches. I would recommend taking 500 milligrams of magnesium per day together with calcium, which will help ensure bone health.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) in doses of 400 milligrams/day may help prevent migraine headaches as well. The herb feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) has also been proposed to prevent migraines. There is some concern, however, about inconsistent amounts of feverfew in different over-the-counter products. If you are going to try feverfew to prevent migraines, use products from a reputable company and stick with the same brand. The dose for feverfew is 250-300 milligrams as a dried capsule two times per day or 30 drops of the tincture three times per day. If you do not find relief from vitamin B2 or feverfew after three to four months, stop taking them.
Omega-3 fatty acids may have some theoretical benefit, because migraines are thought to be related to initial constriction of blood vessels in the head followed by dilatation. Essential fatty acids may help stabilize this process. You can get omega-3 fatty acids by eating fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, at least three times per week, or by eating two to three tablespoons of flaxseed a day (keep the seeds refrigerated and grind within 24 hours of use).
As with all types of headaches, general relaxation techniques may be helpful, particularly if you suspect that stress is a trigger. Regular practice of yoga or meditation is helpful. Plus, when you are lying in a dark room with a cloth over your head, add some aromatherapy oil placed either directly on your temples or in a vaporizer in the room; scents of lavender, eucalyptus, and rosemary tend to be particularly relaxing.