Dealing with Migraines and Headaches

   Do you deal with migraines or headaches? If so I am sure you have tried everything under the sun to get help, probably with no relief. 

   I have dealt with severe headaches and debilitating migraines most of my life, and my 12 year old daughter has been dealing with them for a few years now.  My daughter also has visual migraines, which is where she will see dancing lines and spots along with the head pain, as you can imagine this is very disruptive for her.  On our mission for relief we have tried any and almost all over-the-counter pain aids and many prescription medications. We have found relief in some things we have tried but it never lasts long plus there are so many negatives associated with these types of relief aids. So I am looking for more natural, healthy ideas to help us fight the pain.  In my search these are some items I have found that may help, I will be trying them till I find the most helpful for us.

   Lavender Oil:  Should NOT be taken orally! Inhaling 2-4 drops for every 2-3 cups of boiling water is recommended for headache treatment. External application without needing to dilute it can also be helpful.

   Peppermint Oil: (We have tried this applied to the forehead. Worked well to get rid of headache but didn't last long.) Shown to benefit tension headaches as a soothing home remedy. Helps open and close blood vessels to promote blood flow. Peppermint also gets more oxygen into the bloodstream by opening up the sinuses.

   Basil Oil: Helpful for headaches caused by tight muscles or tension because it is great as a muscle relaxant.

   Cayenne: Great natural remedy for treating pain and inflammation. Capsaicin is an ingredient in Cayenne that inhibits pain perception. When applied topically to the nasal passages can significantly reduce the severity of pain.

  All you need is:

  1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder

  1/2 cup warm water

  cotton swabs

Dissolve powder in water, soak cotton swab in solution. Apply the swab gently to the inside of each nostril. May be uncomfortable at first but you will find relief from the headache.

   Heat and Cold: (Ice pack is one of our go-to remedies, along with a nap.) Safe headache treatment for anyone. To relieve neck tightness apply heat to the back of your neck.

 Apply ice pack to temples and forehead for a pulsating headache.

   Thyme and Rosemary Oil: Dab a drop or two of thyme or rosemary essential oil on your forehead and each temple. Gently rub into the skin.

   Coffee: Caffeine reduces swelling of blood vessels, and can reduce frequency and intensity of your headaches.

   Feverfew: Effective in treating migraines by taking pressure off of the nerves and reduces inflammation.

   Vick's Vapor Rub: (I have used this for years and have always found relief.) Great for stopping headaches. Rub Vick's on your temples and forehead.

   Willow Bark: Natural alternative to aspirin, contains a pain relieving compound call salicin.

Is there anything you have used to find relief? Any ideas or tips are greatly appreciated.