Best teas to drink during a Migraine Attack
When you’re in the middle of a migraine attack, certain teas may actually help reduce the severity or speed up recovery. Based on medical research and clinical evidence, here are the best teas to drink during a migraine attack:
🫖 1. Ginger Tea
What it does:
- Contains anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving compounds
- Shown in clinical trials to be as effective as sumatriptan for migraine relief in some cases
Evidence: - A 2014 randomized clinical trial in Phytotherapy Research found ginger powder reduced migraine severity and duration comparably to sumatriptan.
🍃 2. Peppermint Tea
What it does:
- Acts as a muscle relaxant and anti-nausea agent
- Can ease digestive issues and tension-related headache symptoms
Evidence: - While more commonly studied as an essential oil, peppermint tea can still offer soothing, mild analgesic effects via menthol.
🌼 3. Chamomile Tea
What it does:
- Helps relax the nervous system
- Reduces anxiety and promotes sleep, both of which can worsen migraines
Evidence: - A study in the Neurological Sciences Journal noted that chamomile can reduce migraine-associated symptoms, especially anxiety and sleep disturbances.
🍵 4. Green Tea (with caution)
What it does:
- Rich in antioxidants (like EGCG) that fight inflammation
- Low caffeine content may relieve caffeine withdrawal-related migraines
Caution: - Too much caffeine or sensitivity to it can worsen symptoms. Stick to decaffeinated or small amounts if you’re not sure how caffeine affects you.
🌿 5. Feverfew Tea
What it does:
- Traditionally used for migraine prevention and acute pain relief
Evidence: - Some studies support its use, though it’s more effective as a preventive than acute remedy. Still, drinking it during an attack may help with inflammation.
🌱 6. Willow Bark Tea
What it does:
- Contains salicin, a compound similar to aspirin
- Offers natural pain-relieving effects
Caution: - Avoid if you’re allergic to aspirin or on blood thinners
Bonus Tip: Hydration is Key 💧
Dehydration can worsen migraine symptoms, so any herbal tea with high water content is beneficial for hydration support, even if the specific herbs aren’t directly therapeutic.
