If you suffer from migraines, you know this terrible feeling: a severe, sometimes debilitating, throbbing pain on the side of your head. Maybe you even experience nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. It’s not something anyone can take lightly, and nor should they! It’s so much more than just a “headache”. The onset of a migraine can seriously derail a workday or a fun weekend with the kids. Say goodbye to getting anything else done because it just might not feel possible.

We’re here to tell you, you’re not alone. In the U.S., over 37 million people experience migraines, and some estimates show that about 3 million of those people have chronic migraines. So, if you suffer from migraines, whether occasional or chronic, how can you find relief?

The Natural Path to Preventing Migraines

In Functional Medicine, our goal is to get to the root of a problem, not just put a band-aid on it. Temporary relief is great in the moment, but for the long term, it’s just not a good option for those suffering from chronic illnesses such as migraines.

In order to holistically manage your health and prevent future migraines, let’s first break down some of the most common risk factors to be aware of.

Risk Factors That Could Contribute to Migraines

Some of these common factors include:

• Age: While migraines can begin at any age, many start to occur during adolescence. They tend to peak in severity during your 30s and then taper off in the following decades.
• Hormonal changes: If you happen to be a woman, then you might notice they occur before or right after menstruation. Some women note that they begin during pregnancy or menopause as well.
• Family History: Unfortunately, if you have a family member with migraines, then you have a good chance of developing them, too.
• Gender: Women are three times more likely to develop them.

Migraines are occasionally misdiagnosed as tension headaches or other illnesses, so it’s important to be aware of these risk factors and discuss any symptoms or potential risks with your doctor.

Understanding where your illness may have come from is part of the holistic view of your overall health. While we may not be able to prevent or change your family history, we can naturally prevent the occurrence of a painful migraine. Here’s how.

Preventative Medicine You Can Find in the Earth

Using herbs as medicine can be one of the most effective, and natural, ways to help your body to heal itself and get you back to your uninhibited daily life.

Feverfew

This is one of the oldest remedies for migraines. According to the New York Headache Center, it has an anti-inflammatory called parthenolide that helps to protect the blood vessels on the surface of your brain. Take it internally as a supplement, drink as a tea, or just eat it raw.

Chamomile

Chamomile has been found to be helpful in eliminating certain migraine symptoms. This is partly because of chamomile’s ability to reduce inflammation. You’ll find that this solution is available as a tea, liquid extract, in capsule form, as a skin ointment and as dried flower heads.

Rooibos

Like chamomile, rooibos is known for providing a variety of health benefits and has been considered by some to be healthier than green tea. One of the health benefits of rooibos is its mineral content including magnesium. Magnesium is known for its migraine relief properties. Magnesium is calming to the nervous system and the blood vessels, both of which are beneficial to a body that suffers from migraine pain.

These are just a few of the natural medicines available for those seeking to prevent yet another migraine. Take a Functional Medicine approach and look towards more natural solutions. You may find that your body responds better and more consistently.

If you suffer from chronic migraines, there is hope for you. The key is to stop symptom tunnel vision. Instead, seek out a well-rounded medical opinion provided in a functional medicine practice. You are more than your migraines - your entire wellbeing deserves to be cared for and understood.

Ready to make a change to holistic healing and seek help for your chronic migraines? Click here and book an appointment with LifeScape Premier today!

Resources:

https://migraine.com/migraine-statistics/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20360201

https://paininjuryrelief.com/fight-migraines-naturally/

https://migraine.com/migraine-treatment/natural-remedies/tea/

http://thenutritionwatchdog.com/rooibos-tea-even-healthier-than-green-tea/