15 Natural Ways to Stop Migraine Headaches (We Love #9)

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13. Ice Pack

This ancient home remedy seems too simple to actually work, but its numbing effect can ease tension and stop pain, sometimes within minutes. Simply wrap a few ice cubes or an ice pack in a clean towel and apply it to your forehead, temples, or the back of the neck for 10 to 15 minutes. Leave off for another 10 minutes, and then reapply as needed.

14. Massage

Massaging the head stimulates serotonin receptors, which can reduce the symptoms, as well as the frequency of migraines. Massage can also ease migraine pain by blocking pain signals sent to the brain. If you think this sounds too simple, the Annals of Behavioral Medicine published a study in 2006 which showed that massage therapy was very helpful in the treatment of migraine headaches. Simply massage your head with your index and middle fingers in a circular motion. You can also warm about 2 tablespoons of sesame oil mixed with half a teaspoon of cardamom and cinnamon. Massage this mixture into your forehead and temples for 5 to 10 minutes. Allow it to soak in for a few hours before you wash it off.

15. Apples

At the very first sign of migraine pain, eating an apple can help to reduce the pain as well as the length of the episode. Research suggests that even just smelling a green apple can reduce the severity of the pain, especially for those who enjoy the smell of green apples. Scientists aren’t sure why this method works, but for some people, an apple a day keeps the migraine away.

There are plenty of no-no’s for those who get migraines and you should avoid the following: