If you’ve ever been knocked down by a migraine, you know it’s more than “just a headache.” It’s like your brain decided to throw its own rock concert-complete with strobe lights, bass drums, and a backstage hangover the next day. Not fun. Over the years, I’ve searched high and low for natural remedies that can take the edge off, and one of my favorite sources of inspiration has been Nicole Apelian’s books and blogs.
Nicole has this wonderful way of weaving together plant wisdom and practical remedies that feel both empowering and soothing. One of the recipes she shares is a syrup for migraines and I literally had all of the ingredients in my cabinets and backyard! So cool! I love the beauty of herbal medicine and that you can personalize it to your own kitchen and garden.
So today, I’m sharing a migraine-soothing syrup that’s inspired by Nicole’s method but tweaked just a little…because, why not?!
Key Ingredients and Why They Work
- Ginger root – Nature’s anti-inflammatory powerhouse. It can help ease nausea (a classic migraine sidekick).
- Feverfew – A traditional herb often used for migraine prevention and relief.
- Chamomile – Known for it’s calming and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate stress/tension headaches by relaxing muscles.
- Raw honey – Acts as a natural preservative and adds soothing sweetness.
- Fresh lemon juice – A touch of vitamin C and a bright, refreshing flavor.
Migraine-Soothing Syrup (Inspired by Nicole Apelian)
Ingredients:
- 1 cups water
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger root, sliced thin or grated
- 2 tbsp dried feverfew leaves (or 4 tbsp fresh)
- 1-2 Tbs dried chamomile flowers
- squeeze of lemon
- ½ cup raw honey
Directions:
- Bring water to a boil
- Add in feverfew leaves and chamomile, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes
- Strain the leaves/flowers and save the liquid
- Return the infused liquid to the saucepan, add ginger and simmer for 5 minutes
- Strain the ginger and let liquid cool to a warm temp (make sure it’s cooled down or you’ll cook off the good stuff in the honey).
- Add the lemon juice and honey, stirring until fully dissolved
- Pour into a clean glass jar, let it cool, and store in the fridge
How to Use:
At the first twinge of a migraine (or even as a daily tonic if you’re prone to them), take 1 tablespoon of the syrup. You can sip it straight, swirl it into a little warm water, or drizzle it over herbal tea. It’s actually delicious so my personal recommendation is to just throw back a tablespoon on it’s own.
A Note of Encouragement
Migraines can feel like a battle you didn’t sign up for, but leaning into natural remedies gives you tools to fight back-gently, safely, and in tune with your body. Nicole Apelian has inspired me to see the plants around me not just as “weeds,” but as allies, and this syrup is one of those small but powerful ways to care for yourself when life gets noisy (literally).
I made this syrup a few weeks ago and it has saved me from 7 migraines already! My prescription migraine medication is still sealed from the last trip to the pharmacy! I honestly woke up with a migraine trying to rear it’s ugly head just this morning at about 3am, so I popped up and downed a shot of this amazing elixir. By the time I woke up for the day, I was thanking God that it had worked YET AGAIN and I could write this blog without having to run to the bathroom to toss my cookies!
So next time your head starts to pound, skip the pity party and reach for your homemade migraine syrup instead. Your brain deserves the TLC.