- Migraine with aura: The specific signs occur right before the attack begins, like seeing flashing lights
- Migraine without aura: The attack begins without any specific signs
- Migraine aura without headache: It is also known as silent migraine, where migraine symptoms do occur, but a headache doesn’t develop
Most people reach for painkillers to alleviate the pain, but a doctor named Fayyaz Ahmed claims that taking painkillers regularly may actually be the cause of many headaches or migraines. Taking painkillers on a regular basis causes the body to get used to them, and when they wear off you get another migraine attack. As you can see, this is a vicious cycle, and it seems even impossible to get out of it.
Another reason to avoid painkillers is the fact that most of them, especially the stronger drugs, might be highly addictive. Each time you stop taking them, adverse side effects step in, causing you to take even more. Hence, the best way to treat a migraine and any other pain is to use a more natural approach.
5 Migraine Headache Remedies
1. Feverfew
This plant has been long used as natural remedy as well as an effective preventative measure against migraines. The recommended daily dose is 250 mgs. It can be taken as a supplement, but the fresh herb can be made into delicious tea or its leaves eaten fresh. One of its key compounds called parthenolide helps prevent inflammation and stop the blood vessels in the brain from contracting.
2. Butterbur
Butterbur is obtained from the butterbur plant, a small shrub. It contains substances like isopetasin and petasin, both of which reduce inflammation and help work to produce spasm. It can be taken as powders, capsule, and as an extract. The recommended daily dosage is 50-100 mg.
3. Ginger
Ginger has been used for culinary purposes for more than 2000 years. It is mostly used to cure upset stomach, diarrhea, and nausea. It is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory agents known to mankind. It can be used as powder and added to food or taken in the form of capsule.
4. Basil Oil
Basil oil is obtained from the herb Ocimum basilicum and is mostly used to treat stress, migraines, headaches, nausea, cramps, and vomiting. You can apply a few drops on the palm and inhale for relief. Another option is to massage a few drops to your temple. Ultimately, you can use a cold compress by adding a few drops in a bowl of cold water, dip a cloth in the solution, and place it on the forehead.
5. Banana and Ice Compress
According to Mayo Clinic, temperature therapy is a good way to great migraines. You can either apply a cold compress to the forehead or wrap ice in a banana peel and hold on the forehead for 15-20 minutes. The potassium found in the banana peel combined with ice helps alleviate the sensation of pain.
source: http://besthealthyguide.com
