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Ayurvedic Remedies for Migraine Relief
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Published on 10/09/24
(Updated on 08/31/25)
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Ayurvedic Remedies for Migraine Relief

Written by
Dr. Harsha Joy
Nangelil Ayurveda Medical College
I am Dr. Harsha Joy, and I mostly work with women who are struggling with stuff like hormonal issues, skin flare-ups, hair thinning, or fertility troubles that don't always have one straight answer. Over the years, I’ve realised that real healing doesn’t come from a standard protocol—it comes when you actually sit with a person, understand what their day looks like, how they eat sleep think feel. That’s where Ayurveda makes all the sense in the world to me. My clinical work revolves around women’s health—especially gynecology and infertility care. Many women who reach out to me have tried many things, felt confused or unheard. Whether it’s PCOS, irregular cycles, or just feeling "off" hormonally, I try to look at the root imbalance—agni, ama, ojas—basic Ayurvedic fundamentals that still explain modern conditions better than most charts or labels. Fertility support is something close to my heart... we don’t rush anything. It’s more like—let’s fix the ecosystem inside first. I also work with chronic skin and hair problems. Acne that just won't leave, hyperpigmentation, postpartum hair loss, oily scalp with dandruff... and again, for these too, it’s usually not a skin problem. It’s digestion, stress, sleep, circulation—internal stuff showing up outside. We work with diet tweaks, gut reset, herbs, maybe some lepas or sneha therapy—but always after tuning into what *your* body wants. Outside my clinic I write a lot. I'm part of content teams that simplify Ayurveda into understandable bits—whether it's about hormonal balance or skincare or daily routines. Writing has helped me reach people who aren’t ready to consult but want to start somewhere. And I think that matters too. I don’t believe in intense detoxes or piling on medicines. The work I do is slow, layered, sometimes messy—but that's healing. That’s what I try to offer—whether someone walks in with hair loss or years of failed fertility cycles. Every body has its own story and my job’s just to hear it right. Maybe guide it back home.
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Productivity plays an important role in modern society.

Migraine is a common neurological disorder that can cause severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. While there is no cure for migraine, there are a number of things that can be done to relieve symptoms and prevent future attacks.

Of many methods, there are holistic and natural migraine treatments in Ayurveda with which one can alleviate migraine problems and build a productive and healthy life.

What is Migraine?

Migraine headaches are a neurological condition that can cause severe headaches, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. They can be triggered by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, certain foods and drinks, stress, and exercise. Migraine headaches typically start on one side of the head and may throb or pound. The pain can range in intensity from mild to severe and can last for hours or even days. Other common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and fatigue.

There is no cure for migraines, but there are a number of things that can be done to prevent and manage them. Preventive medications can help to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Pain-relieving medications can be used to relieve the symptoms of an ongoing migraine attack.

Migraine Treatments in Ayurveda

Though there isn’t any permanent cure for migraines, there are a lot of ways in which one can alleviate the problems caused by  migraines. There are many home remedies to manage migraines of which there are some of the best Ayurvedic home remedies for migraine relief. Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of conditions, including migraines. Ayurvedic home remedies for migraine relief are based on the belief that migraines are caused by an imbalance of the doshas, which are the three energies that govern the body: vata, pitta, and kapha.

Ayurveda sees migraine as the side effect of the imbalance in the doshas, especially the pitta-vata imbalance. The imbalance in the pitta causes the hot burning sensation in the head along with headaches and eyestrains. Hence the ayurvedic treatment is to balance this and alleviate the pain caused by the migraine. There are many methods through which Ayurveda achieves this.

Ayurvedic Treatments

Ayurveda offers many treatments to alleviate migraines which are prescribed by Ayurvedic practitioners on examining the person and understanding their body composition or prakrithi. Some of the Ayurvedic treatments that are used are:

Panchakarma

One of the simple ways to manage migraines is by detoxifying the body. Panchakarma is the ayurvedic treatment that deals with precisely this problem. The panchakarma not only helps detoxify the body but also strengthens the nervous system thereby reducing the chances for a migraine attack in the future. They also help in balancing the doshas and removing the clogs from the body.

