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How to Get Rid of Migraine Headaches with Natural Treatments

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Introduction: How to Get Rid of Migraine Headaches with Natural Treatments

Learn how to get rid of migraine headaches with natural treatments by reviewing these options published in research. Most headaches are not serious and tend to come and go, but unfortunately are responsible for pain, suffering, and lost work. Any headache described by a patient as the worse headache of their life, relentless headache, headache with vision problems such as a shade over the visual field or double vision, headache with weakness, headache with facial droop, or headache with seizure should call their physician or emergency medical services immediately.

Diagnosis of headache type is important in order to treat the underlying cause, but headaches may include characteristics and features of several different headache types. It is important to follow the directions of the primary care physician or Neurologist for a traditional headache treatment approach which usually includes both abortive and prophylactic (preventive) medications. Preventive Health Advisor will discuss potential natural cures for headaches and natural migraine remedies. This will include non-pharmaceutical interventions for headache prevention which may require lifestyle change, foods and supplements to reduce the number and duration of these episodes. Find out the multiple options to get rid of migraine headaches with natural treatments which may require lifestyle change, foods and supplements.

How to tell the difference between migraines and other headaches…

Learning the difference between the different types of headaches is important. This will help you understand options for how to get rid of migraine headaches and other types of headaches with natural treatments. A migraine is a severe, painful headache that is often unilateral and sometimes preceded by an aura, which is a sensory warning sign that headache is about to appear. Aura includes flashes of light, blind spots, and tingling in the arms and legs. 10-15% of the population is affected by migraines. Migraines may be associated with nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light and sound. The excruciating pain that migraines bring can last for hours or even days. A migraine headache causes the sympathetic nervous system to respond with symptoms of nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Triggers of migraines include anxiety, stress, bright light, hormones, hunger, and lack of sleep. If treatment by the primary physician has not made progress for the patient in aborting or preventing migraine attacks, a consultation with a Neurologist may greatly benefit patients.

What is a cluster headache and the difference between cluster headaches and migraines…

Cluster headaches are less common than other types of headaches, and usually occur unilaterally, around one eye. Cluster headaches tend to occur at the same time daily for as long as 2-3 months, and may occur during a specific season, but then may remain absent for weeks to years. They may be associated with nasal drainage and tearing of the affected eye.

Does stress cause tension headaches?

Tension headaches usually affect patients later in the day and come on slowly. They are usually a result of stress, are often on both sides of the headache, and are described as a tight band around the head. Patients with these headaches often have tight muscles of the back of the neck or jaw.

Exertional Headaches From Physical Activity:

This type of headache is caused by physical activity. In general, exertional headaches are a throbbing or pulsating type headache present on both sides of the head which last up to 2 days. If this type of headache is present frequently or is becoming severe, the physician should evaluate should evaluate the headache for intracranial disease. Preventive pre-medications may benefit patients with this type of headache.

Sinus Headaches From Nasal Allergies or Sinus Infections

These headaches are associated with any type of acute or chronic sinus disease such as allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis, colds, and acute viral or bacterial sinusitis. Sinus headache relief should be done by focusing on the underlying sinus disease. For headaches due to suspected allergic rhinitis, common cold or influenza, please see those sections in Preventive Health Advisor.

Sexual Activity May Precipitate Headaches

Headaches may be related to sexual activity, and preventive measures with foods and supplements, or certain pre-medications may be an option.

Headache Treatment Resource

The Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society outlines migraine therapies which may be accessed here (1).

Headache Prevention Basics

Common precipitating factors for many types of headaches include sleep pattern disruption, medications, stress, supplements, caffeine use, caffeine withdrawal, smoke exposure, odors, and chemical or gas fumes.

Sleep Pattern Often Requires Adjustments

Headaches are associated with sleep deprivation and irregular sleep pattern. Patients should make an effort to maintain a regular sleep and awakening cycle to improve headache free intervals. Caffeine consumption is a common reason for disruption of sleep.

