Migraines are incredibly painful headaches that often occur as the result of dehydration, stress, muscle tension, and even eating certain foods. While young people can easily take over-the-counter drugs to curb the pain, not all seniors can take these medications. Fortunately, there are a few natural home remedies to help your senior loved one alleviate migraine pain.
Lavender Oil
There are numerous essential oils and aromatherapy treatments that relieve migraine headaches, and lavender is one of the more popular options. Lavender oil can either be inhaled or applied topically to the temples. You can even add two or three drops of the oil to two or three cups of boiling water and have your loved one inhale the vapor to alleviate symptoms.
Peppermint Oil
Another popular essential oil, peppermint oil, can alleviate migraine pain. Many people apply peppermint oil around the temples to minimize their headaches. Migraines often occur because of poor blood flow, and peppermint oil can counteract this by opening up the blood vessels.
Feverfew
This is a popular herbal treatment for migraines and headaches of all types. Most feverfew products are made of dried feverfew leaves and come in the form of tablets, capsules, and even liquid extracts. Many studies show that people who take feverfew supplements daily are successful in reducing their migraine symptoms.
Managing pain from migraines can be especially difficult for aging adults who are living with other health conditions. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality in-home care. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
Flaxseed
If a migraine is caused by inflammation, flaxseed can be effective in minimizing the pain by easing this irritation. Flaxseed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation. Your loved one can use it as oil or in the form of whole or ground seeds, depending on what’s easiest for him or her to use.
Buckwheat
Buckwheat is a grain-like seed that contains a flavonoid called rutin, which contains antioxidants that alleviate migraines. Much like flaxseed, buckwheat can also minimize inflammation and reverse the damage sustained to cells during a migraine.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, the Chinese practice of using thin needles inserted at different points on the body to alleviate pain, is another natural way to treat migraines. The practice is based on unblocking the “chi,” or the natural energy in the body, to ease stress. Once the chi is flowing normally, migraine pain is often reduced.
Specific Foods
One way to treat your loved one’s migraines is by adding certain foods to his or her diet that can prevent the frequency of migraines. Some helpful foods include:
- Fish, cantaloupe, dandelion greens, and other foods high in vitamin A
- Broccoli, prunes, cabbage, and foods containing B vitamins
- Foods high in fiber, such as oatmeal, lentils, and pears
- Winter squash, avocados, yogurt, yams, and other potassium-rich items
If your loved one needs assistance with preparing items safely in the kitchen, a professional caregiver can be a fantastic asset. Lincoln elder care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Sleep
Since migraines can be caused by sleep disturbances, ensuring your loved one maintains a regular sleep schedule can go a long way toward preventing headaches. Getting too little or even too much sleep can trigger a migraine. Keeping light and noise to a minimum when sleeping and having regular sleep and wake times can help your loved one reduce the likelihood of migraines.
Frequent or severe migraines can be debilitating for some aging adults. Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Lincoln seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. If your loved one needs professional care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (916) 226-3737 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.