Dealing with Migraine

Migraine is found to be more common in women than in men. The condition is characterized by intense headache and gastric disturbances like vomiting. There are many factors which trigger onset of migraine.

Initial symptoms of migraine attack become visible when the cerebral blood vessels dilate leading to visibility of an aura.

Cause of Migraine

For most of the women the hormonal imbalance occurring during menstruation and menopause are cause of migraine. Excess stress and a disturbed lifestyle which has lead to low hours of sleep are some of the prime factors that cause migraine.

Prevention

There are certain foods which trigger the attack and may even make it worse. These foods are chocolate, coffee, red wine, cheese, port, sherry, tomato, white sugar, tobacco, shellfish and food additives such as monosodium glutamate. These foods must always be avoided.

Keep stress at bay by leading a healthy lifestyle. Meditation and breathing exercises in yoga are great options to deal with stress. Laughter therapy is yet another interesting way of dealing with stress.

There are certain foods which help in reducing the tendency of attacks. These foods are muesli, tofu, brown rice, aduki beans, mushrooms and sweetcorns.

Food that are rich source of magnesium i.e. melon seeds, tahini paste, Brazil nuts and brown rice are helpful in prevention of migraine.

Home Remedies for Migraine

Eat freshly peeled garlic with warm water every morning empty stomach. Eating an apple with some black salt and lemon juice is another effective remedy to prevent migraine.

In case of the attack, add 10 drops of lavender essential oil to a large jar of warm or cold water. Dip a small cotton towel and wring it. Apply the towel to the back of the neck and head region, dab a little on the temples. It helps in reducing the headache.

Concentrated grape juice is another way to reduce headache and gastric disturbances.

Make paste of pure sandalwood water with cold rose water. Apply it to the forehead. Cooling properties of sandalwood calm the nervous system.

Keep away from direct sunlight. Wear hat if you need to go out. Spray few drops of lemon or orange essential oils on handkerchiefs and sniff as and when required. It helps in preventing the attack.