3 Home Remedies You Can Use To Decrease Your Headache Or Migraines

Whilst you would prefer to never experience a headache or migraine, if/when you do have one it is always helpful to have tools that you can reach for to try to help ease your symptoms. Here are Dr Beth’s (osteopath) top 3 oils/creams that you can apply to try to help ease your pain and symptoms of a headache and/or migraine. 

Magnesium oil! It is a topical solution that contains high levels of magnesium chloride, a form of magnesium that is easily absorbed through the skin. Applying magnesium oil to tight muscles of the neck and shoulders can be particularly helpful if they are contributing to your headaches and/or migraines. It is commonly used for its potential benefits for headaches and migraines, including:

1. Relief of muscle tension: Magnesium is known to relax muscles, which can help reduce headache and migraine symptoms caused by muscle tension.
2. Regulating neurotransmitters: Magnesium has been shown to help regulate neurotransmitters, which play a role in headaches and migraines.
3. Reducing inflammation: Magnesium has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce headache and migraine symptoms caused by inflammation.
4. Improving sleep: Magnesium has a calming effect and may help improve sleep, which can also help reduce headache and migraine frequency.

Peppermint oil! It is a natural essential oil that is often used for its potential benefits for headaches and migraines. Applying peppermint oil just underneath the base of the skull and anywhere else in the neck where you may be feeling sore/stuck can be helpful when experiencing a headache and/or migraine. Here are a few ways peppermint oil may help:

1. Pain relief: Peppermint oil has cooling and soothing properties that can help provide relief from headache pain.
2. Muscle relaxation: Peppermint oil has been shown to have a relaxing effect on muscles, which can help reduce headache and migraine symptoms caused by muscle tension.
3. Improved blood flow: Peppermint oil has been found to improve blood flow and circulation, which can help relieve headache and migraine symptoms caused by poor circulation.
4. Decreased inflammation: Peppermint oil has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the head and neck area, which can help relieve headache and migraine symptoms.

Anti-inflammatory gels! They are topical medications that contain anti-inflammatory agents such as diclofenac (voltaren gel), and are used to treat a variety of conditions, including headaches and migraines. Applying anti-inflammatory gel to the back of the neck, just underneath the base of the skull region and into the tops of the shoulders (if required) can be particularly helpful if they are contributing to your headaches and/or migraines. Here are a few benefits of using anti-inflammatory gels for headaches and migraines:

1. Pain relief: Anti-inflammatory gels work by blocking the production of pain-causing chemicals, which can help reduce headache and migraine pain.
2. Reduced inflammation: Anti-inflammatory gels help to reduce inflammation, which can help relieve headache and migraine symptoms caused by inflammation.
3. Improved mobility: Anti-inflammatory gels can help reduce pain and stiffness, which can improve mobility and reduce the frequency of headaches and migraines.
4. Convenience: Anti-inflammatory gels are easy to use, fast-acting, and can provide targeted relief to the area of pain, making them a convenient option for those with headaches and migraines.

Prevention is better than having to treat the pain and symptoms however if a headache and/or migraine does strike, having tools that you can reach for is important. So give these a try and see if they help. 

We're all about sharing information and helping each other as we go. If you'd like to learn more about your headaches and migraines and how to treat them, our practitioners are here to help you with all of your needs. Call reception on (03) 9486 7543 to book in with one of our practitioners today to see how we can help you. You can also book an appointment here 

**It is important to note that anti-inflammatory gel should not be overused so always use as directed to maintain its effectiveness and prevent any potential unwanted side effects. Some people may also experience skin irritation from any/all of the products listed so please perform a patch test prior to using them regularly. Also only apply one product on the skin at a time.