Natural Home Remedies to Relieve a Migraine

Created: Friday, 23 July 2021 11:40

In today's busy world, headaches are a common occurrence for many people. Stress frequently leads to headaches, especially migraines, but they can also stem from specific medical conditions, medications, lack of sleep, dehydration and other causes. Whatever the reason, when you have a migraine, you want relief fast. Of course, there are plenty of prescription and over-the-counter choices, but these don't work for everyone. Plus, they may come with unwanted side effects. Thankfully, if you'd like to get relief from migraines without pharmaceuticals, you can also try many natural home remedies. 

Foods and Drinks for Headaches

When a migraine strikes, sometimes your diet can be to blame. Some foods like additives and highly processed foods can lead to headaches, as can a whole host of other triggering foods like MSG, nitrates, dairy, wheat and eggs. If you frequently suffer from headaches, you may want to see if avoiding specific foods helps. Even if your diet isn't the reason for your migraines, some foods and drinks can prevent headaches. One of the easiest things to do when you notice a headache coming on is to drink a glass of water. Dehydration is a common cause of headaches, and staying hydrated can stave them off. 

Some people find relief from a headache by consuming some caffeine, such as in a cup of coffee. However, if you already consume a lot of caffeine, or are caffeine-sensitive, this remedy may not be the best idea. Others have found relief in eating an apple, especially green apples, or some ginger. You can try products such as ginger candies or teas made with ginger. As a bonus, ginger will quell nausea that often accompanies a migraine. Tea made from lavender, rosemary or mint may also help. 

Home Remedies for Migraines

Beyond foods and drinks, you can try several other natural methods to find relief. These are some of the top ideas for migraine home remedies.

• Massage: Getting a massage feels luxurious, but it's also incredibly therapeutic for migraines, especially if the headaches stem from stress and muscle tension. A professional massage therapist will know how to give you the best pain-alleviating results. However, if you can't get an appointment, have your partner or a friend gently massage your neck and shoulders for some faster relief. 
• Aromatherapy: Essential oils can release soothing, relaxing scents to help release tension. They can also elevate your mood and encourage healing responses in the brain. Peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender are excellent essential oils to start with for headache relief. Avoid products with artificial scents, as they can make some headaches worse. Try a few drops of the oils in a bowl of boiling water. Lean over the bowl with a towel over your head to make a steam tent and inhale the therapeutic aromas while you try to relax. 
• Acupressure: You can try this simple at-home, expert-endorsed acupressure trick next time a headache strikes. This therapy works similarly to acupuncture, connecting the body's pressure points and meridians to provide relief for various ailments and conditions. For a headache, that pressure point is the little web of skin between your thumb and pointer finger. Apply pressure to this spot with your other hand, gently but firmly massaging the area for a few minutes, and then switch hands. 
• Hot foot soak: It may sound counterintuitive to focus on pampering your feet to get rid of a headache, but this trick can work! The hot water of the foot bath will draw blood down to your feet, easing the pressure on the blood vessels in your head. Add some lavender or peppermint essential oils if you have them for an aromatherapy benefit. And for an unbearable headache, try adding hot mustard powder to your foot soak to make it even more effective. 
• Breathing exercises: Controlling your breathing is another excellent way to reduce tension and ease a headache. Find a quiet, comfortable spot to sit and focus on your breathing, taking long, deep breaths. If you find it challenging to relax and focus on your breath, try a guided meditation to help you be more effective with this therapy. 
• Hot and cold treatment: For quick relief of a tension headache, try some hot and cold therapy. Here's how to get rid of a headache with water and a towel. Start with a hot compress, or run a washcloth or hand towel under hot water and wring out the excess. Apply this compress to your forehead or the back of your neck to ease tension and relax muscles. You can try a cold compress instead of the heat, or use both, starting with the heat and following up with the cold. In a viral TikTok headache relief video, the user places a towel and a glass of water on her head, and you can see bubbles rising in the water. The TikTok user claims the bubbles are taking away her headache. However, it's only tiny air bubbles coming up from the towel as the water goes out of the glass. You're better off using a towel compress instead of this trendy trick. 
• Get some quality sleep: Sometimes, a nap does wonders for a headache. But for long-term prevention, try to improve your sleep hygiene. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed and getting up at the same times each day, and ensure that you're getting the seven to nine hours of sleep recommended for healthy adults each night. Avoid using stimulants right before bed, and try to wind down with a relaxing routine like reading a book or taking a warm bath. 

Whether you're using a towel for a steam tent or a hot or cold compress to alleviate your headache, you'll want to have good-quality towels on hand. A soft, plush towel can elevate your experience even more and help you relax. Treat yourself to some new towels from Towel Super Center. We have top-quality cotton terry towels available in a wide range of sizes and colors, so you can find what you want. And with our wholesale prices, you can afford to get as many towels as you need! Shop our selection of premium towels online today.