Butterbur-based supplements are among the most helpful and are thought the prevent migraines and reduce their severity. It lessens inflammation and stabilizes blood flow while serving as a beta-blocker. As a result, it prevents blood vessel spasms. Take a dose of 50 mg and make sure that the supplement you use is labeled “PA Free. " Vitamin B2, also called riboflavin, has also been known to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Taking 400 mg of the vitamin daily can cut the frequency of your symptoms in half, and taking it while a migraine is already in progress may also temporarily soothe the pain. Feverfew, melatonin, and Co-Q10 (coenzyme Q10) may or may not help to reduce the severity of your migraine after it begins. The good news though is that steady doses of any of these can help to decrease the overall frequency of migraine attacks. Magnesium has mixed results. A 500 mg supplement can help reduce the severity of a migraine if that migraine is associated with a menstrual cycle; otherwise, its usefulness is debatable. Try taking this with riboflavin and butter bur in practice as a daily preventative regimen.
Lavender reduces blood vessel inflammation and is generally the most effective herbal remedy for anxiety, stress, and migraines triggered by stress. In addition to sipping on lavender herbal tea, you could also place sachets or hot packs of dried lavender over your eyes to relieve a migraine as it starts. Ginger, peppermint, and cayenne all have natural pain-relieving properties. Ginger and peppermint are good at reducing any nausea associated with your migraine. Note that ginger can thin blood, though, so it should be avoided if you are on a blood-thinner. Make an herbal tea capable of chasing away your migraine by steeping a pinch of cayenne pepper, 1 inch (2. 5 cm) of fresh ginger, and 1 tsp (5 ml) of dried peppermint in 2 cups (500 ml) boiling water for 15 minutes.
Only take a small dose of caffeine: one soda, one cup of coffee, one cup of tea, or one chocolate bar is sufficient. Avoid energy drinks high in caffeine. Note that this generally only works if your migraine was not originally triggered by caffeine.
Use your index and middle fingers on both hands to gently massage your temples, the sides of your neck, and the back of your neck. Apply firm but gentle pressure in small, circular strokes. To increase the effectiveness of this technique, dip your fingers in ice cold water before you begin. The cold water can cause your blood vessels to constrict, slowing the rush of blood to your head as a result.
Aerobic exercise worth trying during a migraine may include brisk walking or jogging, cycling, yoga, or swimming. [3] X Expert Source Eric Baron, DOBoard Certified Neurologist Expert Interview. 13 September 2021. As your heart pumps, your blood circulation will improve and stabilize throughout your body, causing the blood to stop rushing to your head. Additionally, exercise is a good way to relax and get your mind off any stresses that may have triggered the migraine.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include Naproxen and Ibuprofen. Analgesics include Aspirin and Acetaminophen. [4] X Expert Source Eric Baron, DOBoard Certified Neurologist Expert Interview. 13 September 2021. For this treatment to be most effective, you should take the painkiller within 30 minutes of your first migraine symptoms. It should still work even if you wait longer than that, but the migraine may last a bit longer. Avoid taking these drugs more than twice a week. Doing so can cause you to undergo rebound migraines once the medication wears off.
These drugs, such as Excedrin migraine, usually combine acetaminophen or aspirin with caffeine. Studies suggest that these drugs can work up to 20 minutes faster than drugs with no caffeine. As with other over-the-counter pain killers, you should take the drug within 30 minutes of your first symptoms and avoid taking the drug more than twice a week.
Avoid taking triptans more than 17 times per month. Doing so can cause you to experience rebound migraines since your body will become accustomed to existing on the drug. These medications can cause heart attack and/or stroke by constriction of the blood vessels. If you have heart-related problems or clotting abnormalities you should not use triptans. Triptans are clinically proven to be the number one most effective treatment for migraines.
These drugs are usually administered as nasal sprays or injections. An injection might be given for a one-time treatment, but if you frequently experience migraines, your doctor may prescribe a nasal spray version.
Stay in the dark room until your migraine goes away, or for as long as possible. Wear sunglasses when necessary. If you have to be out and about and are unable to get to an area with soft light or no light, wear polarizing sunglasses to protect your eyes from the brightest parts of the light spectrum. This may not be quite as effective as spending a few minutes in a dark room, but it will usually still help.
If you cannot go to a separate room, wear noise-canceling headphones over your ears to block out external noise. Some individuals find silence stressful or unnerving. If this is the case, run a white noise machine or air purifier in the background to provide soothing ambient sound. You could also try soothing music; however, avoid loud or exciting tunes.
Rest anywhere from five to 30 minutes to help your migraine go away. Note, however, that some migraines are caused by getting too much sleep. If this may be one of your triggers, you should avoid lying down any longer. [9] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Lie on your back with a pillow below your head and a second pillow below your knees. Your legs should be somewhat bent. Place your dominant hand on your upper chest and your other hand below your rib cage. Breathe in slowly through your nose until your stomach pushes against your non-dominant hand. Breathe out slowly through pursed lips as you tighten your stomach. Keep your dominant hand still throughout the entire process. Do this routine for about five minutes.
Wet a soft, clean washcloth with cold water and place it over your forehead or on the back of your neck. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Take a 10 to 15 minute break before applying the compress again, and continue in this pattern until your migraine goes away. Note that in some instances, however, cold temperatures can actually make a migraine headache feel worse. If the pain increases within the first 5 minutes of treatment, stop immediately and try something else.
Lightly squeeze the excess water from your hair, but keep it damp. Do not dry your hair. Lie down in a cool room while your hair is still damp and try to sleep for a while. You can place a towel over your pillow if you are worried about it being wet.
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