Home Remedy for Migraine Attacks: Stop Pain Fast with Ginger

Written and verified by Holly Hazen

Are you tired of expensive medications with harsh side effects? If you're looking for a simple, natural way to stop migraine pain, ginger could be the home remedy for migraine you need.

This powerful spice has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, and research shows it may be just as effective as Sumatriptan (an abortive migraine medication).

Keep reading to learn how ginger can help relieve migraine symptoms, the best forms to use, and the most effective doses for maximum relief.

Why Ginger Works for Migraine Attacks

Ginger’s effectiveness lies in its ability to target the root causes of migraine pain:

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Ginger blocks the release of chemicals that cause inflammation and pain.

• Anti-nausea effects: It calms your stomach and reduces vomiting during migraines.

• Psychological benefits: Taking action, like trying a remedy, can help ease anxiety during an attack.
  
  

How Ginger Helps with Migraine Relief

Recent studies have highlighted ginger as a powerful natural remedy for managing migraines, both during an attack and as part of daily wellness routines. A clinical trial compared the effectiveness of ginger powder to sumatriptan (Imitrex), a well-known migraine medication.

Participants who took 250 mg of ginger powder (about 1/8 teaspoon) at the onset of a migraine experienced similar relief within two hours as those taking sumatriptan—without the bothersome side effects that medications can sometimes cause.

While ginger is promising for acute migraine attacks, another study explored its role in prevention. Participants took 500 mg of ginger extract capsules twice daily over three months to see if it could reduce migraine frequency. Although the results didn’t show significant preventive effects compared to a placebo, this research underscores the importance of understanding when and how ginger works best.

Can ginger be used for migraine prevention? While studies haven’t proven ginger’s effectiveness for reducing migraine frequency, including it in your daily diet as part of an anti-inflammatory lifestyle may still offer overall health benefits.

So, how does ginger help with migraine? Ginger works by:

• Reducing inflammation. Ginger is rich in compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which have potent anti-inflammatory properties. These help counteract the inflammation often linked to migraine attacks.

• Easing nausea and vomiting, which are common migraine symptoms. If you’ve ever battled the nausea that can come with migraines, you’ll be glad to know that ginger is a natural antiemetic. It can effectively reduce feelings of sickness, helping you feel more comfortable during an attack.
  
  

Beyond its effectiveness, ginger is affordable, widely accessible, and generally well-tolerated, making it an excellent alternative or complementary option for migraine management.

It’s an easy addition to your migraine toolkit.

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How to Use Ginger for Migraine Relief

Most of the research on ginger’s benefits for migraines has focused on using ginger extract or dried ginger powder in supplement form. These concentrated forms of ginger are the most effective and reliable options proven for alleviating migraine symptoms and reducing headache severity.

Ginger is versatile and easy to incorporate into your migraine management plan. Here are some simple ways to use it:

1. Ginger Tea

• Boil 1-2 cups of water.
• Add 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon of ginger powder or a few slices of fresh ginger.
• Let it steep for 5-10 minutes and enjoy.
  
  

2. Ginger Supplements

• Try a high-quality supplement like New Chapter Ginger Force for a convenient option.
• A typical dose is a 550 mg capsule at the first sign of an attack. This dose may be repeated once or twice but always consult your doctor for dosage recommendations.
  
  

3. Ginger Powder

• For acute relief, mix 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon of ginger powder with water or juice and drink at the first sign of a migraine. Take every 20 minutes until symptoms cease. The study used 1 tsp as a dose. So, work up to that if needed.
  

Be careful as ginger might upset your stomach. If it does, lower the dose. For me personally, it helps reduce the anxiety that comes with warning signs. Just taking action to help stop the attack, calms me down.

4. Aromatherapy or Topical Use

• Apply diluted ginger essential oil to your temples for a soothing effect.

Home Remedy for Migraine: How to Combine Ginger with Other Natural Remedies

While ginger is an incredible home remedy for migraines, combining it with other natural approaches can amplify its effectiveness. Many people find that a combination of remedies works best to relieve pain, prevent attacks, and manage symptoms like nausea or fatigue.

Here’s how you can create a holistic migraine-relief strategy using ginger alongside other powerful remedies.

