What you need to know about the detox migraine while fasting

Ever since i was a kid, I would always complain about the headaches while fasting, which eventually got me crying and breaking my fast in order to take a painkiller. However in my early teen years I got used to it and eventually never suffered with it at all, until recently.

I am going to give you a breakdown of what I experienced and how I managed to overcome the problem while fasting. Before we continue I need you to know that I am the type of person that prefers natural remedies etc. to help overcome my issues. On a normal day whenever I find symptoms of a headache, I use my migraine inhaler and Migraine Roll on Relief Oil. After applying a small amount to the affected areas (temples, back of neck and sinus points) I sit back and relax for ten minutes and without fail it always helps. I am then ready to get back to what I was doing.

During Ramadan when fasting our bodies automatically kick in to a detox phase or period and we show symptoms of a mild to moderate migraines which is a result of low blood pressure, caffeine withdrawal, insomnia or the mental changes from our eating habits having changed overnight.

I recently faced this issue where on my second fast in Ramadaan I found myself fighting off the pain of an unexpected migraine. Non of my balms or oils were working and having to wait a few hours for iftaar, I just decided that I would wait it out and see what happens. Unfortunately after iftaar it got worst and no pain killer/ tablet helped with it. So I asked my followers for help on Instagram and I am so glad that I did. I received so many suggestions that I found useful to myself that I decided to write this post to help benefit you with your next detox headache.

I have compiled a list below of feedback sent by my followers on Instagram:

Inhaler & Oils– Head-a-Care roll on oil and inhaler (My personal Favourite) as it is perfect for those of us who are fasting. I usually use this on a daily basis to help ease the pain without taking any medication. This product is available as a combo in my store for R150-00.

Medication or pain killers such as Disprin, Grandpa, Panado, Panadol Migraine, Brufen, Sinutab, Sinumax, Synaleve, Migril, Adcodol, Stilpane, Betapyn, Magnesium, Slowmag, Relpax, Maxalt Wafers, Migraine Cocktail from the pharmacy, Stilpane, Voltaren Suppository or injection ( Please consult a doctor before taking any of these recommended medications, I am not a pharmacist)

Water– Drink lots of water before and after fasting, Rehydrate your body with one sachet of Rehidrat. Another suggestion is to drink hot water and lemon. Med lemon is an alternative to this. Consume caffeine as the migraine may be a result of caffeine withdrawal.

Crushed Ice with ice cold water. This follower says that migraines happen when the brain is lacking oxygen and H2O. The ice cold water apparently does magic for her to help produce oxygen and rehydrate her body. However this an only be done after you break your fast

Steam with lavender and eucalyptus oil. Add a teaspoon of Colloidal Silver to help with infections and to assist with sinus issues. This can assist you during your fast as you are inhaling fumes of the steam but i wouldn’t recommend doing it for so long: “The using of the steam for the cleaning of the nostril area or the cases of a blocked nose, headache or for the one suffering from a cold, does not harm one’s fast. However one should be cautious that the steam does not enter the throat.“

Applying Vicks– to the chest head and affected areas, a special trick is to take cotton wool and roll it into an earplug. Apply Vicks and insert into your ears. This somehow does wonders and will not affect your fast.

Hot & Cold Packs- Many suggested the use of hot water bottles or bean bags that is heated in the microwave and will ease the pain when applied to the affected areas. Others have also suggested using an ice pack or ice cubes in a towel to numb the affected areas. I personally used an ice pack on the back of my head and neck and found amazing comfort that allowed me to sleep

Housewives Remedies– Put vinegar on a cloth and wrap around your head, Massaging the sinus points with a medicated balm, Tie a scarf as tightly as possible around the affected area to apply pressure which eases the pain, Press and apply pressure between your thumb and forefinger, Natural remedy such as salt under the tongue,

Treatment options: Cupping, Acupuncture, reflexology, Massages, Chiropractor treatments, Headache Clinic has some amazing treatments too.

Do give these suggestions a try and let me know your feedback in the comments below.

Wishing you all the best with Ramadaan, may you have a blessed month ahead.