Sleep More to Reduce Headaches:

Adequate duration of rest may prevent migraines or reduce their severity.

Stress Reduction and Headaches:

Reduction of stress by the use of meditation may reduce the frequency of headaches, improve pain tolerance, reduce anxiety, and improve well-being (2).

Food Triggers of Headaches:

There some known triggers of headaches in food. It is important to start a food diary which will help reveal these food triggers. Avoidance of food triggers is just as important as using supplements to get rid of migraine headaches with natural treatments. It has been found that some individuals are susceptible to the following triggers. Tyramine contained in dried meats, smoked fish, cheeses (especially aged), and beer has been known to trigger headaches. Artificial sweeteners have been known to trigger headaches. Aspartame and sucralose (Splenda) have both been found to be associated with headaches (3,4). Flavor enhancers are also known to cause headaches. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study, over 36% of patients in a group exposed to monosodium glutamate had reactions of headache, numbness/tingling, general weakness, and flushing with higher frequency than the placebo group (5). Nitrates and nitrites have been found to be known precipitants of headaches (6). They are present in medications used to treat angina and they are used as food preservatives. Potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, as well as other nitrates and nitrites are used mainly to preserve meats. Consumption of these preservatives also has been associated with an increase in risk of certain cancers in cohort studies (as described elsewhere in Preventive Health Advisor).

Commonly Used Substances Cause or Worsen Headaches:

Alcohol, caffeine, and caffeine withdrawal are known precipitants for migraines and tension headaches (7). A cross-sectional Australian study of 4558 participants revealed that as the intake of caffeine increased so did the reported risk of headache and sleep difficulty in both men and women (8). Compared to non-coffee drinkers, men consuming 240 mg of caffeine (about 4-5 cups of coffee or tea) per day had a 30% and 40% greater risk of headache and insomnia respectively, while women had a 20% and 40% higher risk of headache and insomnia respectively (8). Caffeine used as treatment for headaches is known to reduce headache severity in the short term (9). In patients with migraines, try to wean regular use of caffeine containing beverages over the course of 1-2 weeks to reach the goal of eliminating caffeinated drinks entirely.

Don’t Get Too Hot

A study of 200 individuals found that an increase in body temperature (from exercise, hot bath, or weather) can cause cluster headache attacks within 1 hour in about 38% of individuals (10).

Traditional Medications for Headaches:

It is important to follow the directions of the primary care physician or Neurologist for abortive and prophylactic (preventive) medications for headaches. Smaller doses of over the counter and prescription medications (such as acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol and caffeine) combined together have been determined in general, to result in better relief over higher doses of single agents.

Over the Counter Medication Combinations for Migraines:

When you are able to get rid of migraine headaches with natural treatments, you will be able to reduce the use of other commonly used medications. When using medication, research supports the use of smaller doses of multiple medications in combination. A study of 1743 patients (76% women) found that combination therapy for the treatment of headache or migraine provides faster pain relief than drugs taken separately. Patients were randomized to receive two tablets containing either: 1) 250 mg acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) + 200 mg paracetamol (PAR) + 50 mg caffeine (Thomapyrin) (CAF); 2) 250 mg ASA + 200 mg PAR; 3) 500 mg ASA; 4) 500 mg PAR; 5) 50 mg CAF; or 6) placebo. Researchers found that combination ASA + PAR+ CAF was significantly superior in time to 50% pain relief compared to the combination without caffeine, ASA, paracetamol, and caffeine alone, and placebo. (11)

A double-blind, randomized clinical study was performed on nonprescription pain medication for the treatment of headaches. The researchers compared the effectiveness of a fixed combination of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), paracetamol (PAR, also known as acetaminophen), and caffeine (CAF) over single substances in 1734 patients. Pain intensity difference from the start of the study was compared to after treatment. Results show caffeine was not effective when used alone for headaches but was effective in combination with other analgesics. Patients who took ASA+PAR+CAF in this triple combination were found to have a significantly better mean pain reduction than single agents. (12)

