Migraine headaches are one of the most common conditions faced by people around the people. This is often accompanied by various symptoms including nausea, vomiting, visual changes, sensitivity to sound, light, or smell, and tingling or numbness of hands or feet.
Though there are different medications used to treat and prevent migraines, people are still searching for natural treatments that can help them deal with this condition.
Ginger Against Migraine
The ginger root has strong anti-inflammatory properties, settles the stomach, helps with nausea, and aids with digestion. When it comes to migraine attacks, the root is a must-have addition to our pantry.
Serena Goldstein, ND, a naturopathic doctor and hormone expert based in New York City, says:
“Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties can actually be more potent than a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).”
A 2014 study involving 100 patients showed that taking a half teaspoon of ginger in a little warm water at the onset of a migraine attack can be “statistically comparable to sumatriptan,” a commonly prescribed Migraine abortive.
In a small 2017 study, results revealed that powdered ginger worked as effectively as ibuprofen to manage pain and swelling in patients who had been treated for impacted molars. “And just like many migraine medications act by leaving more serotonin—our ‘happy hormone’—in our body, ginger does this as well.”
Moreover, in a 2018 study, experts found that as compared to treatment with an NSAID alone, patients fared significantly better in pain reduction and returned to a level of functionality quicker when ginger was added to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as treatment for Migraine attacks.
Different ways of using ginger for migraines or headaches:
- Drink it. Boil fresh ginger root in hot water to make a tea for faster absorption or put the ginger powder in a shot glass with a few ounces of water.
- Ayurvedic medicine suggests that to help deal with migraine attacks we can create a face mask with ginger powder. Make a paste by simply adding warm water to the organic ginger powder and then dab it lightly along the forehead and temples. Rest in a quiet, dark room or somewhere calming.
- Essential oils. For migraine attacks with an upset stomach, digestive issues, or nausea, try using a ginger essential oil. Simply rub a few drops of the oil along the inner wrists, where the points to stomach channel are and along the stomach where the discomfort is felt.
- Try to pop ginger candies. Made from all-natural ginger, this will help settle the stomach or when feeling a migraine attack is coming.
