Let’s Talk About Migraines

Migraines are more than just bad headaches. They can stop you in your tracks, affect your daily life, and leave you feeling drained. If you get them, you know the struggle is real.

What is a Migraine?

A migraine is a type of headache that usually comes with throbbing pain, often on one side of the head.

It can last for hours or even days. Migraines are often accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, and sometimes visual disturbances (called aura).

Common Migraine Symptoms

Intense, pounding headache
Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or blurred vision
Fatigue and brain fog

Possible Triggers

Identifying your triggers is key to managing migraines. Some common ones include:
Stress or anxiety
Lack of sleep or too much sleep
Certain foods (chocolate, cheese, processed meats)
Caffeine or alcohol
Bright lights or loud noises
Hormonal changes (especially in women)
Weather changes

Managing Migraines: What Helps

Keep a Migraine Tracker
Write down when migraines happen, what you ate, your stress level, sleep, etc.
Over time, patterns will appear.
This helps you avoid triggers and talk to your doctor with more clarity.

Create a Migraine-Friendly Routine
Sleep and wake at the same time every day.
Eat regular meals.
Drink plenty of water.

Natural Remedies
Magnesium – Helps prevent migraines in many people.
CBD – Can reduce pain and calm the body.
Essential oils (like peppermint and lavender) – Can soothe pain when applied to temples.
Ginger tea – Eases nausea and headache intensity.

Medical Treatments
Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol
Prescription meds (triptans or preventative drugs)
Botox (in severe chronic cases)
Newer treatments like CGRP inhibitors

Rest in a Dark Room
Many people find relief by lying down in a quiet, dark, and cool space.
Avoid screens and bright lights.

You Are Not Alone

Migraines affect over 1 billion people worldwide. They’re frustrating, painful, and unpredictable—but they’re also manageable with the right tools and support.

Track your symptoms. Learn your triggers. Try different remedies. Talk to a doctor if needed.

Relief is possible—and you deserve it.

Natural Remedies and Prescription Medications for Migraines.

Migraines can be debilitating, but many people find relief through a mix of natural treatmentsand prescription medications. What works for one person may not work for another—it’s all about finding what helps you.

Natural Remedies for Migraines

These are great for people who want to explore holistic options, manage mild symptoms, or complement medical treatments.

Magnesium
A deficiency in magnesium is linked to migraines.
Supplement daily (400–500mg is commonly used).
Best form: Magnesium glycinate or magnesium citrate.
Also found in: Spinach, almonds, avocado, dark chocolate.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
May reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
Typical dose: 400mg per day.
Often recommended by neurologists as a natural preventive option.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Supports brain and heart health.
Can lower migraine frequency.
Dose: 100–300mg per day.

Feverfew
A traditional herb that helps reduce migraine attacks.
Works best when taken daily.
Often combined with magnesium and riboflavin.

Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
Shown to reduce migraine frequency.
Must be PA-free (pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free) to be safe.A
Use under medical guidance—some safety concerns exist.

CBD Oil , Patches, Liquids
May help reduce pain, anxiety, and inflammation.
Choose a trusted brand with lab-tested products.
Start with a low dose and monitor how you feel.

Essential Oils
Peppermint oil – Rubbed on the temples can relieve headache tension.
Lavender oil – Helps with stress, sleep, and head pain.
Can be used in a diffuser or diluted and applied topically.
Sinus Rub –

Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese medicine technique that may reduce frequency and intensity of migraines.
Works by improving blood flow and balancing energy pathways.

Yoga and Meditation
Helps reduce stress—a major migraine trigger.
Improves posture, reduces muscle tension, and calms the nervous system.

Hydration and Diet
Dehydration is a common trigger.
Avoid common trigger foods: chocolate, aged cheese, alcohol, processed meats.
Keep a food diary to identify your personal triggers.

Cold or Warm Compress
Cold packs on the forehead or back of the neck can reduce pain.
Warm compress may help with tension-type headache elements.

Prescription Medications for Migraines

Prescription medications fall into two main categories: acute treatments (for when a migraine hits) and preventive treatments (to reduce how often and how severely migraines happen).

Acute (Abortive) Medications

These are taken at the onset of a migraine to stop or ease the attack.

Triptans
Common first-line treatment.
Examples: Sumatriptan (Imitrex), Rizatriptan (Maxalt), Zolmitriptan (Zomig)
Works by narrowing blood vessels in the brain and blocking pain pathways.

NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
Help relieve mild to moderate migraines.
Examples: Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac
Can be combined with other medications.

Ergotamines
Older class of migraine medication.
Example: Dihydroergotamine (DHE)
Used when triptans don’t work or aren’t tolerated.

Anti-nausea Medications
Often needed during migraine attacks.
Examples: Metoclopramide, Domperidone, Prochlorperazine

Gepants (New class)
Examples: Rimegepant (Nurtec), Ubrogepant (Ubrelvy)
Blocks a protein (CGRP) involved in migraines.
Fewer side effects than triptans.

Ditans
Example: Lasmiditan (Reyvow)
A newer option for people who can’t take triptans.
No blood vessel constriction.

Preventive (Prophylactic) Medications

Taken regularly to reduce the number and intensity of migraine attacks.

Beta Blockers
Common for migraine prevention.
Examples: Propranolol, Metoprolol
Also helps with anxiety.

Antidepressants
Not just for mood—some types help prevent migraines.
Example: Amitriptyline (used at low doses).

Anticonvulsants
Example: Topiramate, Valproate
Stabilise brain activity and prevent migraine attacks.

CGRP Monoclonal Antibodies
A newer class specifically developed for migraine prevention.
Injected monthly or quarterly.
Examples: Aimovig, Emgality, Ajovy, Vyepti
Highly effective with fewer systemic side effects.

Botox Injections
FDA-approved for chronic migraines (15+ headache days per month).
Involves injections around the head and neck every 12 weeks.

Calcium Channel Blockers
Less common, but sometimes helpful.
Example: Verapamil (also used for cluster headaches).

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for migraines. Some people find relief with natural remedies, others need prescription help, and many benefit from combining both.

Start with:

Tracking your migraines
Identifying triggers
Trying lifestyle changes

Consulting with a doctor for a treatment plan tailored to you

You don’t have to suffer in silence—relief is possible with the right tools.

Final Thoughts