Supplements with Evidence for Natural Headache Relief and Prevention

How Feverfew Has Been Used for Migraines:

Consider feverfew, scientific name Tanacetum parthenium to get rid of migraine headaches, Chrysanthemum parthenium, and Pyrethrum parthenium is a small plant with flowers that resemble small daisies. Feverfew has shown to be effective at preventing migraines at doses between 50 and 150 mg oral daily, and research has been done for a duration of up to 3 months. Feverfew shouldn’t be taken any longer than this due to lack of data in long term studies. Although most studies have not shown any major adverse reactions, an increase in bleeding risk is present (19,21,22), and feverfew should not be taken along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, and aspirin. NSAIDs refer to naproxen, Aleve, ibuprofen, Advil, indomethacin, Indocin, and many others. Tylenol is safe to take with feverfew. It is important to avoid feverfew for 2 weeks prior to any surgical procedure (13). Feverfew should be avoided in children, pregnancy, and lactating women since this herbal agent has not been researched well. Feverfew should be avoided by patients with allergies to this plant or similar species. Supporting research is provided below:

Feverfew Adverse Reactions and Interactions:

Does riboflavin work for migraines?

Consider riboflavin supplementation as another way to get rid of migraine headaches with natural treatments. Some of the research including riboflavin as a supplement for prevention of migraines in adults, children, and adolescents has shown riboflavin to be effective. However other studies studies have demonstrated it to be ineffective, often with better results from a placebo. The dose commonly used in research has been 200-400 mg in patients from 11 months old up to 65 years of age for durations of up to 6 months. We suggest that the riboflavin dose for children under 12 years of age should be no more than 200 mg oral daily. Riboflavin dose for adolescents and adults is 200-400 mg oral daily. Riboflavin has not been studied well in pregnant women but it has been suggested as a good treatment option due to a lower possibility of adverse effects compared to pharmaceuticals.

A randomized placebo-controlled trial study using 400 mg of riboflavin or placebo taken by 55 subjects for 3 months reduced both the number of days on which a headache occurred, and reduced the number of headache occurrences. The percentage of patients which had a 50% improvement was 15% for subjects taking placebo, and 59% for those taking riboflavin. Side effects included diarrhea and excess urine production in the riboflavin group and one instance of crampy abdominal pain in the placebo group.(23)

An open study performed with 23 patients ages 20-65 taking 400 mg of riboflavin with a median of 4 headaches per month reduced the number of headaches by one half at 3 months and 6 months. Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and facial erythema were reported as adverse effects. (24)

In a retrospective study, 41 participants received either 200 or 400 mg/day of riboflavin orally for 3, 4, or 6 months. At the end of the study, the number and severity of migraine attacks significantly decreased during treatment with no significant difference seen between both doses administered. Additionally, during follow up, a reduction by at least 50% in the number of migraine headaches was reported in 68.4% of patients and in intensity in 21%. Adverse effects reported were vomiting, increase in appetite, and transient orange urine. (25)

A randomized, double-blind study of 48 children suggests that riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is not an effective treatment for migraine headaches. For 4 weeks, participants received either 200 mg/day of riboflavin or placebo. At the end of the study, a reduction by at least 50% in the number of migraine headaches was reported in about 44% of treatment participants and 67% in the placebo group. (26)

Melatonin for Cluster Headaches:

Melatonin may aid individuals suffering from cluster headache. Twenty participants were randomly assigned to receive nightly oral melatonin (10 mg) (n=10) or placebo (n=10) for 14 days. Headache frequency decreased and there was less use of analgesics in the melatonin group. Half of the patients in the treatment group responded to melatonin after 3-5 days, and had no further episodes until they stopped treatment. No effects were reported in the placebo group. (27)

There have been lower levels of melatonin found in subjects with migraine and cluster headaches. It was reported by the authors that the increased body temperature lowers melatonin levels and may explain the reason for cluster headaches to be precipitated by heat. (28)

Melatonin Adverse Reactions and Interactions:

Is Butterbur Root Effective for Migraines?

