This natural headache cure article is written by Hazel Ketko

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Migraine headaches are believed to be caused by disturbances in blood flow to the head, and by imbalances in brain chemicals, including serotonin.  During a headache,  serotonin levels drop causing neuropeptides to be released.  (Neuropeptides are small protein-like molecules released and used by neurons to communicate with each other.)   The released neuropeptides travel to the brain's outer covering (meninges) where they cause blood vessels to become dilated and inflamed. The result is headache pain.

A tendency toward migraines often runs in families, and allergic factors seem to be involved.

Symptoms of Migraine Headaches

A typical episode of a migraine attack produces some or all of these symptoms:

  • Moderate to severe pain, usually on one side of the head (but sometimes it may affect both sides)
  • Vision disturbances that precede or accompany the headache
  • Head pain with a pulsating or throbbing quality, which worsens with physical activity
  • Nausea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light and sound

Migraine Triggers

A number of factors can trigger migraine headaches.  For example:

  • Hormonal Imbalance
  • Excessive Intake of Certain Foods
  • Nutritional Deficiencies
  • Environmental Changes

Natural Remedies for Migraine Headaches

There is a host of allopathic medicines for treating migraines, such as Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Triptans, and Ergots.  While these medicines may be effective in treating migraines, they can also cause quite a few unwanted side-effects, such as dizziness, nausea, and muscle weakness. 

If you want a more holistic and natural approach to control your migraines, below are suggestions of various natural remedies for migraine headaches, using herbs, nutritional supplements, and aromatherapy. 

Nutritional Supplements

Nutritional supplements that seem to be effective in preventing and treating migraines include vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) and vitamin B6, magnesium, and essential fatty acids. 

Herbs

Beneficial herbs for migraines include ginkgo, ginger, evening primrose oil, and feverfew.  Note, however, that pregnant women should not take feverfew because of a remote possibility that it might trigger miscarriage. Women who are nursing should not use it either because of the possibility of passing the herb to infants in breast milk.

Aromatherapy

Essential oils that are effective in relieving migraine headaches include peppermint, lavender, rosemary, and Roman chamomile. 

You can either dilute one to two drops of any of the above oils in a carrier oil and use it to massage your temples, or add two drops each of two of the above oils to a cold compress.

Diet

Certain foods can trigger migraine headaches.  Therefore avoid such foods.  In particular, avoid foods that contain:

Tyramine:  Tyramine is an amino acid that can be found in cheese, chocolate, coffee, cold cuts, smoked fish, alcohol and wine, vinegar, sour cream, sausages, fresh baked goods made with yeast, lima beans, Italian beans, lentils, snow peas, navy beans, pinto beans, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds.

Nitrates: Nitrates can be found in cured and processed meats, such as hot dogs, bacon, and salami.

MSG: Many processed foods and Asian foods contain MSG.  Because of all the bad press of MSG as a main cause of migraine headaches, many food companies no longer list it on their product labels.  Common additives that are hidden sources of MSG include "Hydrolyzed protein", "Autolyzed yeast", "Calcium caseinate", and "Sodium caseinate".

Other foods to avoid: If you are prone to migraines, also avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugary foods.

Instead, try to base your diet on simple natural foods, and try to include sources of magnesium and essential fatty acids in your diet.  Sources of magnesium include green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts, bananas, and wheat germ. Sources of EFAs include fish such as salmon and mackerel.

For more detailed information on natural remedies for migraine headaches, visit Natural Remedies for Migraine Headaches

Learn more about how to use herbs and other natural remedies for your health: Natural Health Remedies 4U.com