Natural remedies for women with migraines.

Women: Migraines, Hormones and Being 40-Something

I recently started having issues with migraines. I’m 45 – and I think my hormones are getting a little out of whack. I recently had such a bad migraine, I ended up in the ER thinking I had a brain tumor or I was having an aneurism. I laugh now – but it was NOT funny at the time. My husband was very concerned and had never seen someone in such agony. I was crying, vomiting and laying on the floor with my face in my hands begging for 10 seconds of relief.

After I got home and was given a heavy duty migraine med prescription – I decided to start researching reasons for my migraines and how I could relieve them naturally or avoid them altogether.

I had the awesome pleasure of speaking with Wendy Rae of of Wendy-Rae.com. She is a wellness coach and works a lot with herbal remedies.

I asked Wendy if I could please interview her in order to share her advice and insight with my readers, so that they could benefit from Wendy’s knowledge as well. I think you’ll enjoy the interview and really love the advice that Wendy offers. Especially if you’re like me and suffer from migraines that happened to show up during peri-menapause.

1. Can migraines be directly related to hormones for women?

Absolutely migraines can be directly related to hormones.  There are theories as to what causes migraines, but the reality is that science doesn’t know.  Theories in the science world now revolve around seratonin levels, the relationship between calcium and magnesium in brain chemistry, food sensitivities, environmental factors, and changes in the sympathetic nervous system such as with hormone fluctuations during menses, peri-menopause, and menopause.

2. Is there a time in a woman’s life where migraines might be more prevalent?

Migraines do seem to be more common in our society for women during those times when our hormones are seeking balance.  For some women, every monthly menses means a migraine.  Other women not having previous experience with migraines will suddenly be perplexed with them when peri-menopause and menopause cycles begin.

3. Is lifestyle, stress and diet a big factor for women these days and hormone issues?

Yes, Yes, YES!  Lifestyle and diet are probably more contributing factors than stress.  Think about this logically.  When you are exercising and eating well, do you handle stress more effectively than if you are not being active and eating junk food?  The answer is so easy to say and read, however, each person’s dietary and nutritional needs are not the same based on family history, previous malnutrition, location, and food sensitivies.

Let’s say you are exercising and eating fabulously. (So fabulously, that your doctor, mother, and wellness coach would be proud!)  Something stressful happens at work that is beyond your control that has a direct impact on your life, (I’m going to call this a variable as it can be anything from in-laws to teenagers, not just work).

This unwanted variable wreaks havoc on your internal organs without your knowledge.  It becomes a leech to your Vitamin B’s, which are responsible for your energy levels.  What happens when your Vitamin B levels are down?  You feel tired.  You are more susceptible to long term depression.  Immune system function slows and lymph glands can become clogged.  When a person first feels tired from stress, I often recommend a Vitamin B complex tincture that I personally developed from plants and herbs to prevent further issues, like migraines, viruses, flus, and other stress related health issues.

4. What suggestions do you have for treating hormone related migraines and hormone issues in general. Especially for women in the perimenopause stage of life?

The first thing I would suggest looking at is how many healthy fats (Omegas) are being consumed.  The brain is made up of fatty tissues.  There are numerous studies that show Omega 3 alleviating migraines.  Based on these scientific studies, I personally choose 2 natural and effective sources of fatty acids:  coconut oil and evening primrose oil.

Cooking and baking with coconut oil has incredible health benefits (and has shown to help as a weight loss aid).  It has all of the Omegas present and is the most stable oil for heating at any temperature.

Evening Primrose Oil is high in GLA, an incredible fatty acid that science is just now studying more deeply.  This wonderful, and beautifully fragrant plant has been used to alleviate PMS symptoms, migraines, endemetriosis, fibrocystic breasts, arthritis, eczema, and the list goes on and on.  This oil comes in capsules that look like Vitamin E.  There is no formula for how much a person should take, so I always tell my clients to start slow with one in the morning and evening.  Some people take 3 a day, others take 6.  It is really dependent on your body’s needs.

5. What services do you offer to help women with hormone issues naturally?

I offer wellness coaching and I make herbal remedies.  I offer a free coaching session with a $30 herbal purchase from my website at www.Wendy-Rae.com.

I formulate specific remedies for my clients.  I grow the majority of my own herbs and plants for making my remedies, and those I must purchase I purchase from only sustainable and organic sources.

Most of my clients come to me with what they believe to be unrelated symptoms and issues.  They are always surprised when I make a tea infusion blend and a tincture and ask them to try these and document any change.  The common question is: How can two easy to use items replace a handful of supplements and pills?  My answer is always the same:  I have no idea but doesn’t it rock?!

