Q. You sometimes have questions from people who want a way to stop a headache. I use pure cacao (100 percent or 99 percent, which means no sugar) for migraines and tension headaches.
I’ve found that half a teaspoon (12 nibs) is sufficient. The dose can be repeated if necessary.
I love chocolate, but do not eat it except as a medicinal remedy. It works.
A. We appreciate your unusual remedy. Chocolate is frequently listed as a potential migraine trigger, so it is a surprise to learn that unsweetened cacao works so well for you against migraines.
Headache sufferers can react to perfume, cigarette smoke, red wine, the artificial sweetener aspartame or the flavor enhancer MSG. We have listed common triggers in our Guide to Headaches & Migraines, along with natural treatments (such as vitamin B2, feverfew, butterbur or melatonin) and the pros and cons of medications.
The most unusual and intriguing migraine remedy we have heard about is “brain freeze.” To read more about this tasty, cold and inexpensive approach, click here. And if you would like to read about other approaches for relieving headaches (with and without medication), you may wish to check out our books, Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy and The People’s Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies. They are all in The People’s Pharmacy Store.
