Migraines: causes and natural remedies

Migraines, or severe headaches, are a condition characterized by painful throbbing in the center of the head, that are aggravated by movement.  They can last from three hours to three days.  The pain begins in the temples and can extend down through the eye area to the other side of the head.  The can be mild, or very intense.

Common symptoms

• Nausea, light or noise intolerance
• In some cases, there can be warning signs before the pain sets in, and some people experience auras or black spots in their vision.
• Digestive pains
• Although less frequent, some people can experience water retention, diarrhea, dizziness, and fainting

Types of migraines

• Ophthalmic
• Vasomotor
• Menstrual migraines, which is associated with emotional changes (anxiety, nerves, depression, etc.), that can take place during menstruation.
• Neurological or “cluster” migraines (more frequent in men, begins with a pain in the eyes and forehead, and extends to the nape of the neck, the ears, and half way around the head).

What causes migraines?

Bad headaches can be caused by several things, be it abnormal brain interactions due to alterations in neurotransmitter substances that control our body’s organic functions, or constant tension in the body, or nutrition deficiencies.

Causes that could provoke a migraine

• Stress
• Tension and anxiety
• Body intoxication
• Insomnia
• Smoking
• Sweeteners (aspartame)
• Excessive use of coffee, chocolate, white sugar, red wine, processed meats, aged cheeses, and other foods.
• Mental exhaustion
• Too much computer/TV time
• Intellectual exhaustion

Emotional causes

All illnesses reflect what the affected person feels and thinks.  When we find the emotional root that causes the condition, and we arrive at a deep emotional understanding of it, we overcome the illness, and it disappears from where it came.  In this case, the emotional root of migraines lies in a strong sense of self-demand; a very critical mind with perfectionist tendencies.  A certain resistance to being controlled could exist as well, or sexual conflict (fear of expressing oneself sexually).  In this case, it is necessary to self-explore, and open yourself to new alternatives and trust more in what life offers by way of new experiences.  You must nourish yourself with reading that give you a new vision to see things with.  And above all, read things that give you more confidence in yourself.

Home remedies to treat migraines

• Cucumber and cold potato slices, applied to the eyes, forehead, and neck, are perfect.  Wrap the slices in a towel ad leave them as long as possible.  Falling asleep with them will produce excellent results.
• Foot baths with hot mustard: this remedy is perfect for strong headaches behind the forehead.
• Place a mint poultice on the forehead.

Effective herbs to treat migraines:

• Willow has a high concentration of salicylic acid, a substance contained in aspirin and other analgesics.  Because of this, this herb is one of the best natural remedies against migraines.  In order to use willow, you must place a small part of the plant bark in water to boil.  Allow to boil for 15 minutes, then strain and let set for 5 minutes.  Drink the infusion every time your headache returns.
• Tea with chamomile, orange blossom, marjoram, and mint, are also very reliable in this case.

Diet

Food should always be considered when treating any condition.  A body full of toxins can be the cause of a lot of migraines.  So, you should dry a purifying diet, like the lemon diet, or the syrup diet.  You also will have to avoid as much as possible, consuming white sugar and its products, along with dairy products and red meat.

Revised by: Dra. Loredana Lunadei on 02/03/2019

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