Migraine symptoms could be eased with 1 cold remedy that people 'swear by'

Migraines can be incredibly debilitating, and finding effective relief from the pain often feels impossible. A migraine typically manifests as an intense headache with throbbing pain on one side of the head. They're quite common and can be accompanied by additional symptoms, including extreme fatigue, food cravings, mood changes, and neck stiffness.

Whilst not everyone suffers from migraines, those who do often struggle to find effective ways to ease the discomfort. Painkillers can be tried, but many migraine sufferers end up spending hours lying in a darkened room. However, according to one woman on social media, there might be a simple solution that could help reduce your symptoms.

In a video posted on Instagram by Anne Caserta, she revealed a remedy her grandmother taught her for easing migraines that involves nothing more than rubbing a common cold treatment on the back of your neck.

She took a small quantity of Vicks VapoRub and massaged it onto the back of her neck, before placing a "warm, wet cloth" over the same spot.

Anne claimed: "This is going to reduce stress, take away pain, and help you relax."

She added in the caption: "The old remedies always work the best."

Vicks VapoRub combined with a warm compress hasn't been scientifically proven to alleviate migraines, and there's no guarantee it will work if you attempt it yourself. Nevertheless, numerous people in the comments have reported that the technique helps them.

One individual shared: "Even my doctor once suggested this therapy. It really works!".

Another person affirmed their use of a similar method, stating: "I keep a bottle of peppermint essential oil on hand for this reason. Temples and forehead get it, too."

A third commented: "I get sinus migraines, so this might actually help for me. Definitely buying a big bottle of Vicks right now."

How to help ease or reduce migraines at home

The NHS recommends trying the following tips to help manage your migraines:

• Try sleeping or lying down in a darkened room during a migraine
• Avoid things you know trigger your migraines, such as certain foods
• Stay well hydrated and limit how much caffeine and alcohol you drink
• Try to keep to a healthy weight
• Eat meals at regular times
• Get regular exercise
• Get plenty of sleep
• Try to manage your stress

When to see a GP for migraines

Migraines vary from person to person. Some people have them several times a week, while others don't have them very often. It's common to have migraines before your period if you're female, and these are known as menstrual migraines.

You should see a GP if:

• Your migraines are severe or getting worse, or lasting longer than usual
• You have migraines more than once a week
• You're finding it difficult to control your migraines
• You regularly get migraines before or during your period

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from 111 if you have a migraine and:

• It's lasted longer than 72 hours
• Aura symptoms last longer than an hour at a time
• You're pregnant or just had a baby

Call 999 if you or your child:

• Have a headache that came on suddenly and is extremely painful
• Have problems speaking or remembering things
• Lose your vision or have blurred or double vision
• Feel drowsy or confused
• Have a seizure or fit
• Have a very high temperature and symptoms of meningitis
• Cannot move or have weakness in the arms or legs on one side of your body, or one side of your face