Nobody likes having headaches and migraines are even worse. You could pop a couple of over-the-counter pain relievers or whatever the newest trendy pharmaceutical is, but if you are looking for more natural ways to get rid of your migraine, keep reading. Migraines can put you down for the count with their many symptoms in addition to that throbbing headache. Migraine symptoms often include light, noise, and smell sensitivities, upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting, appetite loss, fatigue, dizziness, and even vision blurring, just to name a few. 

Next time you feel a migraine coming, try one of these natural remedies or try our recommendations for migraine prevention:

1. Drink water 

We cannot stress enough how important this is. You may be dehydrated and that can cause you to get a headache. Drinking water has been proven to relieve migraine symptoms (in those who were dehydrated) in as little as fifteen minutes. However, it may take up to three hours, so be aware. One of the best ways to prevent headaches and migraines is to be sure to drink plenty of water every day. 

2. Try essential oils

Peppermint oil can be applied to the temples and forehead for pain relief as well as a reprieve from nausea and sensitivity to light, both of which often accompany migraines. Lavender oil can either be inhaled or applied to the temples as well, albeit a diluted version for the application. 

3. Find a local yoga class

Because yoga uses a combination of body postures, meditation, and breathing to help promote well-being and health, it can also help for migraine prevention by improving anxiety and vascular health as well as releasing tension. 

4. Get a massage

Believe it or not, getting a weekly massage can help reduce migraine frequency as well as improve your quality of sleep. Studies have shown that getting a massage, besides feeling great, improves coping skills and reduces stress. In addition, it also helps cortisol levels, anxiety, and heart rate reduction.

5. Acupressure 

Acupressure, which is the application of pressure using fingers and hands on specific points of the body, can actually relieve pain and other symptoms. According to the latest reviews, acupressure is now an accepted and credible alternative for those who suffer from chronic migraines and other conditions. 

6. Try magnesium

In addition to helping with migraines, magnesium is also important for countless necessary bodily functions, like controlling blood sugar and nerve transmission. Taking 600 mg of oral magnesium citrate daily can help reduce how often you get migraines and their severity.

7. Don’t drink alcohol

This should go without saying, but alcohol can most definitely cause headaches and migraines, regardless if you have a hangover or not. If you experience frequent headaches, it is best to refrain from alcohol completely or limit it, at least. 

8. Eat anti-inflammatory foods

Changing your diet may be the answer to preventing headaches and migraines. Even if it doesn’t prevent them entirely, it may lessen their frequency. Limit migraine-triggering foods such as citrus fruits, nuts, chocolate, aged cheese, aspartame, nitrates and nitrites found in meats like bacon, ham, and hot dogs, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) which can be found in canned foods like soup and vegetables and soy sauce. Bacon is delicious, but if it is causing your migraines, it may not be worth it. Trying a different diet may help to both prevent migraines and lessen their frequency. Including anti-inflammatory foods such as beans, whole grains, olive oil, flaxseed, oily fish, berries, and dark green, leafy vegetables may not only help with your headaches but are also excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. 

Although giving up some of your favorite foods may not appeal to you, certainly getting rid of those pesky migraines will. Try some of our natural remedies before reaching for those chemicals that often have unwanted side effects. We want to help you prevent the next migraine from even happening naturally. The next time you start feeling a headache coming on, remember: drink plenty of water first!