Did you ever have a headache that was so bad, you just had to take a day off from work to recuperate? Was it so strong that bright lights and loud noises were amplified times a thousand, and the slightest scent made you feel like throwing up? Did pain lance across your head, even to your face in ways that only painkillers can understand? If you can identify with these, then you know that a migraine is no ordinary headache.
The causes of migraines are mostly unknown, but studies have shown a link between these severe headaches and genetics, environmental factors and brain activity. Although the direct causes of migraines may not be easily pin-pointed, one can identify certain triggers that open the door for them to occur. These triggers include stress, anxiety, hormonal changes (in women), alcohol, dehydration, low blood sugar, over-stimulated senses (for example, bright lights, loud noises and strong scents) and more.
Today, we’re going to address the root of your problem. Here are some remedies that are sure to give you relief and possibly even keep those dreadful headaches at bay.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has a wide range of uses and benefits, and one of them is stopping headaches. It is one of the most powerful essential oils used for migraine relief, as it relaxes muscles, calms the nerves and eases pain. To use peppermint oil, add two to three drops to a cup of very warm water and drink. Along with this, massage a very small amount on the temples, across the forehead (avoiding the eyes) and at the back of the neck and then, get some rest. Know that it will cause a burning sensation on the skin for a moment, but this will quickly pass and your headache will soon be gone.
Regularly Purge the Bowels
Oftentimes it is the build-up of toxins in the body due to poor nutrition and excretion, combined with ongoing stressful situations that can cause tensing of the muscles in the head and neck, resulting in headaches. Regularly purging the bowels and seeking means of detoxifying the blood can greatly reduce the frequency of migraine headaches. If you find that you are prone to migraines, once monthly you can gently purge your bowels by taking one to two tablespoons of castor oil or milk of magnesia, or Ω teaspoon of Epsom salts in one cup of warm water, on an empty stomach before bed.
Alter Your Diet
It is a good idea to eliminate inflammatory foods from the diet, including meats, milk, eggs, sugar, caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea and cocoa, and flour products, such as bread and pasta. Increase your consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, turmeric, ginger and water. Available in most pharmacies, activated charcoal is an excellent detoxifying agent, which has been proven to aid in the elimination of toxic substances from the body, and has been shown to be a useful aid in reducing the frequency of migraine headaches.
Say “No” to Refined Sugar
This point needed a section of its own. Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia has been proven to be one of the main triggers for migraines. But how can consuming sweet foods give you a headache? Well in a nutshell, when you eat simple carbohydrates such as sugar, bread or pasta, your blood sugar quickly rises. When this happens, your pancreas then produces extra insulin to reduce the amount of sugar in the blood which in turn causes your blood sugar levels to dramatically dip. That sudden upsurge and plummet of blood sugar is what brings on the headache. The better bet would be for you to consume more complex carbohydrates that take a longer time to be broken down and would not give you a spike in blood glucose. These can include ground provisions, whole wheat, brown rice, sweet potatoes, channa (chickpeas) and oats.
We hope these tips will help you to prevent migraines and enjoy a better quality of life in the long run. Best wishes on your journey to a healthier you.