Butterbur is a plant in the Asteraceae family, also called Compositae, or daisy family that grows in wetlands of the temperate regions in North America. Native Americans traditionally used butterbur for inflammation and headaches. Butterbur has been established as effective for migraine prevention according to a report by The Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society (1). The rhizomes and leaves of the plant contain the highest concentration of plant based compound called pyrrolizidine alkaloids which are toxic to the liver and are a known carcinogens which has caused cancer in animals and may cause cancer in humans (32, 33). It is therefore vitally important that a butterbur (Petasites hybridus) supplement has had the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed. The label must state for instance that the product is “standardized to a guaranteed 15% petasins and certified free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids.” Butterbur without pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed was reported to cause liver enzyme elevation likely due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids found naturally in the herb. Adverse effects were reported in about 4% of patients with mostly gastrointestinal complaints.

The effectiveness of butterbur root extract (Petadolex®) for treatment of migraine headaches was examined in a study which randomized 33 participants to received 50 mg butterbur twice a day and 27 participants to placebo. After 3 months, the frequency of migraine attacks significantly decreased in the treatment group from an average of 3.4 at the beginning of the study to 1.8. The placebo group experienced a non-significant decrease from 2.9 to 2.6. Butterbur was shown to cut the frequency of migraine headaches by at least 50% in 45% of patients in treatment arm and only 15% in the placebo arm. (34)

Petasites hybridus (P. hybridus) a plant root extract, known as butterbur, has been shown to have beneficial effects for the treatment of migraine headaches in a review of two randomized-controlled trials (n=293) testing the effectiveness of Petadolex® a marketed version of P. hybridus. After treatment over 3-4 months, results indicate that compared to a low dose (100mg) of Petadolex®, individuals taking a higher dose of 150 mg reported a fewer number of migraines and a greater number of patients reported a more than 50% improvement in migraines. (35)

Researchers performed a study of the effectiveness of Petasites hybridus (P. hybridus) a plant root extract, known as butterbur, for the treatment of migraine headaches in 245 suffers. Participants received either 50 mg twice daily of P. hybridus, 75 mg twice daily, or placebo. Over the 4 months of the study, the frequency of migraine attacks decreased in all three groups: 36% in the 75 mg group, 48% in the 50 mg group, and 26% in the placebo group. However, the group receiving the higher dose of butterbur extract showed significantly greater improvement than those in the placebo group. The lower dose of butterbur failed to prove significantly more effective than placebo. Additionally, P. hybridus was shown to cut the frequency of migraine headaches by at least 50% in 68% of patients in the 75-mg arm and only 49% in the placebo arm. (36)

Ginger Used for Migraine Headaches

Magnesium Used for Migraines:

