Headaches and Migraine Support

Support for Headaches and Migraines with items you have at home!

I used to suffer from 3–4-day Migraines at least three times a week. That is part of what led me to become an herbalist (you can read more here if you wish).

A fellow herbalist, Naomi Kilbreth, just released a podcast about Headaches and migraines, so I thought I would also chime in and send a link to her great podcast!  She goes into great detail about the root cause of migraines and headaches, with many remedies to help. Listen Here.

From Someone Who Knows Headaches

I could write pages about headaches and migraines and hold an entire 1-hour class on this subject. For this post, though, I will focus on things you can do or do at home to support your family with migraines and headaches.

For chronic migraines or headaches, discover the root cause and stop them altogether.

Headache and Migraine Support with Items at Home

DRINK SOME WATER! So often, it is low water intake that causes a headache.

Get more sleep. Lack of sleep can cause headaches.

When trying to get rid of a headache or migraine with natural methods, it is essential to start taking your herbs, supplements, or whatever as soon as you feel the headache starting. While I have found success in getting rid of headaches after it has begun, it is much easier to stop them if you catch them right at the beginning.

Lower Stress. Stress is often a culprit. See my post here and here for tips on lowering stress.

Magnesium is often a vitamin deficiency in those with headaches. Magnesium is particularly useful for Cluster/Icepick headaches (they feel like you are being stabbed with an icepick). Immediately take 1000mg of magnesium, and it will go away. If you get tension headaches, it could be from a lack of magnesium. This can be applied topically where the headache hurts. Magnesium helps lower your stress, so it is helpful for stress-induced headaches. You can learn what the best magnesium is for you and ways to make it here.

Emergen-C to be very effective in helping to prevent migraines when taken at the onset of the symptoms. 2 pakages (2,000 mil) of Emerg-C 2x/day

HYDROTHERAPY: Helpful tension headaches, vascular, and migraine.

• Hot Foot Bath with Ice Pack on Head/Neck
  • While feet are in Hot water with Epsom Salt and a tsp of Ginger and or a Tablespoon of Chamomile in the water, if you have it, apply a cold cloth or ice pack to the forehead or nape of the neck.
• Run a hot shower and stand under the water stream until you feel warm, 8-10 minutes. As quickly as you can, turn the taps so the stream of water is icy – it should be cold enough that you must gasp for breath slightly but not cold enough that you can’t stand it. Place your whole head and body under the cold water and focus on taking deep breaths. Remain under the cold water for 30-60 seconds, then return it to its hot setting and let your body warm for 3-4 minutes. Repeat if desired, but always return to the hot setting and rewarm your body before ending the therapy – Kresha

AVOID THESE THINGS DURING A HEADACHE OR MIGRAINE

• Alcohol, Cigarettes, Nitrates, heat, exercise, bright lights
• Stimulating, MSG-rich, spicy, chocolate, and fried foods.

HERBS: Common herbs and spices found in homes for headaches

I could write a whole blog on herbs to use for headaches but again I will stick to herbs easily found in your home. Reach out to me if you’d like to have a specific herbal blend to try at home for headaches.

• Chamomile Tea: Chamomile is a great anti-inflammatory herb found in most tea cabinets. It is also located at many coffee shops if you are out and about.
  • Make a strong tea 2-3 bags or 1 Tbsp in 8oz Hot Water. Steep for 30 minutes (not 15). Strain and drink. Add a pinch of Ginger powder to kick it up a notch!
• Ginger: Another potent anti-inflammatory that moves the blood for vascular headaches. ½ tsp in 8oz hot water can stop a headache. *Add some honey or maple syrup to combat the spiciness. Ginger can also help with the nausea of headaches.
• Cinnamon and turmeric are other anti-inflammatory herbs that move the blood and can be helpful with headaches. Add these to your favorite milk of choice, although this is the best option if you have coconut milk on hand due to its fat content.
• Rosemary: can be helpful for many types of headaches. Particularly sinus headaches. I like to combine this with Peppermint. 1 Tbsp in 8oz hot water, steeped with the lid on for 30 minutes.
• Peppermint Tea: can be very helpful for headaches and the nausea that can come with them.  The Essential oil applied to temples or anywhere the headache is can also be beneficial.