A migraine is a severe headache often accompanied by flashes of light, blurred vision, nausea, and at times diarrhoea. It basically occurs when the blood vessels around the head and neck areas get enlarged and there is an increase of blood supply to the nerve fibres. Read on to learn more about treating migraines with these home remedies.
According to the World Health Organisation, 10 per cent of the world’s adult population suffers from migraines and it accounts for over 2 per cent of years lost as a result of disability globally. The most common cause of migraine is neck muscle tension.
Eat GingerGinger helps in reducing nausea, prevents inflamation and relieves headaches. Chew a piece of ginger or make a paste, add warm water to it and apply this on your forehead until the pain reduces. You can also crush ginger and add it to boiling water, now filter and drink it for instant migraine pain relief.
Vitamin B2Consuming at least 400 mg of vitamin B2 helps in reducing the symptoms of migraine significantly. The best sources of vitamin B2 are chicken, fish, eggs, legumes, dairy products, nuts, green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals.
Take rest in a dark roomMigraine escalates if you stay in bright lights with blarring sounds in the background. Try and find a quite place, switch off the light and go to sleep or take a nap. This will calm your muscles and sleep will reduce the pain.
TherapyTry relaxation therapies like head massage, breathing techniques, yoga or meditation. It will have a calming effect and reduce pain.
IceThe best way to reduce inflammation is with ice. Cold therapy will give you instant relief from that killing headache.
High in tyramine foodsTyramine is produced in foods from the natural breakdown of the amino acid, tyrosine. Tyramine is not added to foods but tyramine levels increase in foods that are aged, fermented and stored for long period of time. So it is advisable to avoid red wine, cheese, bananas, citrus fruits, pickled foods and fermented foods like dosa, dhokla and idlis.
Fish oil:Fish oil is rich in Omega-3, which is anti-inflammatory and restricts the blood vessels around the temple. Omega-3 is a prostaglandin, a hormone like element, found in polyunsaturated fats present in flaxseeds, fish and walnuts.
CaffeineAn overdose of caffeine can cause headaches but a cuppa can reduce a throbbing headache. One can pop an aspirin and wash it down with a cup of coffee. This combination reduces migraines instantly.