Common Highest Magnesium Containing Foods

Buckwheat flour, whole-groat, 1 cup 301 mg
Snacks, trail mix, regular, chocolate chips, salted nuts and seeds, 1 cup 235 mg
Bulgur, dry, 1 cup 230 mg
Oat bran, raw, 1 cup 221 mg
Candies, semisweet chocolate, 1 cup 193 mg
Wheat flour, whole-grain, 1 cup 164 mg
Spinach, canned, regular pack, drained solids, 1 cup 163 mg
Barley, pearled, raw, 1 cup 158 mg
Spinach, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt, 1 cup 157 mg
Seeds, pumpkin and squash seeds, roasted, salt added, 1 oz 156 mg
Spinach, frozen, chopped or leaf, cooked, boiled, drained, no salt, 1 cup 156 mg
Cornmeal, whole-grain, yellow, 1 cup 155 mg
Soybeans, mature cooked, boiled, without salt, 1 cup 148 mg
Snacks, trail mix, tropical, 1 cup 134 mg
Beans, white, mature seeds, canned, 1 cup 134 mg
Beans, black, mature seeds, cooked, boiled, without salt, 1 cup 120 mg
Tomato products, canned, paste, without salt added, 1 cup 110 mg
Cereals ready-to-eat, KELLOGG, KELLOGG’S ALL-BRAN, 1/2 cup 109 mg
Soybeans, green, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt, 1 cup 108 mg
Nuts, brazilnuts, dried, unblanched, 1 oz (6-8 nuts) 107 mg
Lima beans, frozen, baby, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt, 1 cup 101 mg
Beet greens, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt, 1 cup 98 mg
Beans, navy, mature seeds, cooked, boiled, without salt, 1 cup 96 mg
Refried beans, canned, traditional (includes USDA commodity), 1 cup 96 mg
Lima beans, large, mature seeds, canned, 1 cup 94 mg
Baking chocolate, unsweetened, squares, 1 square 93 mg
Cowpeas, common (blackeyes, crowder, southern), boiled, no salt, 1 cup 91 mg
Muffins, oat bran, 1 muffin 89 mg
Beans, great northern, mature seeds, cooked, boiled, no salt, 1 cup 89 mg
Oat bran, cooked, 1 cup 88 mg
Beans, baked, canned, with pork and tomato sauce, 1 cup 86 mg
Rice, brown, long-grain, cooked, 1 cup 84 mg
Milk, canned, condensed, sweetened, 1 cup 80 mg
Fast foods, submarine sandwich, with tuna salad, 1 sandwich, 6″ roll 79 mg
Chickpeas (garbanzo beans, bengal gram), boiled, no salt, 1 cup 79 mg
Grapefruit juice, white, frozen concentrate, unsweetened, 6-fl-oz can 79 mg
Nuts, cashew nuts, oil roasted, with salt added, 1 oz (18 nuts) 77 mg
Beans, kidney, red, mature seeds, canned, solids and liquids, 1 cup 77 mg
Dates, deglet noor, 1 cup 77 mg
Couscous, dry 1 cup 76 mg
Nuts, almonds, 1 oz (24 nuts) 76 mg
Baking chocolate, unsweetened, 1 oz 75 mg
Cereals ready-to-eat, KELLOGG, KELLOGG’S RAISIN BRAN, 1 cup 74 mg
Nuts, cashew nuts, dry roasted, with salt added, 1 oz 74 mg
Okra, frozen, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt, 1 cup 74 mg
Beans, baked, canned, with franks, 1 cup 73 mg
Orange juice, frozen concentrate, unsweetened, undiluted, 6-fl-oz can 72 mg

Adapted from: Nutritive Value of Foods, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Home and Garden Bulletin Number 72. See here for magnesium content in foods:https://www.ars.usda.gov/SP2UserFiles/Place/12354500/Data/SR25/nutrlist/sr25w304.pdf and http://www.ars.usda.gov/SP2UserFiles/Place/12354500/Data/hg72/hg72_2002.pdf (46)

Magnesium Supplements Dosage for Migraines:

If a magnesium supplement is desired, select a magnesium supplement based upon the amount of desired elemental magnesium. Magnesium may be supplemented after determining the lack of magnesium consumed in the diet for any given day. Magnesium in the form of magnesium oxide at a dose of 400 mg contains 240 mg of elemental magnesium or 9.9 mmol of magnesium. Magnesium citrate at a dose of 100 mg contains 100 mg of elemental magnesium or 4 mmol of magnesium. Magnesium in the form of Mag-Tab SR at a dose of 84 mg contains 84 mg of elemental magnesium. Magnesium gluconate at a dose of 550 mg contains 30 mg of elemental magnesium.

