Top 5 Headache Remedies for Migraines

Don’t know about you guys, but I get massive migraines! In fact, as I’m writing this, I’m powering through one right now. If you’ve been there, you most likely reach for an Excederin, or maybe a decongestant, or tylenol, aspirin, or ibuprofen, depending on your type of headache. And unfortunately, migraines mean you have to find solutions for your headaches…OFTEN. What’s wrong with these solutions? Nothing, when it’s only every once in awhile, but it’s hard to take in moderation when you have headaches all the time or for a long time. This, in fact, can make your medications even less effective when you take them frequently. To me, that means meds should be a last resort. So, first thing that I consider is why am I getting a migraine. It’s important to find a solution to the problem, not mask the symptoms. Don’t forget that triggers are generally symptoms for the bigger problem–even if you are genetically predisposed. If you get headaches frequently, consider juice cleanses on a monthly basis. Many migraine sufferers have a toxin build up and the body doesn’t know what to do. Also, make sure you are consistent with your water intake. Many migraines can be caused from dehydration or not flushing out toxins. For dehydration, try my Skin-Saving Strawberry Fruit Popsicles with hydrating avocado, coconut water, etc.

Also, if you have migraines, please, vow to never eat fast foods. It is the worst thing you can do for a toxic body. All of that fat, salt, sugar spikes…blah! Don’t do it! It hurts just thinking about you thinking about it…

If you aren’t sure how to cut out sugar, take a look at this post on Sugar: The Good, the bad, and the ugly. You don’t have to cut out sugar altogether to feel better, just eliminate simple sugars. It’s easier than it look! 

I usually try out my tricks on my friends to see if they work 🙂 So I know these work for almost all headache I have encountered. Disclaimer: When treated at first symptoms or when you know you usually get them. In fact, these have worked for all of my friends, aside from one. And even with that friend these tricks worked for her temporarily. However, she had a much more serious issue that needed surgery, but I digress. Again, migraines are usually just a symptom so your body can tell you something is wrong. I think it’s important you know your source. My headaches are triggered by hormones, light-sensitivity, and weather/pressure changes. Also, I worked at a nutrition retail establishment for many years, and at a cancer center, but that doesn’t make me licensed. Always consult a professional if you have health concerns.

Here are my top 5 Headache Remedies for Migraines:

1. Migraine Detox Shots

Dude! You have to try this! Not to sound all hippie about it, but it’s seriously a must. This makes me feel almost euphoric after I drink it. I have a friend that practically begs for me to make these when she has a migraine. Why does it work? Ginger is an anti-inflammatory and turmeric is a pain reliever similar to aspirin. Check out this article. You should feel it instantly, or after 2 shots for stubborn migraines (take one in the morning and one in the afternoon).

Detox Shot Recipe
4 oz. fresh ginger-juiced
1 whole fresh lemon-squeezed
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp turmeric powder

This should make 2 shots. Mix it, drink it fast and chase it with a berry or orange…you’ll need it! My friend thinks blackberries are the best chaser ever. Also, don’t forget to breathe.

2. Pressure points  

In between your thumb and index finger should be a tender point when you squeeze from both sides of your hand. Find it on each hand, squeeze it for up to 5 minutes. You’ll know when you hit it since it will be a bit painful. Most professionals don’t advice applying more than you can handle on the pain scale. I usually stay around a 5-7  (on a scale of 10) on my pain tolerance.

3. Tiger Balm

Put a dab in a crescent moon shape above the eyebrow and under the eye on the high cheek bone area (carefully not to get it in your eyes!), and breathe. This really helps when you have that pressure on your forehead right before a big one hits. Read the reviews. People swear by it!

*If you have sensitive skin, test it first on a day you don’t have a headache to make sure you don’t have a reaction. Also, from my experience, I don’t recommend using the ultra strength version on your face.

4. Emergency natural excederin

My father-in-law turned me on to this one! Many runners do similar types of energy elixirs. I don’t do this all of the time because I don’t think caffeine is the way to go, but when you are on the go, sometimes it’s the easiest one. All you need is a gas station to buy a banana and a cup of coffee and you can do this from anywhere. Or, keep a banana, instant coffee and vitamin B in your desk drawer for emergencies.

+1 Banana: Potassium helps with dehydration and works kind of like a sports drink. There isn’t a lot of research on potassium and headaches that I’ve found, however, it is in a lot of headache medication. My favorite banana recipe when I have a headache is a smoothie with a couple bananas and a teaspoon of Spirulina or Chunky Monkey Breakfast Ice Cream.  Spirulina adds extra oxygen! It’s pretty invigorating when I have a headache, like I went to the beach and enjoyed the fresh ocean breeze.

+1 cup of coffee: Caffeine not only helps with absorption, but it constricts the blood vessels and gives headache relief. Read this article by Emma Young.

+ibuprofen or aspirin: I usually don’t add this unless I can’t get rid of my headache on my own

5. Magnesium Supplement

Vitamin B-2 and Magnesium are linked to helping with migraines according to this article.

I also like to add B-Complex +Sublingual Vitamin B-12. Vitamin B-12 isn’t specifically for headaches, but it helps with stress. When I get a bad migraine I see a halo and can’t really see much else besides black spots. Talk about stressful! However, the vitamin B has a calming effect for me. Vitamin B is one supplement to consider if you don’t consume animal products. If you prefer a no supplements regimen, make sure Nutritional yeast is in your dietary rotation for Vitamin B. I use it a lot for making cheesy dishes. See my Sweet Potato Sushi and Lentil Taco Lettuce Wraps for ideas on how to use it! Let me know if you use any of these home remedies. I’d love to hear what tricks you have for your headaches as well. Leave your thoughts below!