Natural Remedies/Powerful Benefits: Migraines

(NaturalNews) For everyone who has had a migraine, you know how extremely painful they are. You know what the first symptoms are, such as vision loss or pins and needle feeling, and you dread what is to come.

There are many that depend on over-the-counter or prescription medication to relieve migraines.
With migraines being so painful and burdening, you may think that your only option is medications that are prescribed or over-the-counter. However, there are a number of natural options to ease the pain. The American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society specified some of the natural remedies to treat migraines.

Feverfew - This is one of the oldest herbal remedies for migraines; this plant can be eaten raw or steeped in tea. Alexander Mauskop, M.D., and a board certified neurologist who focuses on headaches states that this herb can help treat migraines. The reason is because it contains a powerful chemical called parthenolide, which has been known to fight migraines. The earliest study comes out of Great Britain in the 1980's, showing that 70 percent of people who chewed a few leaves each day saw their symptoms improve.

Butterbur - Any form of this herb is toxic, except for the processed supplement. The chemicals in butterbur help relieve spasms and decrease inflammation, which can cause headaches. Another study on migraines showed that patients who took 75 milligrams of butterbur twice daily experienced 48 percent fewer migraines.

Magnesium - Research done by Mauskop showed that people who experience migraines can be deficient in magnesium. A small study showed that the daily consumption of magnesium supplements reduced the frequency of migraines by 42 percent, compared to only about 16 percent in patients given a placebo pill.

Riboflavin - Although this study found that riboflavin in doses that would need to be prescribed by a doctor helped migraine relief, it still helped ward them off. Riboflavin is found in foods like milk, meat, nuts and green veggies.

Omega 3s - These healthy fats can fight off inflammation, which is likely to be the cause of many headaches and even migraines. A few daily recommendations are flax seeds, salmon, and fish oil supplements.

Water - As obvious as it sounds, many headaches are caused by dehydration. If you know how to catch migraines early, drinking water immediately can actually stop a migraine in its tracks says Mauskop.

Tips for avoiding migraines naturally

1. Keep a headache journal. Track the day, time, severity, and duration of any migraine. Also take note of the foods, beverages, weather, and activities preceding the onset of the pain.

2. Be aware of common triggers and try to avoid them. Heat, light, loud noise, rain, stressful situations, and certain substances (such as caffeine and alcohol) are common predecessors of migraines. Work to avoid common triggers and take note of any that consistently seem to cause the onset of pain.

3. Avoid nutrient deficiencies. Research indicates an association between magnesium deficiencies and more frequent headaches. Discuss a magnesium supplement with a health professional, or increase magnesium in the diet by consuming more nuts, soybeans, and spinach.

4. Follow a steady sleep schedule. Avoiding irregular or disruptive sleep patterns can help reduce stress and prevent the onset of migraines. Do not oversleep to make up for lost sleep, as this can also trigger migraines.