If left untreated, migraines can last anywhere from 4 hours to three days. Stop the pain early by acting on your environment and trying different natural remedies and medications that can help treat these headaches. Here are some techniques to consider.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Natural Remedies
Step 1. Get the right supplements
Studies have indicated the following supplements as useful in fighting migraines: vitamin B2, feverfew, melatonin, butterbur, coenzyme Q10, and magnesium.
- Butterbur supplements are among the most useful and are believed to prevent migraines and reduce their intensity. They reduce inflammation and stabilize blood flow, as well as act as beta blockers. As a result, they prevent blood vessel spasms. Take a 50mg dose and make sure the supplement you use is approved by the proper authorities.
- Vitamin B2, also called riboflavin, is also believed to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. Taking 400 mg of vitamin B2 a day can halve the frequency of your symptoms, and taking them during a migraine can temporarily relieve pain.
- It is uncertain whether feverfew, melatonin and coenzyme Q10 can help reduce the intensity of a migraine after its onset. However, continuous doses of both supplements can help decrease the frequency of migraine attacks.
- Magnesium offers mixed results. A 500mg supplement may help reduce the intensity of migraines associated with the menstrual cycle, but otherwise, its usefulness is questionable.
Step 2. Make an herbal tea with lavender or other useful herbs
Herbal teas can relax the body and reduce the tension responsible for part or all of your migraine. As a result, your migraine may go away faster. Lavender, ginger, peppermint, and cayenne pepper are believed to be helpful.
- Lavender reduces inflammation of the blood vessels and is generally the most effective herbal remedy for anxiety, stress and stress-related migraines. In addition to sipping lavender tea, you could also put some bags of dried lavender over your eyes to stop a migraine in the bud.
- Ginger, peppermint, and cayenne all have pain relieving properties. Ginger and peppermint are great for reducing nausea caused by migraines. Note that ginger can thin the blood though, so you should avoid it if you are already taking a blood thinner.
- Prepare a herbal tea to combat migraines by infusing a pinch of cayenne pepper, 2.5 cm of fresh ginger and a teaspoon of dried peppermint in 500 ml of boiling water for 15 minutes.
Step 3. Consider consuming some caffeine
Caffeine is a paradox when it comes to migraines. Too much can cause one, but taking a small dose of caffeine after the advent of a migraine can help ease the pain.
- Take only a small dose of caffeine: a soda, a cup of coffee, a cup of tea or a bar of chocolate. Avoid caffeine-rich energy drinks.
- Note that this remedy only works if your migraine was not caused by an excess of caffeine.
Step 4. Massage temples and neck
Migraines are closely related to tension. In some cases, a quick and simple massage can relax your muscles and blood vessels enough to relieve symptoms.
- Use the index and middle fingers of both hands to gently massage the temples, sides of the neck and the nape of the neck. Apply firm but gentle pressure with small circular motions.
- To increase the effectiveness of this technique, dip your fingers in ice-cold water before starting. The cold temperature will cause the blood vessels to narrow, slowing the flow of blood to the head.
Step 5. Treat a mild migraine with light aerobic activity
If the pain isn't so intense that it stops you from moving, light aerobic activity can circulate your blood and make your migraine go away.
- You can try a brisk walk, jog, bike ride or swim.
- As your heart pumps faster, your blood circulation will improve and stabilize, stopping the excess blood supply to your head.
- Plus, exercise is a great way to relax and forget about the stress that may have caused migraines.
Method 2 of 3: Medications
Step 1. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics relieve migraine pain by reducing inflammation of the blood vessels.
- Naproxen and ibuprofen are examples of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Aspirin and acetaminophen are analgesics.
- For this treatment to be effective, you should take the pain reliever within 30 minutes of the first symptoms of migraine appearing. It should take effect even if you wait longer, but the migraine may last longer.
- Avoid taking these medications more than twice a week. If you don't, you may get migraines when the medication wears off.
Step 2. Try caffeine pain relievers
Some over-the-counter medications combine simple pain relievers with a small dose of caffeine. The vasoconstricting effect of caffeine makes these pain relievers more effective.