Nasya

Nasya is another treatment that is applied directly to regulate the nervous system and remove the toxins that are accumulated inside the body. In Nasya, the medicated oil is directly poured through the nostrils, which then affects the mucus that is accumulated in the sinuses and helps in pacifying the vata. This also helps in calming the nerves and relieving the pain.

Shirodhara

Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic therapy that involves pouring a continuous stream of warm oil over the forehead. It is believed to help manage migraines by reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep quality, reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and balancing the doshas. Inflammation in the brain is thought to play a role in migraine pain. The warm oil used in Shirodhara has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation and relieve migraine pain. The massage of the forehead during shirodhara can also help to improve blood circulation to the brain. This can help to reduce migraine-related symptoms such as dizziness and light sensitivity.

Ayurvedic Medicine

Along with the treatments Ayurveda also prescribes certain formulations and single herbs that can assist the treatments in building strong immunity which can reduce the probability of a migraine attack in the future. Some of the most common herbal blends include

Triphala:

Triphala is a blend of three herbs: amalaki, haritaki, and bibhitaki. It is a popular Ayurvedic remedy for detoxification and digestion. Triphala can also help to reduce inflammation and improve sleep quality.

Mahashankh Vati:

Mahashankh vati is a blend of several herbs, including feverfew, ginger, and black pepper. It is a popular Ayurvedic remedy for migraine prevention.

Saraswati churna:

Saraswati churna is a blend of  several herbs, including Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Shankhpushpi. It is a popular Ayurvedic remedy for improving sleep quality and reducing stress. They are also rich in vata balancing which helps in the balancing of the doshas and reduces the chance of a migraine attack in the future.

Sootshekhar, Pathyadi kwatham, Avipattikar churna, Kamdudha etc are used according to the state and stage of the disease.

Apart from these treatments, Para-surgical procedures like Viddhakarma & Agnikarma help instantly in reducing the pain without any side effects associated with regular pain killers.

Dietary and Lifestyle Changes

Apart from the treatments ayurveda also suggests many dietary and lifestyle changes to ensure there are not much of triggered migraines in  the future. Some of the changes suggested by Ayurveda are:

Getting enough sleep:

Most adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

Eating a healthy diet:

Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and caffeine. Instead, focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid salty, pungent foods, hot foods if you have already been suffering from chronic headaches.

Managing stress:

Stress is a common trigger for migraines. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.

Avoiding triggers:

Identify and avoid your personal migraine triggers. Common triggers include stress, caffeine, alcohol, certain foods, and bright lights.

  • Avoid bright lights or constant exposure to sunlight.
  • Use eye glasses if there are vision  disparities.

Even though there is no permanent solution for migraines, Ayurveda offers solutions that when followed as per instruction help not only manage migraine but also ensures it is prevented in the future from triggering. If the situation of the migraine persists it is important to consult an Ayurveda practitioner for expert solutions to the migraine treatment in Ayurveda.

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Ask-Ayurveda is a cutting-edge platform dedicated to connecting patients and doctors worldwide through online Ayurvedic consultation. Our platform serves as a bridge, offering a seamless experience for individuals seeking proper treatments for their health concerns. At Ask-Ayurveda, we understand the significance of addressing not only specific health issues but also broader lifestyle-related concerns.

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For a detailed consultation regarding lifestyle improvements, contact our dedicated experts at Ask-Ayurveda. Begin your journey to holistic health and well-being with us.

This article is checked by the current qualified Dr Sujal Patil and can be considered a reliable source of information for users of the site.

