Millions of people across the nation suffer from the excruciating pain of migraine headaches. The pulsating and throbbing sensations can sometimes be debilitating. The headache causes people to be unable to do their regular tasks, and have to take to their beds. Most people take medications prescribed by their doctors, but others are avid about the old fashioned home remedies that have worked down through the ages. Herbal remedies for migraines and other ailments were used as far back as more than 2,000 years ago.
These remedies were the cornerstone of medicine in some ancient cultures:
1. Peppermint
Peppermint is a cross between spearmint and watermint, and grows in North America, Europe, and Asia. The leaves and essential oils are used for medicinal purposes as well as culinary. It has been found to relieve headaches among other issues. Peppermint is available in either a liquid capsule form, or in the tea version for brewing. When applied to the temples and forehead, the active ingredient in peppermint, menthol, is effective for easing migraine pain and nausea.
2. Ginger root
Ginger is a plant from the tropics of Asia, and has been used as an herbal medicine in China and other countries for thousands of years. From ancient times, it has been traditionally used as a remedy for headaches and nausea that usually accompany migraines. It can easily be a part of a migraine diet.
3. Caffeine
Caffeine was popular in China during the time of the Ming Dynasty. Green tea was combined with other herbs for the relief of migraine pain. Coffee as well as tea was consumed in Many cultures to help treat headaches, and many other health disorders.
4. Avoiding known triggers
Migraine triggers can be emotions, behaviors, hormones, and certain foods. Chemical or caffeine withdrawal can also be a trigger for migraines. Chocolates, additives, preservatives, food dyes, and cured meats, are some of the food triggers for migraine headaches. Avoiding these will greatly reduce migraine episodes. Living a competitive, high stress lifestyle can also lead to migraine episodes.
5. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method of treating many ailments including headaches. It is known to reduce the number of days per month that migraines occur. Traditionally, this treatment has lasting effects. The best response to it is from people who have not had success with other treatments, or those who have had a positive experience from previous acupuncture.
6. Fish oils
Fish oil is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, and is known to help relieve migraine headaches. The recommended dosage of omega 3 fatty acids is 6 grams daily as a preventative treatment. Fatty fish include salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel, trout, and sardines.
Migraine headaches are not gender specific, or age discriminate. Young children as well as older adults can suffer from migraines. The pain this disorder can reach high intensity, and last for hours or days. Traditional treatments include medication, but some of the best treatments are the old, ancient home remedies that have been practiced through the centuries in various cultures. The least expected of these remedies may be the one that works for you as they may not have the same effect on everyone.
