Kate’s guide to key homeopathic remedies for acute migraines

The following remedies are extremely useful in acute migraines. Please see each remedy description and find the one which best matches your symptoms.

For chronic conditions a full homeopathic consultation would be required under guidance of a qualified and registered homeopath.

Belladonna

There is a feeling of fullness in the head, often with a throbbing, pulsating sensation in the temples. There is likely to be sensitivity to light, sound and draughts. The migraine may have been triggered by the sun. The individual feels worse for movement, and better for pressure or bending head backwards.

Bryonia

This is a heavy, bursting, splitting headache, where the pressure in the head feels as if the head is too full. The pain may settle over one eye typically the left, and may spread to the back of the head. The pain is worse for any movement at all, even from moving the eyes or bending over - the individual wants to lie completely still in a dark room, preferably alone. They will be irritable and will not want to talk or to be disturbed. The individual will be extremely thirsty and have a dry mouth, possibly with dry lips too. There may be accompanying nausea, possibly vomiting, with a heavy feeling in the stomach. They will feel better for stillness, pressure and cold applications.

Gelsemium

The headaches can either by at the base of the head, or around the eye, possibly with congestion. There will be a sensation of having a band around the head, or a feeling of pain at the base of the head. The head will feel dull and heavy (mentally and physically), and there will be a heaviness in the eyelids – they will want to close. Typical triggers can include stress, bad news, anticipation and strong emotions. The individual may feel a sense of apathy. They will be better for the pressure of a pillow, especially if it is raised.

Ignatia

Migraines which are typically triggered by grief, emotional upset, shock or disappointment. The pain is often experienced on one side of the head, and may feel as if a nail is driven in. There will be a throbbing pain in the forehead and over the eyes. There may be twitching in the face or spasms in the muscles of the neck and back. The individual may sigh or yawn frequently and they are likely to be tearful. They will be better for being still, for pressure and for being warm. They will be worse for coffee, open air and strong smells, eg tobacco smoke.

Lachesis

The pay is typically felt on the left-sided of the head and is a pulsing pain. The pain is typically at its most intense immediately before menstruation, ceasing as soon as the flow begins. The face may be deeply flushed or blotchy in appearance. The individual is aggravated by sleep, either during the daytime or at night. They will be worse for pressure and constriction (including tight clothing), heat and are likely to be aggravated by alcohol.

Lycopodium

Headaches can be triggered by fasting. The pain is likely to move from the right side to the left side. There may be aggravation between 4-8pm. The individual is likely to crave sugar and sweets, which will aggravate them. There may be accompanying abdominal bloating and flatulence.

Natrum muriaticum

The pain is often on the righthand side and has the sensation of “a thousand little hammers knocking on the brain”. It will often be felt above the eyes or at the top of the head. Typical triggers are grief, emotional upset, the sun or menstruation (just before or after the flow). The headache is often worse from eyestrain. The individual is likely to be sensitive to light. They will be better for sleep, for being still and for the pressure of the pillow.

Nux vomica

The pain is felt at the back of the head or over the eyes. There will be a bruised sensation and there may be a pressing pain at the top of the head. The individual will be extremely irritable and hypersensitive. Typical triggers include toxicity and overindulgence in rich food, alcohol or drugs, and there may be accompanying nausea. The individual will feel extremely chilly. They will be aggravated by cold, noise, touch, light, alcohol and coffee. They will be better for discharges, rest and warmth.

Sepia

Migraines will typically be left-sided over the left temple or eye, potentially extending to the neck. It may come in shocks or jerks and there may be the sensation of pressure on the top of the had. There may be accompanying dizziness, nausea and/ or vomiting, and extreme temperature changes (strong chilliness or hot flushes with sweating). Typical triggers include fasting or missing meals, before menstruation and during menopause. The individual will feel better for fresh air, vigorous exercise and from lying on the painful side of the head.

Silica

Headaches are usually right sided, starting in the back of the head and extending to the forehead. There is often pain over one eye and the pain is throbbing, as if the head would burst. Typical triggers include mental exertion, studying or the build up to menstruation. The individual will be sensitive, possibly a nervous person, and extremely chilly. They will may feel better for wrapping up warmly (particularly if the head is covered), and for pressure. Profuse urination may also ease symptoms.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this guide is for information purposes only and is not comprehensive. This guide should not be used as a means of diagnosing a health problem or disease, or as a means of determining treatment. Professional or specialist advice should always be sought before taking any action relating to health.

Kate Panayi LCHE, RSHom