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Questions from users
What are some specific Ayurvedic home remedies I can try for migraine relief?
Julian
93 days ago
Dr. Harsha Joy
93 days ago
For migraines, you might wanna try a few simple Ayurvedic remedies. Applying a paste of sandalwood on your forehead can be cooling and soothing. Also, drinking coriander tea can help due to its balancing effect on pitta dosha. It's also worth trying Brahmi tea or lightly massaging Brahmi oil to calm the mind. Avoiding caffeine and drinking plenty of water can help too!
What are some Ayurvedic treatments that could help with migraine relief?
James
79 days ago
Dr. Harsha Joy
78 days ago
Sure! Ayurveda sees migraine relief through balancing doshas. A common treatment is Panchakarma for detoxifying the body. Incorporating herbs like Brahmi and Ashwagandha can also be helpful as they soothe the nervous system. Consider adding a cooling diet to reduce pitta, things like cucumber, or coconut water. Drink water frequently!
What are some specific lifestyle changes that could help prevent migraine attacks?
Hannah
69 days ago
Dr. Harsha Joy
68 days ago
Try keeping your daily routine steady. Eating meals at the same times and getting enough sleep can keep your doshas in balance. Manage stress with yoga or meditation - it calms the mind. Drinking enough water helps too! If you suspect specific triggers like certain foods or stressors, keep a diary to spot patterns. Adjustments could help reduce migraines.
How can I incorporate Panchakarma into my routine if I never tried Ayurvedic treatments before?
Riley
74 days ago
Dr. Harsha Joy
73 days ago
Panchakarma can be intense for beginners, so it's best to start with a consultation with an ayurvedic practitioner. They'll consider your dosha and overall health. You can ease into it by adopting ayurvedic diet principles, like eating fresh, whole foods and getting enough sleep. This can prepare your body and mind for the deeper purification of Panchakarma.
What are the specific herbs in Saraswati churna that help with migraine prevention?
Levi
64 days ago
Dr. Harsha Joy
63 days ago
Saraswati churna's key herbs for migraine are Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Shankhpushpi. Brahmi calms the mind, Ashwagandha reduces stress, and Shankhpushpi supports mental clarity and tension relief. Together, they help balance doshas, which might be beneficial for managing migraines.
What are some Ayurvedic remedies for reducing stress that could help with migraines?
Sophia
59 days ago
Dr. Harsha Joy
58 days ago
For stress relief and migraines, try practices like Shirodhara, which helps calm the mind, or herbs like Brahmi or Ashwagandha to soothe stress and balance Vata dosha. Deep breathing and meditation are awesome too! Everyone’s got a unique constitution, though, so experimenting and noticing what works for you is good.
How can I find the right Ayurvedic herbs or formulations for my migraines?
Lillian
54 days ago
Dr. Harsha Joy
53 days ago
To find the right Ayurvedic herbs for migraines, it's best to consult an Ayurvedic doctor who can assess your dosha balance and prakrithi (constitution). But generally, you might try herbs like Brahmi, Ashwagandha, or Gotu Kola. They can help with calming the mind and reducing stress. Also, don't forget to check for triggers like foods or stressors.
What are some specific Ayurvedic remedies that could help with migraine symptoms?
Elijah
49 days ago
Dr. Harsha Joy
48 days ago
Shirodhara's awesome for migraines! It calms the mind, soothes nerves. Also, try Nasya therapy—applying medicinal oil/ ghee in the nostrils, it balances Vata dosha. And make sure to support your Agni with a Vata-pacifying diet. Avoid cold, dry foods. Light yoga and meditation helps too! Keeping stress in check is key!
What are the main benefits of Shirodhara for treating migraines?
Mia
44 days ago
Dr. Harsha Joy
43 days ago
Shirodhara can be really helpful for migraines! It works by calming the nervous system and balancing the doshas, especially pitta, which often causes migraine triggers. The steady oil flow on the forehead can reduce stress, anxiety, and headache pain. It’s soothing and helps in improving sleep too, which can further alleviate migraine symptoms. If migraines are a big concern, I'd suggest talking to an Ayurvedic practitioner who can consider your specific doshas and needs.
What types of foods should I avoid besides salty and pungent ones to help with headaches?
Amelia
39 days ago
Dr. Harsha Joy
38 days ago
Besides salty and pungent foods, you might want to avoid overly processed and fermented foods too, like cheese and processed meats. Foods that are too cold might not be great either as they can aggravate vata, which is linked to headaches. Try sticking to more grounding and fresh foods if possible.
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