Plants are just magical that way.  :-)

Wendy is offering all my readers 30% off any tincture or free shipping. (AWESOME!!) Just use code: KL30

Does this rough, cracked heel remind you of your feet??

Rough Cracked Heels – What Can I Do?

I love getting a pedicure. Maybe you do too. But honestly….I can only really afford it maybe twice a year. So I get one at the beginning of sandal season and about mid-summer. After that….it’s down hill in the foot area.

None of us women really want ugly feet. At least I don’t know anyone that really puts effort into making their feet ugly with chipped polish, grown out toenails and rough, cracked heels. It just happens. We’re busy, aren’t we ladies?? And typically our time (and money) is being invested into other family members and their needs and our home businesses.

It’s hard to be beautified 24/7 unless you’re Kim Kardashian and have crap tons of money and help. But hey – can we at least have pretty feet? I don’t know – but when I’m talking to someone and I see that they’ve got pretty feet, painted toenails, maybe an ankle bracelet or a toe ring – I envy them. I think – “Wow…she’s got it all together.” I imagine their life as pretty awesome….because hey – if you’re feet look good, you must be taking care of the rest of yourself too. I know…I’m weird. Or maybe I’m not alone in this thinking?

I WANT  Pretty Feet Too

So I want to be the chick with the pretty feet. I want people to look at my toes and go….”Wow….good for her…she’s awesome.” I want my husband to rub my feet on a cold winter night because my feet are hot-sexy and he can’t resist. He’s not into feet – but maybe I could lure him into a foot rub!!

My main issue is rough, cracked heels. Sometimes I even get peely skin on my big toe. Gross…I know. But honestly, it can get pretty gross. Other than getting a pedicure and the tech using a razor, how do you get all that rough skin off your heels? And some people just do NOT want to get a pedicure because of staff infections and other germ-y mishaps.

What I’ve Tried for Rough Cracked Heels

Obviously, the best fix for me has been pedicures.  I have tried other things. I’ve tried a pumice stone and honestly….it freaks me out a little. I just don’t like the way it feels. It gives me the willies. I also took the plunge and spent the money on a PediEgg? OMG – wasted my money there too. No offense PediEgg – but it’s just creepy too. I hate the way it feels and it’s just NOT my cup of tea. You can also buy a skin/callous file thingy. I’ve heard it works good – but again, I can’t take that weird feeling on my feet. It’s a like a scrape-y, icky feeling.

So if you’re like me….and you don’t like any of those remedies either – what do we do?

Oooh…Now This Helps My Cracked Heels

I sell Avon – and I don’t want this to come out like some sales pitch….so, understand that I don’t care if you buy these Avon products through my Online Avon Store – or from your local rep or a friend selling Avon. I don’t care. All I can tell you is that it has worked for me.

I ordered these from Avon’s Foot Works line. First I got the Foot Works Shea Butter Souffle ($6 – on sale a lot for only $3.99) and I also ordered the Foot Works Dual Action Pedi-Peel ($6.00 – on sale a lot for $4.99). This Pedi Peel is an alpha hydroxy for your feet. These are not expensive and work wonderful.

[ad#300x250 Content Adsense]I did the Pedi Peel every night for two weeks. I would let it dry and then follow with the shea butter souffle. That’s how long it took to really get my feet super soft and for the excess skin to come off. You have to be religious about doing this every night. First the pedi peel, one pad per foot and then let it dry all the way, like a few minutes and then slather on the shea souffle. (I put on socks after because I sleep better with socks on my feet….but I don’t think you HAVE to.)

I am really impressed! If you want to pick it up from my Online Avon Store, great. But it’s not necessary like I said.
I never recommend any products unless I use them and I really like them. I’m not about selling stuff. I was just taking off my toenail polish this morning and thinking, I need a pedicure. But where I live it’s $25 for the pedicure and most tip $5 to $10 on top of that….and I just can’t see spending $30-$35 on my FEET right now.  I bought the two Avon Foot Works products on sale and spent $8 – so I don’t know? Just seems easier and cheaper to me. The pads last me 11 days and the souffle lasts much longer – for sure a month.

After you get your feet as smooth as you like..I would continue to use the souffle every night and just do the pedi peel maybe every third night.

Do You Have Tips for Rough, Cracked Heels?

You are welcome to post your rough, cracked heel and basic pretty feet care suggestions in the comment area below. I always love to hear what others are doing. I had someone tell me they use olive oil on their feet!! Hey – whatever works.