Migraine can be one of the worst types of pain experienced in day-to-day life, but sufferers often hesitate to take medicinal painkillers because they worry that the effect will be mitigated by over-use.

There are, however, natural ways to treat headaches, such as by eating healthily, getting enough sleep and reducing stress.

Susan Haydon, support services manager at the Migraine Trust, recommends carrying out the same tasks at the same time every day to cut down on severe head pain.

"It is often said that the migrainous brain does not like change, so maintaining a routine for activities such as eating and sleeping can be a lifestyle adjustment that may help to reduce attacks," she explained.

Herbal oils could also help to relieve an attack and soothe a sore head through massage. Warm a few drops of lavender or rosemary essential oil in your hands and apply it directly to your temples with your fingertips. Sweep along your hairline across your forehead before moving behind your ears and towards the back of your neck in slow, firm circles.

A ten-minute DIY Indian head massage should reduce the severity of headaches, but if you need something stronger to shift a migraine, butterbur and feverfew are two herbs that are known to control pain because of their anti-inflammatory properties.

You could also try taking nutritional supplements if you are prone to migraine. There is evidence to suggest that magnesium levels drop before and during attacks, so if you think you need a top-up, it might be a good idea to invest in supplements.

If you’re looking for a long-term way of managing migraine naturally, you could always try your hand at Yoga. The practice is known to help lower stress levels, so if you are able to take your Yoga equipment to the gym a couple of times a week, you may find your headaches become less frequent as you learn to relax and unwind.

Posted by Matilda Jones