Top 12 Homeopathic Medicines for Migraine

Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by headache, specifically affecting one side of the head (i.e., unilateral side). Migraine headaches are mostly pulsating or throbbing in nature. Headaches are accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and sensitivity to light and noise.

Homeopathy offers excellent treatment for cases of migraine. The treatment is carried out in two distinct phases. First, during acute migraine attacks, homeopathic medicines provide relief from pain in the head and its accompanying symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Once acute pain goes away, the treatment should not be stopped. Relief from acute pain is the first phase of treatment. During the second phase of treatment, homeopathy treats the root cause to cure the chronic tendency of migraine. These medicines help prevent the recurrence of migraine and also reduce one’s dependence on them. Homeopathic medicines do not work superficially but reach the core of the problem and focus on the root cause in the second phase of the treatment.

Safe and Non-Habit Forming Treatment

Since the medicines used in homeopathy are of natural origin, it treats cases of migraine with zero side effects. Homeopathic remedies offer relief in a very natural and safe way. The basic approach of these medicines is to stimulate or boost the body’s self-healing process to a level where the body can heal itself naturally. These medicines are safe to use for patients of all age groups.

The time it takes to cure any case of migraine depends on several factors. These include the duration of the complaint, its frequency and intensity. In addition, the response of the patient’s body to homeopathic medicines determines how long the homeopathic treatment needs to be continued for a complete cure.

Individualized Approach Towards Treatment

The basic underlying fundamental principle of homeopathy is treating every case following an individualized approach to get the best results. Homeopathy works wonders only when the medicine is prescribed as per the characteristic symptoms in every individual case and not just as part of a hit-and-trial method. For example, Belladonna, though is the most recommended medicine for migraine, may not help in all cases. For a headache triggered by sun exposure, Glonoine may be the best remedy, and in a case of nausea and vomiting along with a marked headache, Iris Versicolor may be the best medicine. Cases with ‘aura’ symptoms may need intervention with another medicine. So, proper consultation from a homeopathic physician with thorough knowledge of the subject is required, who will prescribe medicines after a detailed evaluation of the case.

Top 12 Homeopathic Medicines for Migraine

The top-ranked homeopathic medicines for migraine are Belladonna, Glonoinum, Iris Versicolor, Epiphegus Virginiana, Spigelia Anthelmia, Sanguinaria Canadensis,  Nux Vomica, Kali Phosphoricum, Natrum Muriaticum, Gelsemium Sempervirens, Sepia Officinalis and Bryonia Alba.

1. Belladonna – Top Medicine for Migraines

Though there are several medicines in homeopathy to manage migraine, Belladonna occupies the top position. I can bet this medicine will relieve migraine headaches. It is the best medicine to help relieve headaches with severe throbbing or pulsating pain. Besides, the patient reports a feeling of extreme fullness in the head along with a burst sensation felt in the head. Light seemingly worsens the headache. Noise may get unbearable. In some cases, exposure to cold air may trigger a migraine attack. In others, a head bath with cold water can result in migraine headache. Physically pressing the head is the only way one can get some relief.

When to use Belladonna?

This medicine can be administered when there is a throbbing/pulsating (beating with strong, regular rhythm) headache with a sensation as if the head would burst.

How to use Belladonna?

This medicine can be used in 30C potency two to three times daily, depending on the severity of the pain.

2. Glonoinum – For Congestive Headaches

Glonoinum is as effective as Belladonna for treating migraine with fullness and congestion in the head. Those who need it feel an excessive blood rush into the head. The head feels very large, as if it would burst. Patients who suffer are seen holding their heads tightly. The eyeballs seem to protrude. Extreme heaviness in the head along with unbearable heat is felt. Taking off what’s covering the head relieves the headache. Sleep also relieves one of a headache, while walking may aggravate it. Apart from congestive headaches, Glonoinum is a leading medicine administered for headache related to migraine triggered by sun exposure.

 When to use Glonoinum?

The use of Glonoine is highly recommended to manage congestive, bursting headaches triggered by sun exposure.

How to use Glonoinum?

One may ingest this medicine in 30 C potency one to three times a day, depending on the intensity of the pain. For using its higher potencies like 200C, one needs to consult a qualified homeopath.

