Migraines and ways to cope with them
Migraines are headaches chronic in nature, which may last for hours and sometimes even days, and are accompanied by very intense and strong pain. Some of them have certain signs of warning, such as flashes of light or blind spots, but some of them may also be followed by highly increased sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting. Since, there is no cure to this condition, the only way to cope with the migraine is to try to treat the symptoms. There are medications that may make them less frequent or that may reduce their severity, but unfortunately, these medications will not be equally effective in every case. The choice of medications depends on the type and severity of the migraine, but the most frequently suggested are pain relievers, while antidepressants, cardiovascular and anti-seizure drugs are used for the prevention. However, besides medications, certain changes in lifestyle, homemade remedies and methods of alternative medicine such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, massages, and biofeedback prove to be of great help in many cases.
Herbs that can relieve migraines
When it comes to herbal remedies, the fact is that many herbs have features that are helpful in the treatment of migraines. Among the most commonly praised ones are butterbur, cayenne pepper, feverfew and kava-kava, and depending on the herb, they can be used either as a tea, or in some other form, while there are tinctures and ointments that can be used for the massage of the head. However, they should be used in a way that will give best results, and it is necessary to be careful, because, for example, butterbur can prevent migraines, but it is not recommended for pregnant women, and it should not be used for a longer time.
Cayenne pepper can reduce the pain even when applied topically, but creams containing cayenne powder should not come in contact with eyes and should be used in moderate amounts.
Feverfew is known for its calming effect and has been used for the treatment of various headaches for ages. However, it is not advised for pregnant women, or those allergic to ragweed family of plants.
Kava-kava is suggested because of its relaxing, intoxicating and sedating properties, but it should be used in appropriate amounts, in order to avoid side effects such as numbness of the mouth or lips. It is not recommended for children, pregnant women, and those who drink alcohol.
Other herbs that can help with migraines are peppermint, rue, skullcap, valerian and lavender.
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