1. Ginger and Hydration

Dehydration is a common migraine trigger, and staying properly hydrated is essential for prevention and relief. Combine ginger tea with electrolytes to address both dehydration and inflammation.

Adding a pinch of Himalayan salt or a splash of coconut water to your ginger tea can boost hydration while keeping you refreshed.

2. Ginger with Magnesium

Magnesium is known for its ability to reduce migraine frequency and severity. Combining a magnesium-rich diet or supplement with ginger may help calm overactive nerves and relax tense muscles during a migraine.

For a quick boost, pair ginger tea with magnesium-rich foods like almonds, spinach, or dark chocolate.

3. Ginger and Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy can enhance ginger’s calming effects. While sipping on ginger tea, try using peppermint or lavender essential oils in a diffuser. These oils are known for their headache-relieving and stress-reducing properties, creating a soothing environment that supports migraine relief.

4. Ginger with Acupressure

Applying acupressure to key points on the body can help relieve migraine pain and nausea. For instance, massaging the LI-4 (Hegu) pressure point on your hand while drinking ginger tea can provide an extra layer of pain relief.

Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties combined with acupressure can target both the source and symptoms of an attack.

5. Ginger and Restorative Practices

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of rest. Using ginger as part of a calming bedtime routine—such as drinking warm ginger tea before sleep or massaging your temples with diluted ginger essential oil—can help you relax and recover faster.

Why a Holistic Approach Matters

Migraines are complex, and no single remedy works for everyone. By combining ginger with complementary strategies like hydration, essential oils, and stress management, you create a multi-layered defense against migraine pain.

Not only does this approach offer immediate relief, but it also supports long-term prevention. Experiment with these combinations to find what works best for your body and lifestyle.

Additional Tips for Managing Attacks

While ginger is a fantastic remedy, managing migraine often requires a combination of strategies:

1. Prevention

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
• Avoid common triggers like stress, dehydration, and certain foods.

2. Acute Pain Relief

• Use a cold compress on your forehead or neck.
• Combine ginger with other remedies like peppermint oil or magnesium supplements.
• prescribed medications like triptans.

3. Work with a Doctor

• Find a healthcare provider who supports both medical and natural approaches to migraine treatment.

Are There Side Effects?

Ginger is generally safe, but it may cause mild stomach upset in some people. If this happens:

• Reduce the dose (e.g., start with 1/8 teaspoon).
• Avoid taking it on an empty stomach.

Some side effects are possible, including:

• heartburn
• gas
• irritation or burning sensation in the mouth and throat
• diarrhea
• flushed skin
• rash

Top 3 Ginger Supplements for Migraine Relief

Here are my top 3 picks to support your migraine management.

Common Questions About Ginger for Migraine Relief

Click on the arrow to see the answer.

Key Takeaways

Using ginger as a home remedy for migraine relief is a simple, affordable, and potentially an effective way to manage your pain and symptoms. Whether you use it as tea, powder, or a supplement, it’s worth adding to your migraine toolkit.

If you’re ready to try ginger, check with your doctor and get the right dose, take it at your earliest warning sign and see how it works for you. And remember - combining ginger with other remedies and lifestyle changes can help you better manage migraine attacks going forward.

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_{Home Remedy for Migraine Reference:} 

<sub>1. Maghbooli, M., Golipour, F., Moghimi Esfandabadi, A., & Yousefi, M. (2014). Comparison Between the Efficacy of Ginger and Sumatriptan in the Ablative Treatment of the Common Migraine. Phytotherapy Research, 28(3), 412-415. Available on: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23657930/
2. Gaul, C., Diener, H. C., Danesch, U., & Comprehensive Headache Management Trial Group. (2019). Double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) in the prophylactic treatment of migraine. Cephalalgia Reports. Available on: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0333102419869319
3. Healthline (2019) Can Ginger Help Relieve Headaches and Migraine? Available on: https://www.healthline.com/health/ginger-for-headache
4. Wiley Online Library (2020) Clinical trials on pain lowering effect of ginger: A narrative review. Available on: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ptr.6730#ptr6730-bib-0012</sub>

_{Updated Feb. 8, 2025}

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