Calling all migraine sufferers! Here's an old-fashioned alternative for migraine relief: plain aspirin.
Many OTC and prescription medicines are available today. However, you can also try taking three uncoated aspirin for your next migraine. If regular-strength (325 mg) doesn't provide enough relief, try extra-strength (500 mg.) You just might be surprised how well it works.
Source: Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld, the "Sunday House Call" segment of Fox and Friends Sunday on 4/25/2010 as well as personal experience.
By Lelia Jo Cordell from Springfield, OH
This page contains the following solutions.
I have very frequent migraines (several a week). One thing that lessens the pain is a cool strip on my forehead. I buy cool relief patches meant for back pain.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
My daughter has very bad migraines. Has anyone found any thing that helps? Thanks
My husband gets really bad migraines, and he says that what works best for him is catching it when it first comes on, and getting some extra sleep(having a nap or going to bed very early, depending on the time of day). And, prevention for him is key ~~ to not allow himself to run on less than 8 hours and keep strss low.
Lack of sleep, not eating meals in time (must eat full breakfast, lunch and dinner and not let myself get too hungry), not drinking enough water, seem to trigger my migraines. Also, low barometric pressure (thunderstorms/hurricanes) and stress contribute a lot. They were much worse when I was a child. Caffeine (2-3 cans of Pepsi or a Starbucks), sleep in a dark room and tylenol seem to make mine go away now, but when I was a child it wouldn't help at all.
I had this problem and the Dr ran some test on my blood. I have a problem with not getting enough B12 in my diet so I take a B12 vitamin daily. I can really tell when I miss it as I can't get rid of the headache. If other suggestions don't work take her to her Dr, also could be eye strain.
Eating/snacking at regular intervals is essential for me with plenty of water. My migraines come about that certain time of month, so staying away from chocolates and sugars can help too.
Hi there,
I am a long time migraine sufferer and I would not be a functioning human being without a prescription medicine called Imitrex. Migraines are not just headaches. They are disabling and can put a person at risk for early strokes. Migraine is a medical condition that requires treatment and should not be "toughed out" due to the possible adverse effects. There are several new prescription meds that are excellent at aborting migraines and enable a person to live a long and productive life. These medications are not just "dope", in fact, they are not pain medications at all.
My mother had migraines for years until she learned she had an allergy to anything with malt in it. Maybe it is an allergy.
My Husband and 13 year old daughter both have migraines, Our Family Doc. told us to try coffee or caffeinated Pop (soda)
This does work
The suffering a migraine causes is enormous. Lack of sleep, not eating regularly, cheese, wine, onions, withdrawl from caffeine, allergies to cleaning products, colognes, chocolate, weather even can bring one on. chlorine bleach, perfumes are a major cause of mine. People just don't think when they put on fragrances that they can cause someone agony 48 hours later.
I have suffered with migraine for a large part of my life. Mine were stress related and hormonal. I used to have terrific migraine both before and after a period, vomiting, horrific. They were so bad that I had to give up my job as a Legal Secretary at age 44. However, in 1995 I had a radical hysterectomy and am now on hormone replacement treatment. I still have headaches for nothing compared to what they were. I am prescribed a drug called 'Imigran' wonder if its a relative of your US Imitrex? Its works very well for me.
I suffered with head aches for 29 years and the doctors all said they were migraine but after moving to southern Illinois they got worse and I went to the Er one day and they sent me to a neurologist and he had me go thru several tests (such as cat scan, MRI and everything came back normal) so he did more checking and told me I had Cluster Headaches and put me on several different medicines and now I am only on one a day and they are gone-maybe she has cluster instead of migraines-have you ever asked the doctor about this?
I'm a nurse and have had migraines since age 12. Never missed any work or went to the ER for fear of being labeled a chronic complainer or drug seeker. I sure had some very miserable days! A few years ago after complaining to my doc he prescribed a drug called Maxalt MLT. Melts under the tongue. Works in about 20 minutes for me. What a life saver!!!
I was a migraine basket case until the advent of Imitrex. Now I use Zomig. One tab, and a second one an hour later if needed always works. These are prescription drugs, and your doc. should rule out any other causes. You didn't say how old your daughter is but Prementrual migraine is very common for many women.
I have had migraine headaches since I was a child, as far back as I can remember. I am now 45 years old. All five of my children have inherited this, the only thing that works for us is to go to the Chriopractor on a regular basis.
I have a couple friends who suffer from migraines, and they take feverfew which is available at health food stores.
Both of these ladies say the it helps avoid the migraine headaches. I am not sure of the dosage, but the health food store clerks are usually very helpful with details on the use of their products.
Harlean from Arkansas
Excedrin Migraine works very well for me as long as I catch the headache early.
