What are some natural remedies for migraines?

I have 1-2 hormonal migraines a month and would like to find a supplement that will either eliminate them or reduce their severity. I would prefer a natural otc remedy. Asked by sophienew 60 months ago Similar questions: natural remedies migraines Health > Fitness & Diet.

Here are four natural remedies that may be useful to prevent and treat migraine Prevention and Treatment Using Natural RemediesWhen Sheila Maclean first felt nausea and an intense throbbing pain in her head, she went to see a family doctor. It turns out that she is one of more than 28 million Americans who suffer from migraine, a condition that is commonly experienced as recurrent headache and involves the constriction of blood vessels, inflammation and a change in the level of a brain chemical called serotonin. Sheila's doctor wrote a prescription for a medication that is used to prevent migraine, only it made her gain weight and feel tired and depressed.

Sheila is not alone. Many people are dissatisfied with the side effects and the effectiveness of conventional drug treatments for migraine, and are turning to natural medicine for help. Here are four natural remedies that may be useful to prevent and treat migraine.

FeverfewFeverfew is a medicinal herb with a long traditional use in the prevention of migraine. It is an anti-inflammatory that slows the production and release of substances that contribute to inflammation. Feverfew also inhibits the release of serotonin from platelets, an event believed to trigger the chain of events that lead to a migraine.

Studies suggest that feverfew may reduce the severity, duration and frequency of migraine attacks. Who should be cautious - Feverfew should not be used in pregnancy or given to children under the age of two. In addition, people who are sensitive to members of the sunflower plant family (ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigolds, daisies) should avoid feverfew.

Theoretically, there is also the potential for feverfew to increase the blood-thinning action of drugs such as warfarin and aspirin. Side effects - Side effects from feverfew are rare and include mouth ulcers and digestive upset. Side effects may appear anytime during the first two months of use.5-HTPThe supplement 5-HTP is derived from the seeds of an African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia.It also occurs naturally in the body, where it is used to make serotonin, a crucial substance involved in the regulation of pain, sleep, mood and other brain and nerve functions.

People with migraines have been found to have low levels of serotonin. Supplementing with 5-HTP is believed to normalize an imbalance in the serotonin system -- in addition to relieving pain, the positive effect on the endorphin system often relieves feelings of depression and improves mood. Conditions associated with low serotonin levels are depression, obesity, insomnia, fibromyalgia, Parkinson's disease and seizures.

Stress, high protein intake, vitamin B6 deficiency, low magnesium levels, insulin insensitivity and various hormones decrease the formation of 5-HTP. In the body, 5-HTP is made from L-tryptophan. Although tryptophan is an amino acid that occurs from the breakdown of dietary protein, increasing consumption of foods rich in tryptophan do not increase the 5-HTP level to that needed for the prevention of migraine.

It is estimated that only 3% of a dose of supplemental or dietary L-tryptophan is converted to serotonin in the brain. Who should be cautious - One concern with 5-HTP is the possible link to a condition known as eosinophilia myalgia syndrome. Some 5-HTP products have been found to contain a contaminant that is associated with this syndrome, although it has mainly been found in isolated cases involving contaminated L-tryptophan products.

People with liver disease or autoimmune conditions such as scleroderma may be more sensitive to 5-HTP. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should avoid 5-HTP, since safety in this group has not yet been established. People taking antidepressants, Carbidopa, weight control drugs, migraine prescription drugs, other drugs that affect serotonin levels, and substances that impair liver function should not take 5-HTP.

Side effects - Large amounts of 5-HTP have been known to cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and less often, headache, sleepiness, tremors, muscle pain and anxiety. MagnesiumA common mineral found in the diet, magnesium maintains the tone of blood vessels, reduces nerve excitability and promotes muscle relaxation. Low levels of magnesium have been found in some patients with migraines.

It is in this group of people that supplemental magnesium has been effectively used. Conditions associated with low magnesium include tiredness, heart palpitations, muscle weakness, spasm and trembling, depression, loss of appetite, painful menstrual periods, high blood pressure and constipation. People with a high intake of calcium, protein, and alcohol all have an increased magnesium requirement.

Magnesium deficiency is more common in people taking potassium-depleting prescription drugs or excess laxatives or diuretics. People with diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and problems absorbing food are also susceptible. Good tests to measure magnesium in the body examine the level in red blood cells or the level of ionized magnesium in serum, which is the most active form.

Standard serum levels are a poor reflection of levels in the tissues. Precautions - People with kidney or heart disease must consult a health practitioner before taking magnesium supplements.In addition, calcium competes with magnesium for absorption, so magnesium supplements may cause a calcium deficiency if calcium levels are already low. Side effects - gh amounts of magnesium may cause diarrhea.

RiboflavinAlso known as vitamin B2, riboflavin has potential for use in the prevention of migraines. People with migraines may have decreased energy reserves in the energy factories of the body called mitochondria; riboflavin may help to increase mitochondrial energy efficiency. Although more clinical research is needed to examine the effectiveness of riboflavin, one study found riboflavin to be more effective than placebo in reducing the frequency of attacks and the number of headache days.