3. Iris Versicolor – For Migraine With Acid Reflux

To manage headache with nausea, vomiting and acidity, no medicine does a better job than Iris Versicolor. Though some other medicines can be extremely useful, Iris Versicolor has to be the first choice. It is the best-suited medicine when acid reflux leads to a headache. For those who need, vomiting of a sour, acidic, bitter nature is observed. Bitter, acrid belching with heartburn (intense burning behind the sternum) and burning in the throat is felt. Other than heartburn, a burning sensation may be noted in any part of the alimentary canal. This medicine is also useful when cases of migraine begin with a blur in front of the eyes.

When to use Iris Versicolor?

It should be administered if migraine headache is accompanied by nausea, vomiting and acidity.

How to use Iris Versicolor?

This medicine works wonderfully in 30C potency that can be taken one to two times daily.

4. Epiphegus Virginiana– For Migraine Triggered By Mental Or Physical Exertion

To treat migraine triggered by exertion (mental or physical), Epiphegus is the best bet. It gives the best results when mental or physical exertion sets off the migraine episode. It is used when the slightest deviation from routine work brings on a migraine attack. Although it works for migraine on both sides of the head, comparatively better results are seen when the headache takes place on the left side. A peculiar accompanying symptom is increased salivation with constant inclination to spit.

When to use Epiphegus Virginiana?

Use of Epiphegus is especially suggested for migraine attacks triggered by either physical or mental exertion.

How to use Epiphegus Virginiana?

Its 30C potency one or two times daily is best to begin with. The potency is also administered depending upon the magnitude of the problem.

5. Spigelia Anthelmia – For Left-sided Migraine

Spigelia is undoubtedly the most effective remedy for migraine on the left side. In most of the cases, the pain begins in the back of the head (occipital region), radiates upwards and settles over the left eye. The pain is severe, pulsating and throbbing. A sensation of a tight band around the head is felt. Stooping worsens the headache. Severe pain in the eyeballs may be an accompanying factor. Also, eye movement worsens the pain.

When to use Spigelia Anthelmia?

It is the best choice for a left-sided headache that starts from the back of the head, goes upwards and finally settles over the left eye.

How to use Spigelia Anthelmia?

It is safe to use Spigelia 30C once or twice daily.

6. Sanguinaria Canadensis – For Right-Sided Migraine

Sanguinaria Canadensis works wonderfully to bring about relief if one has migraine on the right side. The characteristic symptom of administering this medicine is pain that starts in the back of the head (occipital region), and then goes up and sits right over the right eye. Lying down quietly in a dark room or sleeping brings relief. This medicine can also be administered when the headache starts in the morning, gets intense during the day and lasts until sunset. This medicine is especially helpful for migraines triggered by fasting (going without meals). Sanguinaria Canadensis is also a wonderful medicine for migraine among women during menopause.

When to use Sanguinaria Canadensis?

The key symptom of using this medicine is pain that begins in the back of the head, then travels up and settles over the right eye.

How to use Sanguinaria Canadensis?

It’s mostly recommended in 30C potency one to two times daily.

7. Nux Vomica – For Migraine With Gastric Issues

Nux Vomica is the best-suited medicine for migraine with gastric troubles. Migraines associated with indigestion, gas, and constipation show good recovery with the use of Nux Vomica. It is often seen that migraine headache gets triggered by particular food items. Nux Vomica is best suited when migraine triggers are from the intake of alcohol, coffee, and spicy food. The headache may be felt in any part of the head. The person feels the need to press the head against something for relief.

When to use Nux Vomica?

The characteristic feature for administering Nux Vomica is migraine linked to indigestion, gas and constipation.

How to use Nux Vomica?

Though this medicine can be used in both low and high potency, initially, 30C potency is the best to begin with. One may take Nux Vomica 30C two or three times a day. Avoid using its high potencies without consulting a qualified homeopath.

8. Kali Phosphoricum – For Migraine Due To Stress

To relieve oneself of stress-triggered migraine, one can use this medicine without a second thought. The unique indication for the use of Kali Phos is stress, tension, and worry that leads to headache arising from migraine. Such migraine headaches are common among students who undergo school or college-related stress. Exhaustion and weakness usually accompany the migraine in such cases.

When to use Kali Phosphoricum?