I suffered with migraine headaches for years, I had the shots, nose spray, pills etc. But after having allergy tests and taking allergy shots or 3 years, it has now been over 6 years thank God since I have had a migraine. The doctors told me that food allergies were what was triggering them. So, you may want to discuss it with your physician
THANKS so much for all your replys. My daughter is 38 and has had to miss work lately. The doctor gave her a rx for relpax...expensive...but we will see...sandra
I can sympathize! Aside from avoiding caffeine or other things that "trigger" the headaches, the only thing that has helped me is magnesium supplements. I take 1 tablet each morning and the number and severity of my headaches has really been reduced! Hope this helps.
I have found that Excedrin Migraine is a miracle drug if I take it before the headache gets too bad. Also, Jason's Tea tree Mineral Gel is a wonderful product. My headaches usually involve my neck and shoulders and the gel applied directly to this area works wonders. I have also applied it to my temples and to my forehead over my eyes. it is relatively inexpensive for the amount you get and it really does help. I do however get headaches that I wake up with that are already so bad that neither of these remedies help. I hope this helps.
My daughter has had migraines for over 15 years. In recent months, she was hospitalized twice. Both times being admistered pain killers (shots) which made her high and called for 10 days off work each time. The last time we took her by ambulance because the pain made her pass out. THANK GOD somone mentioned seeing a Chiropractor, which I had no faith in but was ready to try anything.
After 2 treatments she is doing so well, it's unbelievable! Who would
have thought a Chiropractor could help. He told us exactly how her headachs would first decrease in intensity then disappear and return but less often,until they were completely gone. It's been a week, it's all going just as he said. She's been 2 days with no headache. . . unimaginable! Her Neurologist suggested a clinic in Ohio which does migraine surgery. (search the net, it's there) or Botox injections in the head like corn rows. Seriously, try a Chiropractor. I pray it continues to help my daughter and you too!!
Both my son and I have suffered with migraines for years. A book titled, "Heal Your Headache" by David Buchholz changed our lifes. It teaches you a 3 step process (basically a lifestyle change) to control migraines. If you are serious about making a change and really taking control of the migrains get this book. It took me many years of trying everything from physical therapy, to chiropractic, herbs, alterenative medicine, a couple of trips to the ER....this book taught me how to be in control. GET IT AND READ IT IMMEDIATELY!!!
I always get really bad migraines at school which can sometimes even be brought on from just looking out the window on a bright day.
The headache only lasts for about 8 hours (with painkillers) but then for about 3 days after I feel all dizzy and stuffy and the headache returns for a few minutes when I bend over or move my head suddenly.
Is this normal?
If so how can I help it?
i am praying for yur daughters migraines but i tell yu sis my little girl had migraines and the doctor mentioned that dehydration causes headaches... i found out just being thirsty means yur body is dehydrating. i am praying for yur little girl and i know healing is on the way.........be blessed mom!
gloria on long island
My daughter and a niece have had the luck to be given migraines. I would appreciate your suggestions on home remedies for the migraines. I will then pass them on to my daughter and niece. Thank you.
By Linda from Bloomington, IL from Bloomington, IL
I like to go to earthclinic.com and see what they have.
I once got rid of a headache with an applecider tea I made. it had 1 tsp apple cider vinegar and one cup water with 1/8 tsp baking soda. It worked fast.
It depends on what causes it.
Check out the holistic cures at earthclinic.com.
Blessings,
Robyn
I'm so sorry that you're suffering with migraines. My husband gets them more often than me (I might get one or two a year). It seems to me that it's very important to recognize the symptoms and take your medication asap. I get visual auras a little bit before my head starts hurting. I'll notice that my vision seems to darken a bit, and I see something like (as best as I can describe it) static or sparkles. The static/sparkles feel like they're about 6" in front of my face, and I can see past/through them at whatever I'm doing. As soon as I notice the lights, I take my naproxen sodium. If I take it very quickly, I end up with just a regular headache instead of a full-blown migraine.
My husband had to see a neurologist for his migraines, and he told my husband to stop using ibuprofen for headaches (he had frequent headaches anyway, not necessarily migraines). The ibuprofen will take care of the initial headache, and then it'll cause a rebound headache. So the person takes more ibuprofen, and it all happens again. He had us switch to naproxen sodium (Aleve). He still gets headaches, but not as often as he used to.
Another thing, and I don't know if this will help with migraines so much as regular headaches, is hydration. Many of us don't drink enough water, and dehydration can cause headaches. It's such a simple thing to drink more water. When my husband complains of a headache, I ask about what he's been drinking for the day (usually not enough, or mostly coffee/tea), and then I give him a big glass of water to drink. f his symptoms don't improve, he'll take a couple naproxen sodium with more water. If you want to know more about it, do a google search for "dehydration migraine."
