5 Teas To Soothe Migraines

Migraines affect around 1 in 7 people. 52% of the global population have experienced a headache disorder within a given year, with 14% reporting a migraine. A collection of studies have estimated that 15.8% of the world’s population have a headache on any given day, and almost half of those individuals report a migraine (7%). Global studies suggest that approximately 2% of the world's population suffer from chronic migraine, a debilitating and disabling condition that affects around 2 in 100 people.

One of the hardest things about living with migraines is that they affect every person who suffers with them differently, so it can be incredibly hard to find an avenue of treatment that is effective in preventing or reducing the frequency of migraine attacks. Migraineurs worldwide are always looking for anything they can outside of medicine that could help them feel just the slightest bit better and ease the intense pain of migraine attacks. Migraine attacks are also a lot more than just the pain, they also cause a myriad of symptoms like dizziness, changes in vision, nausea and much more. While alternatives to medication might not affect the level of pain, if they can alleviate some of the symptoms it makes things a little easier.

Surprisingly, there are several different ways in which teas and herbal tisanes can aid those in the world who suffer with both headache disorders and migraine disorders. Not only in some cases helping to reduce levels of pain but also helping to reduce the intensity of some of the symptoms that are part of the migraine attacks. Aside from hydrating our bodies, giving us moments of meditation and providing us with comfort, tea is to be celebrated for many other reasons as well. Tea can help to reduce inflammation, relieve stress and tension, relax muscles, help to block out certain pain signals, help contract or expand blood vessels and also has aromatherapy properties among a lot of other things depending on the tea or tisane you are sipping on.

The majority of suggested teas and tisanes featured in this post are going to be herbal and therefore caffeine-free. There will also be two teas featured that contain caffeine. For some people caffeine can help, but for people who are sensitive it can make things worse. If you are one of latter, avoid any of the caffeinated teas mentioned on this list to avoid triggering extra pain.

If you are currently on any kind of medication consult a doctor before drinking any of the herbal blends mentioned just to avoid any possible interactions with your medication.

Caffeinated Options

Let’s talk about teas with caffeine first.

1. Matcha

Luckily within the world of true teas, there are many options to consider when it comes to teas with caffeine, but in this case, consider turning to green tea. Specifically Matcha. Matcha is a great choice rather than something like coffee which would provide a huge boost of caffeine but then an energy drop thereafter. Instead, Matcha provides a nice slow release of energy and caffeine through the day.

It's incredibly versatile so it can be prepared and consumed in many different ways. Yes, it has high levels of caffeine, but for those out there who do suffer from migraines and find caffeine helps, matcha is something you should try. Try Adagio's Uji Matcha which can be enjoyed hot or iced.

2. Oolong

If you have tried matcha before and taste-wise it might not have been your cup of tea, consider giving roasted oolongs a go instead. They have lower levels of caffeine and they are also often very calming to drink with that roasted flavor helping to provide comfort and coziness. In this case, try Muzha Tie Guan Yin. It can be prepared in both western and gongfu style and should be enjoyed hot.

Caffeine-free Options

Let's investigate the more traditional tisane route next.

3. Ginger

Teas made up solely of ginger or with a good amount of ginger within them can work wonders for many health issues and are often used to combat things like nausea, a frequent symptom attached to headache and migraine disorders. It can also help to soothe irritated muscles and alleviate cramps. It boasts many anti-inflammatory properties and as a result, can help to decrease inflammation within blood vessels and in turn ease, the major amount of pain headache disorders and migraine are known for.

Adagio offers Ginger Root that can be added to other blends or consumed on its own. However, when consumed on its own keep in mind that it can be rather strong! If you are looking for ginger in a blend try Double Ginger. This should be enjoyed hot with the option of adding a bit of honey, or enjoyed plain.

4. Peppermint

For a long time peppermint has been used to help treat tension-type headaches which are the most common type of headaches and migraine. Peppermint is also used to help settle upset stomachs so can also play a huge part in reducing the nauseated feeling that comes along with so many different kinds of migraines.

The active ingredient within peppermint is menthol, a compound that has a cooling and tingly effect in the mouth and can help to decrease the inflammation that causes tension-type headaches and migraine.

Peppermint can be enjoyed both hot and iced, though if you are looking for that extra layer of added comfort and the addition of the aromatherapy properties of the peppermint try enjoying this hot.

5. Chamomile

Outside of the migraine community many people turn to chamomile for relaxation and sleep purposes and that is because it is a relaxation powerhouse when it comes to tisanes. Consumed regularly, chamomile steeped for 5–10 minutes can help to reduce levels of anxiety and stress which are also a huge part of migraine attacks, because being in such intense pain is bound to trigger both stress and anxiety.

Studies show that chamomile when consumed as tea works directly to help modulate activities in the nervous system which in turn can help to decrease a variety of migraine symptoms. As well as showing that chamomile inhibits stress hormones and increases GABA activity, which helps to improve mood and induce relaxation. A second study found that chamomile ingredients including chamazulene and parthenolide both work as natural NSAIDs to decrease inflammation and help to treat acute migraine.

A cup of Chamomile before bed every night could also aid you in getting a better night's sleep which is very important when it comes to trying to lower the frequency of your migraine attacks.

Just like true teas, when it comes to herbal tisanes that could aid those who suffer from migraine, there are seemingly endless varieties to choose from; the ones included in this post are just the few that are most frequently mentioned by other migraineurs worldwide.

Migraines affects every single person who suffers from it differently so in the search for things that might help it is down to what tastes the best for you and won't trigger an attack. It might become a case of trial and error when you first start trying different teas and tisanes that could help you but it's more than worth the relief you get when you find something that elevates your pain or any of the extra added symptoms that come hand in hand with migraine attacks.