Home Remedies for Migraine

Home care can ease a migraine attack and may reduce how often attacks happen. It does not replace medical care for frequent or severe attacks.

During an attack

• Rest in a dark, quiet, cool room
• Place a cold pack or cool cloth on the forehead or neck
• Sip water, since dehydration can make pain worse
• Try to sleep, which often ends an attack
• Take your prescribed or doctor-approved medicine early in the attack
• Avoid screens, strong smells and loud noise

Between attacks

• Keep a regular sleep and wake time, including weekends
• Eat meals on time and do not skip breakfast
• Drink enough water through the day
• Keep caffeine moderate and steady
• Manage stress with walking, breathing exercises and breaks
• Keep a headache diary of triggers and symptoms

Things to avoid

• Using painkillers on more than 2 to 3 days a week, which can cause medication-overuse headache
• Putting oil, drops or home mixtures in the nose or ears
• Taking aspirin in children and teenagers
• Skipping a doctor visit when headaches are frequent

Pregnancy and children

Take only doctor-approved medicines in pregnancy. Children with repeated headaches should be seen by a paediatrician. Do not give herbs or honey to infants.

See a doctor soon if

Attacks are more than 4 a month, get worse over time, or you need painkillers often.

Emergency (112 or 102)

Sudden worst headache, weakness, speech problems, fever with stiff neck or confusion.

Key point

Rest, water, a dark room and early medicine are the core of home care. Frequent attacks need a doctor.