And if you haven't already, please ask your doctor about migraines and what you can do about them. Experiences of others are great, but your doctor has your medical records and can give you more personalized advice. It can't hurt to ask. I hope you find relief soon . . . best of luck!
Go to "Home Remedies for Migraines", lots of info there, good luck.
I used to get Classic migraines. I looked into what was causing them and tried to avoid those things. When ever I got a classic migraine I would go to a dark room and go to sleep. When I woke I felt alot better.
Sorry to hear that your daughter and niece get migraines, I know all about that. I've had them since I was 6 years old, normally 1 a week at least. One doctor that I went to said that too much caffeine can trigger them. At the time I was drinking soda or tea all the time, now I've cut back to decaf tea or sodas (you can find decaf Pepsi, etc at some places, or go with Sprite/Sierra mist). Make sure you do not just STOP having caffeine tho, or you will go through a type of withdraws, you have to do it gradually.
Also many of the doctors I've went to have said processed meats (hotdogs, bologna etc) can trigger them. Also, being female, "that time of the month" is a MAJOR trigger.
I've tried the prescription meds (immatrex etc) for mine and most of those did not help AND were expensive so I've found (for me at least) Aleve or Tylenol help, along with a nap in a cool dark room.
Some people can tell when they're about to get one, as Mrs Story said before that she can "see static/sparkles", I typically get a smell, its weird and I don't know how to describe it but if it ever happens to you, you will know it LOL. Maybe the girls have experienced this and can relate, or can start to look for these "signs" and can try to feel better sooner. :)
I hope some of this helps :)
I too am sorry to hear about your loved ones getting migraines. I suffer from them also. I learned a few things recently. Lavender essential oil works well to get rid of migraines. It works for me anyway. Put one or two drops in your hand and stir clockwise with your finger. This activates the oil. Rub the oil on the back and sides of your neck and behind your ears. Most of the time this does the trick for me. If it doesn't, I get a wash cloth and put a few drops of lavender on it. Then I go lay in a dark room or cover my eyes and place the cloth with the oil on it near my nose. I breathe in the oil. Usually the migraine is gone in a short while.
I also learned some things about causes of migraines. I was at my dentist's office last week, and they showed me a video about migraines. It seems that clenching your teeth (at night especially) causes migraines. They have a nifty mouth guard that fits over your top and bottom front teeth only. This makes it impossible for a person to clamp their back teeth down while sleeping. They want $700 for it, so I'm trying to think of a way to make my own.
I also know from experience that sugar can trigger some of my migraines. It seems that if certain factors are in place: stress, lack of sleep, and sugar. I get migraines. I hope this is helpful.
Mary
As a 30 year sufferer I can tell you there are no foolproof home remedies. If you can identify the trigger you can avoid those things. Nervous tension and stress are huge contributors in some cases. I tend to believe they are hereditary also. There simply is not enough research to be conclusive in the causes and treatments. Mine were hormonal and there was no way to avoid them. So every month I was out of commission for three days. I've been to specialists and clinics in two countries. Here is the weird part: I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and when I started taking oral medication for that the migraines stopped. My doctor said he's heard of it but can't explain it. You have my sympathy and I wish you the best.
I have a few suggestions. Finally getting mine under control, rather than every 3 weeks, about 3 times a year. I read the Miracle Cure book, which had suggestions I liked. I use peppermint oil. Just open the bottle, take a little wiff. I would put a dot on the temples, rub the back of my neck.
My rheumatologist and neurologist told me to not be afraid of medication to head it off when it starts. I use ibuprofen to start, always take some sort of antacid, like Zantic, to help calm the stomach, allows the med to work better. Have a 2nd step available for more severe migraines. I have oral toridol which I can use up to 30 mg x1. The 2nd dose needs to be in a shot form. I love this as within an hour, my migraine is gone. I don't get sleepy, etc from just the toridol, Dr.'s sometime want to add another drug for nausea, but I don't do it. That makes me sleepy and druggy.
I find when mine start, I head for the local pool and just exercise or swim. Allowing the muscles to stretch and detox helps me move the migraine out faster. I have done acupuncture, meditation, biofeedback, etc so I have a lot in my weaponry to draw on.
My biggest fix on the amount of migraines was when I had my severe eye correction fixed with laser surgery almost 3 years ago. The eye migraine due to my severe nearsightedness was gone. I also am able to drive at night without getting a migraine as well.
I've suffered from migraines all my life. In earliest childhood, they were eye-related. Getting glasses solved that. I believe they're also hereditary, since my sister deals with them, too. I know my current migraines have various causes: stress, hormones, sinuses and occasionally mild dehydration. My doctor didn't tell me this, I've figured it out over the years.
