Migraine Headache

Migraine headache is the worst kind of chronic headache. Migraine headache can be defined as severe pounding or pulsing headache that generally starts in the forehead and moves usually towards one side of the head ( left side or right side headache) and around the eyes. Migraines, most of the times, attack with warnings or painful symptoms including nausea, vertigo, facial flushing, nasal congestion and dizziness. An intense migraine attack, that remains from about 4 to 72 hours, can even confine the victims to bed. Although many anti migraine drugs are used to provide migraine relief but not all of the sufferers find relief in them. Moreover, they come with their potential side effects and only cure the symptoms. Migraine home treatment- in the form of herbs, natural migraine cures and certain food habits and lifestyle changes- not only provides migraine relief from symptoms of headache but also from the ultimate causes of migraine. Before moving on to know about migraine home remedies, it is beneficial to know the causes and symptoms of migraine headache so that it can be prevented at the first place.

Causes of Migraine Headache

The main cause of migraine headache is the enlargement of temporal artery found just under the skin of the temples. It causes nerves to stretch around the temporal artery that in turn triggers the release of chemicals causing inflammation, pain and even more dilation of the artery. Why this happens is still a topic of research. However, some of the causes of migraine headache enlisted by experts include

• • Imbalance of serotonin- Serotonin is the brain chemical that regulates our mood.
• • Estrogen levels- Estrogen, mainly a female hormone, is also a cause of migraine headache. Therefore, more women than men experience migraines. Migraines caused to women due to estrogen occur just before, during, or after a menstrual period.
• • Stress- Mental and physical tension, consistent overwork, sleep disorders or too little/too much sleep, fatigue, all can cause migraine headache.
• • Caffeine- Excessive tea and coffee and even smoking and alcohol intake can cause migraine headaches.
• • Birth control pills- It is self explanatory as to why they are one of the causes of migraines as they affect the estrogen levels in women.
• • Nutritional deficiency- certain vitamins and other nutritional supplements are required to prevent inflammation and for proper working of muscles, veins etc. Not taking proper amount of nutrients or fasting for an extended period of time can thus cause migraine headache.
• • Heredity- Many victims have a "migraine gene" that predisposes them to migraine attacks.
• • Imbalance in blood pressure- High or low blood pressure, both can cause migraine headache.

Symptoms of Migraine Headache

About 20% of migraine headache sufferers get visual warning before a migraine attack. They may see a kind of "aura" that may include flickering points of light, blind spots, or zig-zagging lines. Sometimes, migraine sufferers may also experience peculiar odors or their limbs may become numb just prior to an attack. However, most people who suffer from migraines do not get any warning. Symptoms, if any, may vary from person to person and may range in severity.

• • Moderate to severe, throbbing headache- right side or left side of the head.
• • Head pain that gets severe with increased physical activity.
• • Sensitivity to light and/or sound.
• • Nausea or vomiting.
• • Red eyes with burning sensation in eyes
• • Loss of appetite
• • Migraine sufferer wants to stay all alone and finds comfort in silent and dark room
• • Depression and irritability
• • Numbness or weakness in an arm or leg

Migraine Headache Home Treatment

Migraine headache is a nightmare to those who suffer from it. Most of the traditional treatment for migraine depend on pain killers and sedatives. They are not effective in severe headaches and have side effects too. However, there are a variety of herbal home remedies to treat migraine headache. Those who suffer from frequent headaches must identify what might be causing their migraines by keeping a diary of foods and reactions. Food allergies and sensitivities to weathers too often trigger an attack.

• • Cold compresses help constrict blood vessels and are an effective home remedy for migraine headache. Take a soft, cold ice pack and wrap it in a towel. Hold it against temples and forehead alternating positions every few seconds. Repeat for about three minutes to get relief from migraine pain. Take 2 tablespoons each of dried valerian; chamomile; skullcap; peppermint or mint leaves (pudina) ; rosemary; and some honey. Grind all the herbs to get a mixed herbal powder. Blend with enough honey to bind. Take small, pill-sized pieces of this preparation and roll them into a ball, then flatten slightly. Dry and store them in tightly sealed container. Use 1 or 2 of these herbal headache pills to cure migraine headache. Remember to use the herbal extracts in form of powder within two weeks of grinding.
• • Dip henna flowers in vinegar and rub them against the forehead for quick migraine pain relief.
• • Make a fine paste of cinnamon by mixing it with water. Apply it over the temples and forehead to get relief from migraine headaches caused by exposure to cold air.
• • Take boiling water in a large bowl and add a handful of rosemary to it. Cover your head with a towel, lean over the bowl and inhale the steam. Continue inhaling the steam for 5 to 10 minutes for migraine relief.
• • A cup of chamomile tea taken just after feeling the symptoms of migraine can prevent headache from becoming severe.
• • Eat 10-12 almonds to cure migraine headache. Nuts contain the vitamin niacin that is helpful in relieving migraine pain. Other sources of this vitamin are yeast, whole wheat, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, sunflower seeds, liver and fish.
• • Take juice prepared from carrot, spinach, beet and cucumber. Take 300 gms of carrot and 100 gms of other vegetables to make the juice.
• • Take fresh grape juice. Simply grind fresh, ripe grapes and drink the juice directly without adding any water.
• • Take 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds powder and three teaspoons water. Put the mixture in the nostrils or just smell it for getting relief from migraine headache.
• • Take few leaves of the cabbage and crush them. Place the crushed cabbage in a cloth and bound on the forehead at bedtime, or at any convenient time during the day. Renew the compress when leaves dry out.
• • Make fine paste of crusts of lemon in a mortar. Apply this paste on the forehead. It is an effective migraine cure.
• • Tie a tight cloth around the head to decrease blood flow to the scalp and lessen the throbbing and pounding of migraine headache.
• • Do not take heavy and spicy food stuff. Avoid chocolate, aged cheese, red wine, citrus fruits. These foods contain tyramine or other histamines which are considered to cause migraines in people with food sensitivities. If possible, switch to Ayurvedic diets according to your body type.
• • Take a nap. Sleeping relaxes muscles and bring body systems in order. Taking a nap when headache has just begun or when symptoms are being shown may prevent severe headaches.

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