Migraines are one of the most debilitating types of headache. Many migraine sufferers cannot function during these intense bouts of severe throbbing or pulsing head pain. Add nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and extreme sensitivity to lights, and sounds and the best many can manage is to lie down with a cold compress.
For migraine relief it’s important to recognize the warning signs of a migraine in the Prodrome phase, the period prior to an occurrence, and the Aura Phase. The earlier you begin migraine treatment in an episode the better.
Early Warning Signs
Prodrome Phase: There are subtle changes you may notice in the days leading up to a migraine such as constipation, increased thirst, increased urination, mood swings, neck stiffness, excessive yawning, and food cravings.
Aura Phase: These sensations may precede, or accompany, a migraine and can be quite disconcerting. Visual changes such as seeing bright lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots in one (retinal migraine), or both eyes (ocular migraine). Other aura symptoms can be tingling sensations in the face, or limbs, or issues with motor skills, and muscle weakness.
Natural Ingredients that Help with Migraines
As a precaution, if you’re experiencing migraines, you should visit your physician for an accurate diagnosis. Recommended migraine treatments will be predicated on the frequency and severity of your headaches. In addition to lifestyle changes, your physician may prescribe prescription drugs.
If you prefer a more natural approach to migraine treatment and relief, we recommend you inform your doctor of your intentions and your regimen. (Even natural ingredients can have side effects and reactions to other medications).
In addition to natural approaches for migraine relief such as trigger management, biofeedback, massage and relaxation therapy, there are natural ingredients, with proven clinical results showing efficacy in preventing migraines.
As with any natural ingredient or supplement, there are certain things you will want to verify:
- Are the products made in a certified GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) facility?
- Is the facility inspected by the FDA?
- Have there been valid, clinical tests of the ingredient’s efficacy?
- Are the ingredients in the product at the appropriate dosages?
- Does the company stand behind its products?
Armed with the knowledge your company of choice meets the above qualifications, below are several natural ingredients that have clinical documents proving their effectiveness in migraine relief:
- Riboflavin, (Vitamin B2) a water-soluble vitamin, improves the function of mitochondria, studies have shown Riboflavin effective in reducing the frequency of migraines
- Butterbur, a potent herb demonstrated useful for reducing the incidence of migraines due to its anti-inflammatory and natural beta-blocker properties
- Feverfew is an herbal remedy, also with anti-inflammatory properties, that is shown to have multiple benefits for the nervous system in reducing the severity of migraines
- Ginko Biloba is an anti-oxidant that has been shown to contain medicinal properties that may assist with headaches, such as the dilation of blood vessels in the brain and regulation of neurotransmitters.
Other natural ingredients used in controlling the frequency and/or severity of migraines:
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Ginger
- Omega 3 Fish Oils
- Coenzyme Q10
- Valerian Root
- White Willow Bark
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, we’ve given you some ideas as to natural ingredients to aid in migraine relief and migraine treatment. Coupled with the other protocols mentioned, such as trigger management, relaxation therapy, etc. we believe you can gain drug-free relief from migraines.