Another study compared supplementing with riboflavin alone to riboflavin plus 75 mg of aspirin and found that the group receiving aspirin did not fare better, in fact, they were more likely to have digestive disturbances from the aspirin. Conditions associated with low riboflavin include red, greasy and scaly skin beside the nose or on the genitals, pale and cracked lips, itchy eyes and sensitivity to light. Low riboflavin is associated with inadequate consumption of milk and meat, chronic diarrhea, liver disease, alcoholism and long-term use of oral contraceptives.

In addition to supplement form, riboflavin is found in dairy, meat and eggs. Adequate stomach acid is needed to absorb riboflavin. Side Effects - There is no know toxicity with riboflavin, although theoretically, it may increase photosensitivity.

Riboflavin can cause urine to turn a bright yellow color.In addition, large amounts of riboflavin may cause diarrhea and increased urination. Sources: http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/headachemigraine/a/Migraine.htm .

Natural Migrane Remedies There are times when taking a prescription medication or OTC drug is not right for you. Here are some natural migrane remedies you may want to try the next time a migrane starts throbbing in your head: 1. Sleep - When you have a migrane, the best thing to do is sleep.

Find a way to get into bed, close the shades and the door, turn off all lights, and even turn your glowing clock away from your field of vision. If you happen to be at work or at school when your migrane hits find a quiet lounge or room where you can try to close your eyes and rest. 2.

Use and Eye Pillow - A comfortable eye pillow, like the IMAK eye pillow does more than block out light. The IMAK eye pillow is filled with plastic beads and can be stored in the freezer. It is a wonderful relief for headaches and migranes.3.

Eat and Drink - Unless your migrane has made you too nauseous, you may try eating a light and refreshing snack, like an apple or some ripe melon, and drinking some water or ginger ale. 4. Aromatherapy - Using aromatherapy to allieviate migrane symptoms can either work wonders for you or worsen your symptoms.It depends on how sensative you are to aroma.

5. Natural Herbs - Migrane sufferers may want to try butterbur (DoloMed, Petadolex, Petadolor) or feverfew to prevent migranes. Feverfew is sold under the brand names Tanacet and Tenliv.

Do not use these herbs during pregnancy.6. Riboflavin (B-12) - Ingesting a vitamin B-12 can decrease the length of a migrane headache and sometimes prevent the onset of the migrane.7. Glucosamine - A natural substance may help in preventing migranes.

Sources: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/64885/natural_remedies_for_migraines.html .

Here are some great suggestions for minimizing and preventing migraines. Draw the blinds, turn out the lights and crawl into bed. Besides puking, that’s about all you can do after taking your pain relievers.

Those of you who suffer from migraine headaches know what I’m talking about. Many people who deal with migraines on a regular basis have all developed their own coping mechanisms. But for those of you who would like a more natural approach to migraines, then I have some simple suggestions for you.

Though nobody knows for sure, most migraines seem to be caused by glandular imbalances, stress or tension, various foods like chocolate, alcohol and caffeine, food colorings and additives like MSG and various medications like birth control pills. Isolating and removing the trigger from your life will go a long way towards preventing future migraines. The next thing you can do for yourself to prevent migraines is to improve your diet.

I know this sounds like a broken record – I say it all the time – but nothing, and I mean nothing, can replace a good, natural whole food diet. It’s what we would have been eating if modern food production and processing hadn’t messed things up. A whole food diet includes whole grain rice, wheat and soy.

Don’t be fooled by white rice, enriched wheat, and GMO soy. They offer NO nutrition and do more harm than good. Colorful fruits and vegetables - eating optimally between 5 and 13 servings daily - are also part of a healthy whole food diet.

This doesn’t include things like fruit juices or fruit roll-ups, which are all sugar, or iceberg lettuce, potatoes, bananas or apples. Though they’re good for other things, they contain little to no phytonutrients like carotenoids, flavonoids or cruciferous compounds. Rounding out a good whole food diet includes low fat dairy products, eggs and lean meats, preferably chicken and fish, but especially fish.

Oily cold water fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines and anchovies are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help decrease the pain and frequency of migraine headaches no matter what the cause. And finally, adding a quality fish oil supplement to your diet will make a HUGE difference with your migraine problems. Studies show that omega 3 fish oils have incredible anti-inflammatory properties.

Choices are good and those with the most choices win. Consider the suggestions above as a natural choice for migraines and give them a try. You just might find yourself enjoying life the way you know you can and wouldn’t that be nice?

Sources: omega-3.us/articles/fish-oil-health-bene... .

My Dad Swears By Feverfew, But Here are a Few Others Feverfew Feverfew is a medicinal herb with a long traditional use in the prevention of migraine. It is an anti-inflammatory that slows the production and release of substances that contribute to inflammation. Feverfew also inhibits the release of serotonin from platelets, an event believed to trigger the chain of events that lead to a migraine.