Participants aged 18-65 suffering from migraine at least an average of 3.6 times per month were randomly assigned to receive either oral trimagnesium dicitrate, (a.k.a. magnesium citrate) at a dose of 600 mg (24 mmol) or placebo daily for 12 weeks. Compared to the start of the study, after 9-12 weeks, the frequency of migraine attacks decreased in both groups: 41.6% in the treatment group and 15.8% in the placebo group. According to the authors, oral magnesium appeared to have a protective effect against migraines. (39)

Magnesium is the only agent with a category-A pregnancy rating (highest safety rating) (45).

Magnesium supplement adverse reactions and interactions: A study reported that oral magnesium may cause diarrhea (18.6%) and gastric irritation (4.7%) (39). Avoid magnesium supplements in patients with kidney disease since magnesium is excreted by the kidneys and toxicity may occur.

Coenzyme Q10 May Reduce the Frequency of Migraines:

Coenzyme Q10 may be a useway way to get rid of migraine headaches with natural treatments. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) (300 mg) was found to an effective treatment for migraines in 42 subjects who suffered an average of 4.4 migraine attacks per month. For a month, all subjects consumed a placebo, and then some of the patients were randomly assigned to receive 100 mg of a liquid, water-soluble form of CoQ10 three times a day. The remaining subjects continued to receive a placebo. Roughly 48 percent of the CQ10 group experienced a 50% reduction in migraine attacks during the 3-month study. Only about 14% of those taking a placebo experienced the same response rate. In addition, the patients treated with CoQ10 experienced fewer migraine attacks per month—3.2 after treatment compared to 4.4 before treatment—while the placebo group experienced no reduction in migraine frequency. CoQ10-treated subjects also experienced more headache-free days than the placebo group and fewer days with nausea. Adverse effects were minimal. (40)

Coenzyme Q10 Adverse Reactions and Interactions:

Coenzyme Q10 is not only a potential way to get rid of migraine headaches with natural treatments, the side-effects were minimal. Coenzyme Q10 has been considered safe to be used by many age groups, in children and in women who may become pregnant (40). Allergic skin rash after taking coenzyme Q10 has been reported (40). A study demonstrated that warfarin was cleared more rapidly by coenzyme Q10 which reduced the effect of anticoagulation (41), therefore if coenzyme Q10 is taken with warfarin, PT INR (prothrombin time international normalized ratio) will need to be monitored and warfarin may need to be increased.

Coenzyme Q10 Food Content in mg per Kilogram,

(Adapted from Pravst, I et al. (42))

Supplements for Migraines During Pregnancy:

According to Airola G, et al, women suffering from migraine headaches during pregnancy may benefit from magnesium, riboflavin and coenzyme Q10. In addition to relaxation techniques and acupuncture these supplements are considered safe during pregnancy for the treatment of migraine headaches. Magnesium is the only agent with a category-A pregnancy rating, and is therefore an appropriate choice for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive. (43)

Should I Exercise or Not for Migraines?

The research performed on exercise and its relationship to headaches is controversial, complex and difficult to understand. Studies have included many variables and are inconsistent on the outcomes making it difficult to draw reliable conclusions. On one hand, it appears that light to moderate exercise in general reduces the frequency, intensity and duration of headaches. On the other hand, exercise may precipitate headaches. Exercise using extreme amounts of exertion may result in exertional headaches. There is good evidence that Yoga is effective for migraines. Sándor, PS et al (44), investigated yoga’s effectiveness as a migraine therapy in 72 patients suffering from migraine headaches. For 3 months, the patients either practiced yoga on a regular basis or continued with their usual self-care. By the study’s end, members of the yoga group had experienced a significantly greater decrease in migraine intensity, frequency, and duration compared to the self-care group. What’s more, the yoga-practicing participants reported less anxiety and depression than the other study members, better functional status and less use of medication.

Summary: Research Shows How to Get Rid of Migraine Headaches with Natural Treatments

References: Research Shows How to Get Rid of Migraine Headaches with Natural Treatments

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