It is an ideal prescription for cases of migraine triggered due to stress, tensions and worry.

How to use Kali Phosphoricum?

The recommended dose of Kali Phos is 6X three to four times a day, depending on the intensity of the symptoms.

9. Natrum Muriaticum – For Migraine Associated with Menstrual Cycle

Some women may experience migraines specifically before or during menstruation. For them, Natrum Muriaticum is the best prescription and works extremely well. It mostly works if migraine headache feels like little hammers knocking on the brain. Another kind of headache that can be dealt with wonderfully with this medicine is when the headache starts with sunrise, continues through the day and vanishes after sunset. This is popularly known as the “sunrise to sunset headache”. It is also the most suitable prescription for migraine headaches among school girls or among girls who are anemic. It is also best advised if numbness or tingling sensation is felt in the nose, tongue or lips before the migraine attack.

When to use Natrum Muriaticum?

This medicine is administered to manage migraines triggered before or during the menstrual cycle and also when headache takes place between sunrise and sunset.

How to use Natrum Muriaticum?

Its 30C potency is the most frequently used potency that can be administered once or twice a day.

10. Gelsemium Sempervirens– For Migraine Preceded By Temporary Vision Loss

Gelsemium is well administered for temporary vision loss (blindness) that precedes onset of the migraine headache. Those who need it usually feel the pain in the back of the head (occipital region). A sensation of a band tied around the head is also felt. There is heaviness on the eyelids. There is excessive sensitivity to noise before a headache. This medicine can also be administered for a headache on one side accompanied by dim vision or double vision.

When to use Gelsemium Sempervirens?

This medicine can be administered for cases of migraine with temporary vision loss (blindness) before the onset of the headache.

How to use Gelsemium Sempervirens?

Use this medicine in 30C potency twice or thrice daily, depending on the severity and uniqueness of the symptoms.

11. Sepia Officinalis – For Headaches Affecting Alternate Sides

Sepia Officinalis is a useful medicine for headaches that may alternate from one side to the other and may worsen from being indoors or lying on the painful side. After a meal, one feels much better. The headache often occurs on a weekly basis or monthly basis. It is aggravated by mental exertion or shopping. A headache is frequently accompanied by vomiting, nausea, and aversion to the smell of food. The pain can be shooting or stinging in nature, sometimes extending upward or over the left eye, with a heavy or cold sensation on the vertex. Such headaches are often related to menstrual disturbances or hormonal changes.

When to use Sepia Officinalis?

This medicine can be used in cases of migraine where it characteristically affects alternate sides or when headache occurs periodically, every week or every month.

How to use Sepia Officinalis?

This medicine can be administered in 30C potency initially, once or two times a day. Potency can be raised to 200C or 1M but only after consulting a qualified homoeopath.

12. Bryonia Alba– For Headaches Worsening From Even the Least Motion

Bryonia Alba is a natural medicine sourced from the plant of “Wild Hops”. It is another highly effective medicine in cases of migraine, whether gastric, rheumatic or congestive in nature, that aggravate from any motion, even if one moves the eyes. The condition improves from absolute rest. Closing the eyes also proves beneficial in such cases. The headache gives a bursting or splitting sensation as if the head would burst. One also gets a sensation as if a hammer is being struck from within. There is marked pressure in the head and it gets worse if one stoops or sits. Pain is often felt over the left eye or in the occiput and may extend to the whole head. The patient prefers to keep absolutely still, as even the slightest movement may aggravate the pain.

When to use Bryonia Alba?

Bryonia should be administered in cases of migraine (gastric, rheumatic, or congestive headaches) that worsens from least movement and are relieved by absolute rest.

How to use Bryonia Alba?

Recommended dose for using this medicine is in 30C potency, twice or thrice a day, depending upon the intensity of the symptoms.

Causes Of Migraine

1. Migraines are believed to be triggered due to brain changes affecting nerve communication, and also originate from brain changes affecting blood vessels. 

2. Some believe that both these factors play a role. These changes send pain signals to the brain.

3. Other than these, a decrease in the level of brain chemical serotoninmay be another factor; research for confirmation of the role of serotonin in migraines is still ongoing.

