he United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the use of an electronic headband that migraine patients can wear to both alleviate and prevent headache episodes. As the first such device approved by the FDA, it has been described as a breakthrough alternative for patients who wish to take a break from the medication-intensive regimes often prescribed by migraine specialists. 
The electronic headband may seem far removed from a natural treatment for migraines, but it is part of a series of treatments sought by patients who seek to avoid the increased risk of stomach ulcers, nausea and other unpleasant migraine medication side effects. To this end, migraine patients often seek natural and homeopathic remedies to help them manage their conditions.
Natural Treatments, Not Cures
Patients must understand that there are no cures for migraines. Researchers have not pinpointed the precise nature of the migraine condition; there are neurochemical and vascular factors to consider, and some patients tend to be affected by hormonal changes and stress dynamics as well.Natural treatments for migraines include exercise routines, special nutrition, herbs, and dietary supplements. Some of these treatments, which are mostly preventative, are often recommended by physicians as part of a preemptive strategy to avoid the onset of migraine episodes.
Taking vitamin B2 and sticking to a regular routine of mild cardiovascular activity to prevent migraines is highly recommended in the sense that they promote healthy circulation and help patients manage stress. Omega-3 fatty acids are also recommended due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Homeopathic Treatments
In the past, German researchers have made claims about homeopathic remedies being tantamount to cures for migraine patients. This may not be the case; however, treatments based on belladonna and iris versicolor may bring relief to some of the symptoms associated with migraines.The belladonna herb has been used for centuries for the treatment of congestive headaches. As a homeopathic remedy, belladonna can bring relief to patients whose migraines are triggered by sinus conditions.
Iris versicolor, also known as Northern Blue Flag, can be used to treat sensations of vertigo, nausea and vomiting that are experienced by some patients who suffer from migraine with auras. This remedy can be taken at the prodrome stage of a migraine, and can be followed by belladonna or by taking prescribed analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications.
Discussing Alternative Migraine Treatments
With the exception of mild, regular exercise and activities that are conducive to stress management, migraine patients should keep in mind that their conditions are often subject to a number of triggers. In some cases, natural or homeopathic remedies may become headache triggers; for this reason, migraine patients should first get opinions from their physicians before seeking alternative treatments on their own.
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