Studies suggest that feverfew may reduce the severity, duration and frequency of migraine attacks. Who should be cautious - Feverfew should not be used in pregnancy or given to children under the age of two. In addition, people who are sensitive to members of the sunflower plant family (ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigolds, daisies) should avoid feverfew.

Theoretically, there is also the potential for feverfew to increase the blood-thinning action of drugs such as warfarin and aspirin. Side effects - Side effects from feverfew are rare and include mouth ulcers and digestive upset. Side effects may appear anytime during the first two months of use.5-HTP The supplement 5-HTP is derived from the seeds of an African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia.It also occurs naturally in the body, where it is used to make serotonin, a crucial substance involved in the regulation of pain, sleep, mood and other brain and nerve functions.

People with migraines have been found to have low levels of serotonin. Supplementing with 5-HTP is believed to normalize an imbalance in the serotonin system -- in addition to relieving pain, the positive effect on the endorphin system often relieves feelings of depression and improves mood. Conditions associated with low serotonin levels are depression, obesity, insomnia, fibromyalgia, Parkinson's disease and seizures.

Stress, high protein intake, vitamin B6 deficiency, low magnesium levels, insulin insensitivity and various hormones decrease the formation of 5-HTP. In the body, 5-HTP is made from L-tryptophan. Although tryptophan is an amino acid that occurs from the breakdown of dietary protein, increasing consumption of foods rich in tryptophan do not increase the 5-HTP level to that needed for the prevention of migraine.

It is estimated that only 3% of a dose of supplemental or dietary L-tryptophan is converted to serotonin in the brain. Who should be cautious - One concern with 5-HTP is the possible link to a condition known as eosinophilia myalgia syndrome. Some 5-HTP products have been found to contain a contaminant that is associated with this syndrome, although it has mainly been found in isolated cases involving contaminated L-tryptophan products.

People with liver disease or autoimmune conditions such as scleroderma may be more sensitive to 5-HTP. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should avoid 5-HTP, since safety in this group has not yet been established. People taking antidepressants, Carbidopa, weight control drugs, migraine prescription drugs, other drugs that affect serotonin levels, and substances that impair liver function should not take 5-HTP.

Side effects - Large amounts of 5-HTP have been known to cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and less often, headache, sleepiness, tremors, muscle pain and anxiety. Magnesium A common mineral found in the diet, magnesium maintains the tone of blood vessels, reduces nerve excitability and promotes muscle relaxation. Low levels of magnesium have been found in some patients with migraines.

It is in this group of people that supplemental magnesium has been effectively used. Conditions associated with low magnesium include tiredness, heart palpitations, muscle weakness, spasm and trembling, depression, loss of appetite, painful menstrual periods, high blood pressure and constipation. People with a high intake of calcium, protein, and alcohol all have an increased magnesium requirement.

Magnesium deficiency is more common in people taking potassium-depleting prescription drugs or excess laxatives or diuretics. People with diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and problems absorbing food are also susceptible. Good tests to measure magnesium in the body examine the level in red blood cells or the level of ionized magnesium in serum, which is the most active form.

Standard serum levels are a poor reflection of levels in the tissues. Precautions - People with kidney or heart disease must consult a health practitioner before taking magnesium supplements.In addition, calcium competes with magnesium for absorption, so magnesium supplements may cause a calcium deficiency if calcium levels are already low. Side effects - gh amounts of magnesium may cause diarrhea.

Riboflavin Also known as vitamin B2, riboflavin has potential for use in the prevention of migraines. People with migraines may have decreased energy reserves in the energy factories of the body called mitochondria; riboflavin may help to increase mitochondrial energy efficiency. Although more clinical research is needed to examine the effectiveness of riboflavin, one study found riboflavin to be more effective than placebo in reducing the frequency of attacks and the number of headache days.

Another study compared supplementing with riboflavin alone to riboflavin plus 75 mg of aspirin and found that the group receiving aspirin did not fare better, in fact, they were more likely to have digestive disturbances from the aspirin. Conditions associated with low riboflavin include red, greasy and scaly skin beside the nose or on the genitals, pale and cracked lips, itchy eyes and sensitivity to light. Low riboflavin is associated with inadequate consumption of milk and meat, chronic diarrhea, liver disease, alcoholism and long-term use of oral contraceptives.

In addition to supplement form, riboflavin is found in dairy, meat and eggs. Adequate stomach acid is needed to absorb riboflavin. Side Effects - There is no know toxicity with riboflavin, although theoretically, it may increase photosensitivity.

Riboflavin can cause urine to turn a bright yellow color.In addition, large amounts of riboflavin may cause diarrhea and increased urination. Sources: altmedicine.about. Com .

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Alternative to standard hairball remedies. My cat eats a special Rx diet, she has sensitive stomach..Vit E? Or?.......

Why does someone keep getting sinus migraines.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.