4. Geneticsis also thought to play a role in migraine as persons having migraine often have a family history of migraine. About two-thirds of the migraine cases have a family history of migraine. If a person has one parent with migraine, then he/she has 50 per cent chance of acquiring the disease. Both parents suffering from migraine increases the risk to 75 per cent in their children.

5. In some cases, psychological conditionslike depression and anxiety are linked with migraine.

Signs and Symptoms of Migraine

The main symptoms related to Migraine are:

1. Headache – Mainly pulsating or throbbing in character and unilateral (affecting one side)

2. Nausea

3. Vomiting

4. Increased sensitivity to light and sound(Photophobia and Phonophobia)

5. Sensitivity to smell

6. Visual Disturbances (Blind spots and  zig-zag lines in front of eyes)

7. Vertigo or Dizziness

8. Difficult concentration

9. Eye Strain

10. Neck Pain

11. Fatigue and Weakness

12. Poor Quality Sleep

13. Balance problems(in cases of vestibular migraine)

14. Other associated symptoms- Stress, Gastric ailments (acid reflux, bloating and flatulence), dietary triggers (nuts, chocolates, coffee, processed food, etc.)

Stages Of Migraine

 Migraines typically progress through 4 stages, but they are not present among all patients:

Stage 1- Prodrome: This occurs hours or days before the actual headache. There may be mood changes, irritability and food cravings.

Stage 2- Aura: Some patients feel symptoms such as flashing before the eyes, blind spots, vertigo and photophobia before the onset of headache. This is known as “Aura”.

Stage 3- Headache: This is characterized by throbbing or pulsating headache, moderate to severe in its severity, often on one side of the head, accompanied by nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity towards light and sound.

Stage 4- Postdrome: It follows the headache attack phase. One may feel extremely exhausted and drained.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are migraines and a normal headaches the same?

No. Migraines and normal headaches are not the same. Migraine is a neurovascular condition where recurrent episodes of severe headaches occur and the headaches might be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or vision changes.

2. What is the meaning of Aura in migraine?

Aura is a warning sign before a headache, such as flashes of light, zigzag lines, blind spots, or tingling on the face or hands. Not all migraine patients get aura.

3. What are the triggering factors for migraine?

There are many triggers for migraine, some of them are: stress or emotional strain, lack of sleep or oversleeping, skipping meals, bright light, loud noise, mobile/screen overuse, hormonal changes and certain foods (chocolate, cheese, caffeine, junk food).

4. Is migraine life-threatening?

No, migraine is not dangerous. But it can affect the quality of life and rarely certain types need medical attention.

5. Can mobile and excessive screen time cause migraine?

Yes. Excess screen time can trigger or worsen migraines.

6.  Does migraine mean something is wrong in my brain?

No. Migraine does not mean a brain tumor, a stroke, or any other damage. The brain structure is normal — it is just functionally sensitive.

7. Why do I feel vomiting or nausea during a headache?

Because migraine affects the vomiting center of the brain along with pain pathways.

8. Why do I feel very tired after migraine?

Because migraine drains the nervous system. The “hangover” feeling is common.

9. What food items can I avoid to prevent migraine attacks?

One can avoid these food items such as chocolate, cheese, bakery & junk food, MSG, excess tea/coffee and avoid skipping meals.

10. Is migraine more common among women?

Yes. It happens due to hormonal changes. But men and children can also have migraines.

11.  What should be done when someone is having a migraine attack?

If one is experiencing a migraine attack, one should rest in a dark, quiet room, avoid screen & noise. One should apply a cold or warm compress and take the prescribed medicine.

12. What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my migraine?

One can maintain a healthy diet, take eight hours of sound sleep, avoid skipping meals, manage stress, maintain adequate water intake, and limit screen time.

13. How can homeopathy help with migraine?

Homeopathy aims at treating the root cause of migraine, reducing the frequency and intensity of symptoms, and reducing the dependence on painkillers. Homeopathy helps in the long-term control and cure of migraine.

14. Do painkillers help with migraine?

Painkillers can help with controlling the migraine headaches for some time, but frequent painkiller use can cause headaches due to medication overuse or rebound headache.

15. Can children and teenagers have migraines?

Yes. Migraine is common among children and teenagers also.

16. Are any tests required for Migraine?

Usually, no tests are required for migraine unless the doctor suspects another cause.