Dr Isadore Rosenfeld (Fox News Channel, Sunday House Call) advised taking three plain aspirin with Zantac or its generic equivalent, milk or a small meal to protect your stomach. I do this sometimes . Other times I use Excedrin Migraine (or its generic equivalent, since Aleve had no effect.) I also have another strategy. This may not work for everyone, but it's worked for me for more than 30 years: heat.
Since I don't have a reusable gelpack yet (I'll be ordering one soon,) I wet my washcloth in the hottest water I can stand. I fold this lengthwise and wrap it around my neck, at the base of the skull under my hair. I generally sit in the bathroom for half an hour, re-heating and reapplying the hot rag.
I don't know exactly why it works, but I'd guess it's the combination of the steam (for sinus relief) and the heat (for muscle relaxation) that eases the pain. The Excedrin or plain aspirin does the rest.
This works for me, although others would swear by application of ice or cold packs. Hope this helps.
Exedrin and coffee. The caffeine works probably for the same reasons others have said anything that relaxes the muscles. By opening up blood vessels and improving circulation.
I take about 4-5 heaping tablespoons of instant coffee and mix it with enough water to get it down, but not watery. I've heard that caffeine opens the blood vessels because when they're constricted that's when the head aches come. If it doesnt work in an hour I increase the coffee amount
Migraines are making me scared to move these days. Does anyone know where I could purchase non-MSG seasonings and broths? There are so many wonderful recipes I'd love to try, but they require broths which are a no no for me.
I know how to make my own chicken broth, but it's not very tasty. Thanks.I don't know about broths, but the Bragg Organic seasonings are going to be your best bet. They are available on Amazon and sometimes at health food stores.
Another thing you can do is go somewhere that sells bulk seasonings and get their herb mix. I have done this. Basically, it's the shop's mix of stuff like parsley, oregano, basil, etc. You can also learn to use things like lemon or lime juice and spices like cumin in dishes. Read online articles to learn what goes best with what. Be sure to get the fresh stuff from a health food grocer or herb shop.
I've got to the point where I've learned to season dishes this way and can skip all grocery store seasoning mixes if I need to.
For the migraines have you tried Topamax or the generic Topiramate? I use it daily. You may also get Eletriptan or Rizatriptan for emergencies when the daily medicine won't work. Ask your doctor. There is more help for migraines now than when I was a teen struggling with it, so if you haven't been back for a while it's worth it to see if there's something new.
Thanks Abigail. Funny, I was in the health food store a couple of weeks ago and I saw their bulk dispensers of herbs, rice's, oats, all sorts of stuff. I have been suffering with migraines since I was 9 years old and we couldn't figure out what was going on. Mom just thought that my body was changing. It wasn't until college that I learned that Accent, (in everyone's kitchen those days) was the culprit. And of course as a starving college kid, a staple was Ramen Noodles - almost pure MSG-great! I was going up to two years without having migraines until I married into stress and off and running I went! Well that didn't last long and after I was outta there, the migraines reduced down to about once a year.
But two weekends ago, I had a migraine every day for three days that never happens. I did use a few drops of liquid smoke while grilling that Friday and I only ate maybe 2 ounces one time of the grilled pork steak not even the whole steak just a portion of it but a migraine three days in a row? Needless to say I threw all of the grilled meat away, which almost killed me to see my money in the trash, but better safe than sorry. I was even scared to drink the bottled water I purchased that weekend. I did restart taking some vitamins that same weekend and I purchased another bottle of cologne that I have worn for years.
Colognes will do the trick, and I can't avoid them nor can I name all of the ones that trigger me, but I can name some of them. Walking through some of the cosmetic sections in department stores forget about it - and magazines with the fragrance samples in them uh uh. Because it was pay weekend, there were several things that I purchased, some of them I have since added back into my routine and Im still good. The liquid smoke (that I have used before) and the vitamins are also in the trash. I have tried Imitrex a long time ago but it just made me feel loopy. I have been fortunate enough not to have experienced the shot that I've heard about. Thanks for your info, it could come in handy.
Most spices and herbs in the grocery stores are MSG free. Likely things like Liquid Smoke is not, but read the labels on other things. Very often products made locally that you would get at the farmers' markets are MSG free. I haven't used Accent in decades. If MSG is one of the main things that you need to avoid, it is pretty easy.
I get monthly migraines. I have no health insurance any longer so I won't be able to get my medication. Does anyone have a reliable remedy/preventative for these hormonal migraines?
By Cheryl S.
Have you tried Excedrin Migraine or Midol? Excedrin Migraine has caffiene in it which opens the blood vessels. When I've had migraines before and had nothing, I grab a Coke or Mountain Dew for the caffiene. Not sure if it will work for hormonal migraines or not.
Thank you. I have not tried Excedrin Migraine. I may give it a try two days or so before I usually get the headache, keep taking it til afterwards? This was a suggestion by a physician regarding Naproxen. Thanks again
