Do you struggle with migraine headaches and want to find some solutions? Let's take an in-depth look at recommended migraine relief products and home remedies that are proven to be effective for helping to manage this complex condition.
I first started experiencing migraine in college. At first, I didn’t know how to deal with my symptoms, which included aura, nausea, light sensitivity, and searing, debilitating pain. If you know all too well how this feels, you’re far from alone – over 1 billion people worldwide experience migraine, making it a very common chronic condition. Migraines come with intense pain and can last for several hours or even days at a time, so it is vital that migraineurs learn how to identify their triggers as well as manage their symptoms.
This guide lists several migraine home remedies that I use, and a few that have been recommended by our Ability Toolbox community. Hopefully, many of them will work for you too!
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Talk to Your Doctor About Migraine Relief First
Migraine Relief Home Remedies for Pain
These migraine home remedies combat what most would agree is the most misery-inducing aspect of our condition — the pain.
Headache Hat for Migraine Relief
Ice Packs to Relieve Migraine Pain
Ice packs are amazing tools for migraine relief. Cold constricts blood vessels, which reduces inflammation and pain. I keep a few types of ice packs around to apply to my head and neck when needed.
Cold Strips Portable Migraine Relief
Although cold compress strips don't provide the intense cold of an ice pack, you can easily slip them into a purse or backpack for instant relief anywhere. They can also be trimmed to the exact size you need. One of my migraine triggers is fluorescent lights, so I always keep some cold strips with me in case a visit to Walmart or the DMV sets off an episode.
Heated Eye Massager
I sometimes prefer heat for migraine relief, especially in the freezing cold winter. This soothing device massages your eyes and forehead to relieve headaches and sinus pain too.
Over-the-Counter Medications and Supplements for Migraine Relief
These OTC medications and nutritional supplements can be helpful home remedies for migraine warriors.
Excedrin Headache
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Excedrin are common OTC medications for treating mild to moderate pain associated with migraine headaches. If you experience more intense symptoms or frequent attacks, you may need a stronger prescription preventative or treatment. It’s best to consult your physician before taking any medication for migraines in order to ensure safe usage.
Nutritional Supplements for Migraine Relief
Migravent contains magnesium, riboflavin (vitamin B-2), and COQ10, three natural compounds that research shows are effective in reducing migraine frequency.
Electrolyte Packets for Hydration and Migraine Relief
Dehydration can trigger or exacerbate headaches. Drinking plenty of water and supplementing with electrolytes if needed is one of the best migraine home remedies that everyone can safely use. I use hydration packets a lot in the summer and especially love the grape and berry flavors!
Migraine Home Remedies for Light Sensitivity
Getting migraine relief on a sunny day or when staring at a monitor for work all day long can be tough, but these items can help.
Blackout Curtains for Migraine Light Sensitivity
When I'm dealing with a migraine, bright sunshine can turn a somewhat manageable episode into a day of brain-shattering pain. Blackout curtains in my bedroom turn it into a healing sanctuary where I can recuperate and minimize my downtime.
Blue Light Blocking Glasses for Migraine Prevention
Blue light from computer and mobile phone screens can be a migraine trigger, and even if it doesn't trigger it directly, I find using devices makes my migraine worse.
Migraine Home Remedies for Nausea
Yet another “fun” aspect of life as a migraineur is dealing with nausea. Sometimes prescription meds are necessary, but these natural home remedies can supplement other treatments and help get queasiness under control.
Lozenges for Migraine Nausea
I find ginger to be a very helpful remedy for the nausea migraine can bring with it.
Ginger Beer
Since alcohol is one of my migraine triggers, I like to order a ginger beer at bars. It's like root beer or ginger ale, but better!
Migraine Self-Care Home Remedies
These migraine relief products don't quite fit into any other category, but can be a valuable addition to your headache hygiene and self-care routine.
Wearable Acupressure Migraine Remedy
YMMV on this acupressure device. It only helps me a little, but my good friend swears by it. Let me know in the comments if you've tried acupressure migraine remedies and how well they worked for you!
Migraine Stick with Essential Oils
Migraine sticks provide cooling relief using a combination of essential oils including lavender, peppermint, and spearmint. According to some research studies, lavender and peppermint essential oils can reduce migraine symptoms such as pain and nausea.
Massage Gun for Muscle Tension and Headache
Have you ever had a migraine and a tension headache at the same time? I have, and I would wish it on my worst enemy — but not anyone else! Massage guns can help relieve muscle stiffness and pain to help you relax and get some sleep.
Cervical Pillow for Head and Neck Pain
Neck pain can be a migraine trigger for me, so a proper pillow helps me stay comfortable during the day too.
Tea for Relaxation and Sleep
Migraine pain can make it extremely hard to fall asleep, but getting proper rest is a key component of headache hygiene. A warm cup of tea at bedtime can go a long way in helping us wind down despite our struggles.
We hope this article has provided you with helpful information about migraine relief home remedies so that you can take steps toward feeling better now rather than later!
What are your favorite home remedies for migraine relief?
Please share them with your fellow warriors in the comments!
Coffee junkie. Spoonie. Writer about all things chronic illness and mental health. Friend of animals everywhere.
Dr. Wilson graduated from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, IL. Dr. Wilson specializes in providing culturally competent and trauma-informed care to patients with physical disabilities. In addition to her private practice, she works as a science communicator, teaching health literacy to middle school and high school students in her local school district.