Alternative solutions for migraines: 12 Proven natural remedies backed by science

There are plenty of natural therapies for improving the painful symptoms of a migraine. These health supplements, herbal remedies, and alternative medicines can help manage migraines, especially if the patient also avoids triggers for the condition, such as food, food additives like MSG and artificial sweeteners, and heavy metals.

Amend migraine-causing nutrient deficiencies with these health supplements

Migraine patients often suffer from deficiencies in magnesium, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and B vitamins. Taking supplements of these nutrients can significantly improve the state of the patient.

In a 2016 evaluation of multiple studies, Taiwanese researchers at Chang Gung University found that administering magnesium intravenously to patients with acute migraine gave them considerable relief within less than an hour. Oral doses of the mineral also significantly reduced the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.

Likewise, increasing the levels of CoQ10 helps decrease headaches and disability in pediatric and adolescent migraine patients. Taking 150 milligrams (mg) each day can reduce the number of days that migraine headaches last by more than 50 percent. The coenzyme can also be taken three times a day at 100 mg doses to decrease the frequency of migraines and the number of days with headaches and nausea.

B vitamins can bring down homocysteine levels that cause migraine. A daily dose of 2 mg of folic acid, 25 mg of vitamin B6, and 400 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B12 can reduce homocysteine, along with the frequency and severity of headaches.

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Supplementing with 400 mg of vitamin B12 (riboflavin) reduces the frequency and length of the migraine. A treatment course using vitamin B2 (niacin) similarly reduces the migraine attacks by a large margin. (Related: Migraine, again? Alcohol may be the reason why your head hurts.)

Take these herbal medicines to prevent migraine headaches

Ginkgo biloba contains Ginkgolide B, a bioactive compound that prevents migraine attacks when taken at a dose of 60 mg twice a day. By reducing the frequency and duration of the migraine, Ginkgolide B decreases the need for other medications.

Another herbal medicine of note is cannabis. Both inhaled and edible forms of medical marijuana can decrease the frequency of migraines. A patient can use more than one form of medical cannabis to alleviate the symptoms of migraine and stop attacks from happening.

The essential oil of lavender can bring effective relief to patients with acute migraines. Inhaling the vaporized oil for 15 minutes can reduce the severity of the headache within two hours.

An extract made from the roots of the butterbur (Petasites hybridus) also offers natural pain relief from headaches. It reduces the frequency of severe migraines in children, adolescents, and adults alike.

Alternative therapies that reduce stress and bring relief to migraine patients

Traditional Chinese medicine prescribes acupuncture for people suffering from migraines. An acupuncture session can completely relieve pain within 24 hours of treatment without the adverse effects of pharmaceutical drugs.

Chiropractic treatment can also improve migraine headaches by relieving stress. One of the most effective chiropractic approaches is spinal manipulation therapy, which not only reduces the frequency and length of migraine attacks, but also improves disabilities caused by the disorder.

Try to exercise more often. The intensity of a migraine can be decreased by taking bi-weekly, 45-minute-long sessions of aerobic exercises paired with progressive muscle relaxation techniques that help the body wind down.

Mindfulness therapy is a non-physical approach to reducing stress. It can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

Avoid foods that contain large amounts of gluten. Celiac disease and migraine are known to be linked together – patients who have one often have the other as well. A gluten-free diet will do wonders for migraines as well as protect gut health.

Sources include:

GreenMedInfo.com

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

NCCIH.NIH.gov