- These drugs usually combine acetaminophen or aspirin with caffeine.
- Studies suggest that these drugs may take effect 20 minutes earlier than those without caffeine.
- As with other pain relievers, you should take these medications within 30 minutes of symptoms appearing and avoid taking them more than twice a week.
Step 3. Get a prescription for triptans
These drugs work by tightening your blood vessels, thereby restricting the blood supply to your head.
- Studies and clinical trials suggest that many migraine sufferers experience significant relief within an hour of taking the drug, with complete relief in less than two hours.
- Avoid taking triptans more than 17 times a month. If you don't, you may experience migraines as your body adjusts to the presence of the drug.
- Note that you shouldn't use triptans if you have a history of heart attacks or strokes.
Step 4. Ask your doctor about dihydroergotamine or ergotamine
Even these prescription drugs can cause blood vessels in the brain to tighten. In addition to soothing headaches, they can also reduce the nausea and photosensitivity that are commonly associated with migraines.
- These drugs are usually given as nasal sprays or injections.
- Injections are preferable in case of occasional treatments; if you suffer from migraines often, your doctor will prescribe a nasal spray.
Method 3 of 3: Environmental Treatments
Step 1. Turn off the lights
Many migraines are caused by sensory stimuli, such as bright or intermittent lights. Calm the senses by turning off the lights and closing the curtains, or by reaching a dark room.
- Stay in a dark room until your migraine subsides or for as long as possible.
- Wear sunglasses if necessary. If you have to stay outdoors and can't reach a dim or dark area, wear sunglasses with polarized lenses to protect your eyes from the strongest rays of light. It's not as effective a remedy as spending a few minutes in a dark room, but it will still help you.
Step 2. Eliminate as much noise as possible
Like light, sound is another sensory stimulus that causes migraines. Eliminate all background noise - radios, televisions - or go to somewhere quiet and calm.
- If you can't go to another room, wear soundproof headphones to block out outside noise.
- Some people find silence stressful or unnerving. If that's the case for you, turn on a white noise machine or purifier to produce soothing ambient sounds. You could also try some relaxing music, but avoid loud or exciting songs.
Step 3. Lie down and rest
Stress and lack of sleep are other common triggers of migraines. Lie down for a few minutes and close your eyes when you feel a migraine coming.
- Rest for 5-30 minutes to relieve the headache.
- Note, however, that some migraines are caused by too much sleep. While this may be one of the triggers, you should avoid lying down again.
Step 4. Take a deep breath
Deep breathing exercises can relax your body, releasing tension that can contribute to your migraine.
- Lie on your back with one pillow behind your head and a second pillow under your knees. Your legs should be slightly bent.
- Place the dominant hand on the upper chest and the other hand under the ribs.
- Inhale slowly through your nose until your stomach is pushed against your non-dominant hand.
- Slowly exhale through parted lips as you contract your abdomen.
- Keep your dominant hand steady throughout the process.
- Repeat this routine for about five minutes.
Step 5. Use a cold compress
A cold cloth on the sore head can cause the blood vessels to contract, slowing the blood supply to the head.
- Wet a soft, clean cloth with cold water and place it on your forehead or neck. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Take a 10-15 minute break before applying the tablet again and continue this way until the migraine subsides.
- In some cases, however, the cold temperature can make your headache worse. If the pain increases in the first 5 minutes of treatment, stop immediately and try something else.
Step 6. Take a cold shower and go to sleep in a cool room
Stand in the shower and run cold water over your head for at least 15 minutes. Massage your head while shampooing. This helps reduce the tension built up in the body as heat is released from the scalp.
- Gently squeeze excess water out of your hair, but keep it wet. Don't dry them.
- Lie down in a cool room with wet hair and try to get some sleep. If you are worried about getting your pillow wet, put a towel on it.
Step 7. Change your diet
There are certain foods that can cause migraines in some people - the causes can vary from individual to individual. Taking note of what you eat before your migraines set in and noting if there are any repeating patterns can help you determine the causes in your specific case. Foods that commonly cause a migraine include:
- Foods that contain aspartame or glutamate
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Cheese
- Salami
- Caffeine
