Migraines...

[StripyPixieSocks]

I want to make some gifts for a friend of mine for Christmas who has done an awful lot for us recently during the crisis we had recently and am hoping to make her a lovely gift basket with assorted items in to help her relax.

As she suffers from Migraines I was wondering a) if there are any essential oils I should avoid (I already know Ylang Ylang can give terrible headaches) and b) is there any recipes for an oil that can be put in a roller ball jar for her to dab on her pulse points to help ease her migraine?

I was thinking about Lavender and Lemon for the bath salts and soap etc but am wondering if there are any more relaxing combinations out there I could use? Would Lavender and Chamomile be a good combination?

[Helsbells]

Hi StripeyPixeySocks,

My magical book of nartural remedies says that peppermint and lavender oils can be good applied as a cool compress, and inhalations and massages with melissa, rosemary, or sweet marjoram can also help relieve symptoms.
Hope this helps,
Helen

[Clara]

I'd do a little detective work about her migraines first...some people like to take themselves away from any strong smells in order to feel better.

If you think she would be fine with it, then I would suggest the peppermint and lavender combination. Of course these must be diluted, about 2.5% is about right, that equates to 50 drops TOTAL in 100ml carrier or 25 drops TOTAL in 50ml or 5 drops in 10ml etc.

Peppermint is a very strong oil, so I would suggest using less of that than lavender, when you make your potion do it a few drops at a time so you can get the combination just right, but don't forget to write down the formula just in case it proves to be her miracle cure.
Peppermint can tingle and it's one thing that you really wouldn't want to get in your eyes, it would burn like hell, so be clear on instructions.

Absolutely right about ylang ylang, really not suitable in this case, it is also my experience that spice oils (clove cinnamon etc) can give people headches.

HTH Clara

[StripyPixieSocks]

I'd do a little detective work about her migraines first...some people like to take themselves away from any strong smells in order to feel better.

Her migraines are brought on my stress and overwork as I had a good chat to her the other day.

Thanks for your ideas, I'll try and give the Lavender and Peppermint a go as that sounds like a lovely combination!

Which carrier oil should I use as I presumably want it to be a thin, clear, light, easily absorbed oil if she is going to be dabbing it on while she's out and about...

Thanks once again for your help!

[Clara]

I was going to suggest something light like jojoba, but then I checked out the NYR website ad their remedies to roll are made with sunflower oil.

I just thought of another budget/free gift you could make that might be appreciated....a lavender eye pillow. I was thinking not only might it be soothing but if she uses it then it physically means she has to chill out as doing work related activities will have to cease. Devious eh?

[StripyPixieSocks]

Sunflower Oil it is then, thankyou for that :D

... and thankyou for the mask idea, I have some dried Lavender Flowers around the place somewhere I will definitely make a mask with them for her!!

[Loobyloo]

As a mrigaine sufferer I agree with the lavender and peppermint suggestions. Something like a lip balm in a pot that can be smeared on pulse points works a treat.

Also feverfew is a good preventative remedy, if you could get hold of a wee feverfew plant in a pretty pot that would make a lovely gift for a migraine sufferer.

[StripyPixieSocks]

As a mrigaine sufferer I agree with the lavender and peppermint suggestions. Something like a lip balm in a pot that can be smeared on pulse points works a treat.

Also feverfew is a good preventative remedy, if you could get hold of a wee feverfew plant in a pretty pot that would make a lovely gift for a migraine sufferer.

Oh now a lip balm in one of the twist up tubes would be great... and probably a little less messy... oooo thanks

[Peggy Sue]

I'm a migrane sufferer too and your whole concept of whats ice to smell goes out the window when you have one.... interesting Ylang Ylang brings on headaches, didn't know that!

Cold compresses on the back of the neck are really good, during a migrane you ahve a rush of blood to parts of the brain, cold on the back of the neck can slow it down (thats why massage ISN'T good for migranes).

Feverfew is a godsend! You have to take it for about 3 months for it to take effect but when it does it cuts out 90%.

The other ting thats really inportant is not to go without food for long stretches, always have breakfast and lunch even if its small.
AND they always happen after the stress when you are winding down, so wind down slowly or keep on the go a bit if there's one lurking.

You could make her a blindfold, they are lovely when you just need to get rid of all light to sleep it off?

[StripyPixieSocks]

Yep I thought about a blindfold but actually you've just given me another idea... the rice / wheat warmers can also be used cold so it would make a good cold compress for the back of her neck and would save water dripping down her back!

Thanks for all your ideas, you're all brilliant!!

[Loobyloo]

the rice / wheat warmers can also be used cold

I had thought about making one of those for the OH but have no idea where to start, could you give me some pointers SPS?

x

[StripyPixieSocks]

I've got a few links but these are the best two (imho)

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf634836.tip.html

http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=280

I like the Sew Mama Sew one because it has a washable cover

[invisiblepiper]

I would second the feverfew option - perhaps a plant to make a tea infusion? tastes sharp though - so perhaps you could give some honey too?

[prawncracker]

I suffer from severe headaches and your lavender pillow idea sounds ideal to me , would love one. When i have a headache certain strong smells make me worse , but lavender is always fine, I love it

My mum bought me a cup with a diffuser that hangs over the top and has a wee lid on top - you can make lovely herb teas and enfuse ginger root and lemon in the cup. Good for a tasty drink when you need to avoid caffeine

[sheena]

I have to advocate the use of feverfew its vastly underated and amazing once used for a while, I suffer chronic cluster migraines and this has really helped me for a long time now.
A feverfew plant for anyone with migraines is the most thoughtful present that you could ever give.(I take a few small leaves daily either disguised in salad or a sandwich as it has a bitter taste)

I wouldn't recommend peppermint though as this can be majorly overpowering when in the middle of a migraine crisis, however lavender and chamomile are great as is a blackout blind of any sort for the light sensitive stage.

Stress can be a huge factor and eating a little and often, can often help to keep the dreaded tingling at bay - during the sickness stage I have found barley sugar helps - but for the life of me don't know why that is????