Natural treatments for migraines & muscle soreness

Migraines and muscle soreness are common problems for many people, but they don't have to be a regular part of your life. Try these natural treatments for a drug-free approach to prevention and alleviating symptoms.

The food you eat can play a role in bringing about a migraine, particularly if the food contains amines – compounds that are notorious migraine triggers. To reduce the chances of this happening, try to avoid the following foods.

• Aged cheese
• Pickles
• Cured meats
• Red wine
• Beer
• Nuts
• Oranges
• Caffeinated drinks
• Chocolate

When you feel a headache coming on, don't reach for pain-killers – instead, try brushing it away by relieving muscle tension. Use either your fingertips or a moderately stiff hairbrush.

• Starting above an eyebrow, draw your fingertips or the brush over your head, back over your ear and down the back of your neck.
• Go back to the top of the eyebrow and do it again, starting a little to the right of the previous stroke.
• Do the same above the other eyebrow until you've covered your head.
• To make sure the headache really has gone, repeat the whole procedure about half an hour later.

Whether you're a weekend gardener or a serious athlete, you may suffer from muscle and joint soreness. Try these make-at-home oil treatments to alleviate your aches.

• Blend 15 millilitres (1 tablespoon) of a neutral-scented oil, such as almond, with 3–5 drops of eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint or wintergreen essential oil. Gently rub the mixture into sore muscles. Store in a cool, dry place in a dark-coloured glass bottle.
• Infuse 5 millilitres (1 teaspoon) of dried chili flakes in 30 millilitres (2 tablespoons) of sunflower oil overnight. Strain through a coffee filter before use. Test for sensitivity on a small area of skin first and always keep the oil away from your eyes.
• Spread castor oil all over the afflicted joint. Put cotton wool or a piece of flannel over the oil and then apply a heating pad or hot-water bottle.

Don't let migraines and muscle soreness slow you down – try these natural treatments to keep you feeling good and going strong all day.