Attend to any underlying disorder, especially low blood sugar, allergies, constipation, liver congestion and hormonal imbalance. Take adequate exercise in the fresh air. Reduce your tea, coffee and alcohol consumption. Certain types of food, such as chocolate, yeast extract, red wine, cheese, broad beans and liver sausage contain tyramine which provokes headaches in some people. Learn how to relax and cope with stress.
Treatment Take short fasts on fruit or vegetable juice.
At the first sign of a migraine, drink a large amount of water. This will encourage the body to excrete fluid, which may have been contributing to the migraine by causing pressure. A cold compress to the back of the head or forehead, with a simultaneous hot foot bath, is often helpful. The essential oils of lemon, lavender and mint are helpful. Mix them with a carrier oil and massage gently into the forehead and back of the neck.