Can eating a raw lemon relieve your migraines?

Common migraine treatments include over-the-counter pain relievers, cold compresses, hydration, and rest (Source: Freepik)

Does it work?

While there doesn’t exist any concrete evidence of lemons being a solution for migraines, says Dr Deepak Yadav, Consultant, Neurology at Amrita Hospital Faridabad, there are other alternatives you can try.

“While raw lemons might not be the answer, applying a hot compress or soaking your feet in hot water may help,” explained Dr Yadav.

“Applying a warm compress to the forehead, temples, or back of the neck can help relax tense muscles and improve circulation. This may reduce the intensity of the headache and alleviate some of the associated symptoms like nausea or sensitivity to light”, he shared.

Similarly, he adds, “using a heated neck wrap or pad can provide continuous warmth to the neck and upper back muscles”, which can help reduce tension that contributes to migraines.

If a warm compress is not available, try taking a hot shower or bath, as it can have a similar effect to using a warm compress, Dr Yadav suggested. The heat can relax muscles and ease tension in the head and neck area, which are common areas of tension during a migraine.

Acute migraines are often painful and can interfere with an individual’s ability to perform daily activities.

They may also have a recurring pattern which may be caused by various triggers like loud noises, increased screen time, strong fragrances, change in temperature or exposure to light.

Traditional medication recommended for such cases can include over-the-top medicines and prescription-based medicines.