Migraine/ Headache Remedy

Migraine/ Headache Definition:

Migraine or Headache is mainly a symptom, and not a separate disease entity, and can be caused by any disorder.

Migraine/ Headache Causes:

• Persons with predominant Pitta are more prone to headaches.
• Even the slightest provocation (like extensive exposure to sunlight, irregular dietary habits, lack of proper sleep and any major change in daily routine) can trigger off a headache.
• Excessive sleep, straining of the eyes or strenuous exercises.
• Diseases like migraine, neuralgia and hyperacidity; major diseases like any abnormal growth in the brain or the membranes surrounding it and any severe injury to the head and skull.
• Suppression of natural urges such as micturition, defecation, yawning, sneezing.

Migraine/ Headache Symptoms:

• Moderate to severe throbbing pain in the head, especially in the temporal and frontal areas.
• Also associated with the symptoms like nausea, vomiting, giddiness, weakness and diarrhea.

Do’s & Don’t:

• Avoid foods (spicy, hot and pungent) that are known to vitiate Pitta Dosha.
• Increase intake of ‘cooling’ foods like fruits, coconut water, green grams and embolic myrobalan and even pure ghee.

Migraine/ Headache Suggestions:

• Local application with either sesame oil with camphor or with a paste of nutmeg prepared in water on the affected area.
• Alternately, a local application of sandalwood paste in rose water for headaches caused by Pitta dosha vitiation.
• For chronic headaches, massage scalp with oils medicated with Eclipta alba (Bhringaraj / Maka).
• Use nasal drops prepared from medicated ghee or oil, once, daily.

Herbs Can Be Used:

• Message with sesame oil and camphor for a few minutes.
• Take juice of Aloe vera, in a 30-ml dosage, once, daily.
• Inhale steam vapor (medicated with basil, camphor or eucalyptus oil) for a few minutes.
• This helps to clear sinus congestion.
• Apply a paste of clove, ginger and calamus, mixed in water.