headache
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A migraine is a neurological disorder, where one experiences headaches along with symptoms associated with the autonomic nervous system. There are simple and natural remedies that can help reduce the pain and consistently decrease frequency even in common sufferers.

Migraines ares now recognized as a chronic disorder, not simply as a headache. A migraine can last for hours and is caused when arteries are inflamed due to the release of chemicals. These chemicals are released when you have an allergic reaction, stress, sleeping pattern, menstruation, menopause, and fasting.

Symptoms include sensitivity to light or sound, changes in appetite, fatigue and yawning, malaise, mood changes, food cravings, and usually unilateral throbbing pain on the head.

Certain foods are among the most common triggers for headaches and migraines. Gluten, soy, artificial sweeteners, MSG, caffeine, and casein are the main culprits.

Natural Remedies

1. Ginger
Ginger is a natural remedy known to help relax blood vessels in the head, reduce inflammation and activate natural opiates in the brain which helps in lessening the pain associated with headaches. Ginger is one of the best pain killers in the world having analgesic properties like the popular ibuprofen, only better. It contains a quartet, gingerols, paradols, shogaols, and zingerone which are active ingredients to reduce pain. Ginger reduces pain-causing prostaglandin levels in the body.

2. Capsaicin Nasal Sprays
Capsaicin nasal sprays are a highly effective natural treatment for both cluster headaches and migraines. They have been tested clinically for over 10 years and exhibit remarkable potency in alleviating many conditions associated with the sinus and head.

3. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Consuming at least 400 mg of vitamin B2 helps in reducing the symptoms of migraine significantly. The best sources of vitamin B2 are fish, eggs, legumes, nuts and green leafy vegetables. Taking lower doses of riboflavin (200 mg/day) does not seem to reduce the number of migraine headache attacks.

4. Coenzyme Q10 and Magnesium
Both Coenzyme Q10 and Magnesium can be helpful in preventing migraines, and magnesium has been shown to help reduce menstrual migraines for patients. Prolonged deficiency of CoQ10 can cause significant muscle pain as well as headaches. About 50 percent of people with recurrent migraines are deficient in magnesium. When CoQ10 and magnesium are taken in conjunction with supplements or creams which balance and stimulate hormone production in women, their effects are amplified and women typically experience a decrease in headaches and migraine frequency by a whopping 50%.

5. Essential Oils
Essential oils are extremely effective for headache prevention and treatment. Lavender oil can be either inhaled or applied topically. Two to four drops for every two to three cups of boiling water are recommended when inhaling lavender-oil vapors as a headache treatment. Peppermint oil is also a soothing, fresh-smelling oil has vaso-constricting and vaso-dilating properties, which help control blood flow in the body. Headaches and migraine pain are often due to poor blood flow, and peppermint oil helps to open and close the vessels that promote flow.

6. Therapy
Try relaxation therapy like head a massage, breathing techniques, yoga, tai chi, acupuncture and meditation. All have been found to complement any migraine treatment very well and with great success.

Dr. Marianna Pochelli is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine specializing in the treatment of disease through superfoods and herbal strategies. She actively promotes detoxification, colon cleansing, and a vegetarian lifestyle using living foods as a platform to health.