Violent, throbbing kind of pain with redness/plethora of the face is the typical symptoms picture of belladonna. Pain can be made worse by light, noise and lying down mostly in afternoon, and feels better by pressure.

Bryonia

This remedy can be helpful if a person has a heavy or “splitting” headache, with a constant pain which settles mostly over one eye or even spreads to entire head. Pain is worse from slightest motion, even from moving the eyes, and the person wants to lie completely still and not be talked to or disturbed at all. Nausea with a heavy feeling in the stomach and vomiting may occur. The person can have a very dry mouth, throat and lips and usually is very thirsty.

Nux Vomica

The nux patient is quick, active, nervous and irritable. Typically, they do a good deal of mental work and are very zealous and impatient and fiery with mental strains. They spend much of their time in prolonged office work and overstudy, with its cares and anxieties. This sedentary, indoor life and mental strain seeks stimulants, teas, coffee, wine, possibly in excess.

Gelsemium

Damp weather, thunderstorms and alcohol are the factors that can trigger the headaches. Pain begins at the back of the head, extending upward or to the forehead. Headaches preceded by dimness of vision or other visual disturbances. There can be a sensation of a band or hood bound tightly around the head, heaviness of head and the eyelids. They may experience depressing emotions, such as fright or anger from bad news.

Natrum muriaticum

Migraines (often on the right) that are worse from grief or emotional upsets, worse from sun, during summer, sunstrokes, or occur just before or after the menstrual period, in young girls. The headache feels like “a thousand little hammers are knocking on the brain” and is often worse from straining the eyes or with more screen time. Aura can start with feeling numb or tingling in the lips or face before the headache starts, and the eyes are very sensitive to light. The person often feels better lying in the dark and after sleeping.

Sanguinaria

Right-sided migraines with tension in the neck and shoulder, extending to the forehead with a bursting feeling in the eye. Jarring, light and noise aggravate the pain which is sharp, splitting, knife-like or throbbing like a flash of lightning. The headaches improve after vomiting, from burping or passing gas and are mostly better after sleep. A person who needs this remedy often comes down with migraines after missing meals and can also have digestive problems and allergies.

Sepia

Left-sided migraines with dizziness and nausea, worse from missing meals and worse near menstrual periods or during menopause, often responds to this remedy. Pain may come in shocks or jerks, and the person feels worse indoors and from lying on the painful side. They may feel indifferent to those loved best and cry when telling of symptoms.

Cimicifuga

Cimicifuga or actea racemosa is indicated for migraines with throbbing pains as if waves or opening and shutting sensation in the brain is being felt. Brain feels too large along with shooting pains in the eyes. Headaches are often associated with the menstrual period or uterine/ovarian pathology or come on after long-term study or worrying. The muscles of the neck feel very stiff and painful. The person feels mentally dull and gloomy, or even fearful, during a migraine. Pain is worse from motion, more/heavy bleeding and improved by eating.

Spigelia

Stitching, like electric sparks, burning or pulsating pains, usually on the frontal part of the head. Pain, as if the head is about to burst, when coughing and speaking loudly. Shaking in brain at every step and at every movement of the head is characteristic of this remedy. Stiff neck and shoulders accompany the headache that makes the motion painful. Headaches get worse from stooping, motion and cold stormy weather and can feel better by lying with the head propped up.

Vandana Pitke is a board-certified homeopath with Om Homeopathy. She holds in-person and online consultations. For more information, call 401-573-3757 or visit OmHomeopathy.com.