Some natural remedies for migraines, such as tansy tea, valerian tea or white willow infusion, have anti-inflammatory and soothing substances. They help to relieve migraine headaches quick and help prevent the onset of new flare-ups. migraines
Migraines are headaches that are difficult to control. They mainly affect women, and can especially occur before a period. Migraines can be treated with natural remedies, diet, acupuncture and medication.
Also recommended: 9 Classic Migraine Symptoms (& Who is Most At-Risk) tuasaude.com/en/migraine-symptomsNatural remedies are a great way to complement medical treatment for migraines. It is important to consult a neurologist if migraines are frequent or chronic to identify the underlying cause of the migraine. This will help to guide the most appropriate treatment.
List of natural remedies
Some natural remedies for migraines include:
1. Tansy tea
Tansy, known scientifically as Tanacetum parthenium, is a medicinal plant that has a potent effect on migraines. They help to relieve the pain, but also prevent the appearance of new migraines.
This tea can be used during an active migraine flare-up, but it can also be prepared regularly to prevent new migraines from appearing.
Ingredients
- 15 g of tansy leaves
- 500 m of boiling water
Directions
Add the tansy leaves to the boiling water and let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain, let it cool and drink up to 3 times a day.
This plant should not be used during pregnancy or by people who take anticoagulants, as it can increase the risk of bleeding.
Another way to take tansy is to take it in capsule form. This method is easier to control the doses of active substances. You can take up to 125 mg per day or according to the manufacturer's or herbalist's instructions.
2. Ginger tea
Ginger is a root with powerful anti-inflammatory action that appears to be capable of relieving the pain caused by migraines. Furthermore, ginger also relieve nausea, which is another symptom that can appear during a migraine attack.
According to a study carried out in 2013 [1], powdered ginger appears to be able to reduce the intensity of a migraine attack within two hours. Its effect is comparable to sumatriptan, a medication prescribed for migraine treatment.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of powdered ginger
- 250 ml of water
Directions
Put the ingredients in a pot and boil. Then, let it cool, stir the mixture well and drink it up to 3 times a day.
The use of ginger should be monitored in specific populations, like pregnant women, people with diabetes, high blood pressure or who use anticoagulants.
3. Petasites hybridus
The use of the medicinal plant Petasites hybridus has been associated with a reduced frequency of migraines. Taking it can help prevent the appearance of new migraines, especially in people who regularly suffer from migraines.
How to take
Petasites needs to be taken in the form of capsules, at a dosage of 50 mg, 3 times a day, for 1 month. After this initial month, you can reduce to 2 capsules per day.
Petasites is contraindicated for use during pregnancy.
4. Valerian tea
Valerian tea can be used by migraine sufferers to improve sleep quality, which can be reduced in those who experience is often affected in people who suffer from frequent attacks. Because it is calming and anxiolytic, valerian tea also helps prevent new migraine attacks.
Read more about the health benefits of valerian root.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of valerian root
- 300 mL of water
Directions
Boil the ingredients in a pot for 10 to 15 minutes. Let it steep for 5 minutes, strain and drink twice a day or 30 minutes before bed.
In addition to valerian tea, you can also take melatonin supplements. These help to regulate sleep and have a strong antioxidant action that seem to help prevent the appearance of new migraine attacks. Check-out the other health benefits of melatonin and how to take it.
Valerian tea should not be used for more than 3 months and should also be avoided during pregnancy.
5. White willow infusion
A white willow infusion, prepared with the medicinal plant Salix alba, is rich in salicin, a substance similar to the main ingredient in aspirin, It has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help relieve migraines.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of white willow bark, dried and chopped
- 1 cup of water
Directions
Bring the water to a boil and add the willow bark. Let it boil for 10 minutes, strain, wait for it to cool and drink up to 2 cups a day.
This infusion should not be consumed by children, pregnant or breastfeeding women. It should also be avoided by people who are allergic to acetylsalicylic acid or anyone taking anticoagulants.
Furthermore, the use of white willow bark infusion is not recommended for people with gastrointestinal problems, such as ulcers, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux, colitis or diverticulitis.
6. Coriander tea
Coriander tea, prepared from the seeds of the medicinal plant Coriandrum sativum, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the duration, severity and frequency of migraines.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds
- 500 mL of water
Directions
Bring the water to a boil, and as soon as it boils, add the coriander seeds. Boil them for two minutes. Then turn off the heat and let it infuse for about 10 minutes. After this time, strain, wait for it to cool and drink the tea throughout the day.
This tea should not be used by people allergic to coriander, mugwort, anise, caraway, fennel or dill. It is contraindicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Coriander tea should be used with caution by diabetic people, as it can cause a decrease in blood sugar or interfere with diabetes medications, leading to hypoglycemia.
7. Lavender essential oil
Lavender essential oil can help reduce the severity of headaches and migraines due to its analgesic properties. It can help to relieve light sensitivity, nausea and vomiting caused by acute migraines.
Also recommended: Lavender: 10 Health Benefits, How to Take & Side Effects tuasaude.com/en/lavenderIngredients
- 1 to 3 drops of lavender essential oil
- 2 teaspoons of a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, castor oil or sweet almond oil
Directions
Mix the ingredients in a clean, dry container. Then, apply a little of the mixture to the temples, between the eyes and ears.
Another way to use lavender oil for migraines is through aromatherapy, which can be done by deeply inhaling the aroma of the essential oil directly from the bottle. Hold the air in the lungs for about 2 to 3 seconds, before exhaling.
Also recommended: Aromatherapy: Health Benefits, How to Use & Contraindications tuasaude.com/en/aromatherapy8. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea, made from the medicinal plant Matricaria recutita, has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce headaches caused by migraines. It can also help to reduce nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light.
Furthermore, chamomile is rich in apigenin, a substance that acts on brain receptors, which can cause a relaxing and calming effect.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of fresh or dried chamomile flowers
- 1 cup of boiling water
Directions
Add the chamomile flowers to a cup of boiling water, cover and leave to steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Afterwards, strain the flowers from the water. Leave the tea to cool and then drink. You can drink the tea 2 to 3 times a day or as soon as the headache starts.
Chamomile tea (Matricaria recutita) is safe and can even be ingested by pregnant women and children. However, Roman chamomile tea (Chamaemelum nobile) should be avoided in these populations, as there are still no studies that prove the safety of using this type of plant during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
