What Teas Can Help Relieve Migraines?

Written by Dr. Simon Khela MBChB MRCGP, GMC Registered Doctor

Last reviewed: 28-07-2026

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Migraines can cause intense, throbbing head pain alongside nausea, fatigue, visual disturbances, and sensitivity to light, sound, or smells. Although tea cannot cure a migraine, certain varieties may help ease specific symptoms, support hydration, or promote relaxation.

For people who experience frequent, severe, or changing headaches, home remedies should not replace professional medical advice. A private GP appointment can help identify possible triggers, rule out other causes, and create an appropriate treatment plan.

Can Tea Help With a Migraine?

Tea may help during a migraine in several ways. Herbal teas can increase fluid intake, calm nausea, reduce stress, and provide a comforting routine while symptoms pass. Some teas also contain natural compounds with anti-inflammatory or relaxing properties.

However, the effect varies from person to person. Migraine triggers are highly individual, and ingredients such as caffeine may help some people while making symptoms worse for others.

Anyone experiencing recurring attacks may benefit from learning more about migraine symptoms, triggers, and management.

1. Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is one of the most useful options for people whose migraines are accompanied by nausea or digestive discomfort.

Ginger contains natural compounds known as gingerols and shogaols. These substances have anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties, which may help relieve some of the discomfort associated with a migraine attack.

How to prepare ginger tea

Add several slices of fresh ginger to hot water and leave them to steep for around 5 to 10 minutes. A small amount of honey or lemon can be added for flavour.

Ginger may not be suitable for everyone, particularly people taking blood-thinning medication or those with certain digestive conditions. Speak to a doctor before using concentrated ginger products regularly.

2. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea has a cooling flavour and may help people feel calmer during a migraine. It is often used to ease nausea, digestive discomfort, and muscle tension.

Although research has focused more heavily on peppermint oil than peppermint tea, drinking peppermint tea may still provide a soothing effect. Its aroma may also help some people relax in a quiet, darkened room.

Peppermint can worsen heartburn or acid reflux in some individuals, so it may not be the best choice for everyone.

3. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is widely associated with relaxation and sleep. It may be particularly helpful when stress, anxiety, or poor sleep contributes to migraine attacks.

Drinking chamomile tea in the evening may support a more restful bedtime routine. Better sleep may reduce the likelihood of migraines in people whose attacks are linked to tiredness or disrupted sleep patterns.

For further guidance on improving rest, read these practical tips for better sleep hygiene.

Chamomile should be used cautiously by people with allergies to plants such as ragweed, daisies, or chrysanthemums.

4. Green Tea

Green tea contains antioxidants and a moderate amount of caffeine. In some people, a small amount of caffeine may help ease migraine pain or improve the effect of certain painkillers.

However, caffeine can also trigger migraines. Drinking too much, changing your normal intake suddenly, or regularly relying on caffeinated drinks may lead to withdrawal headaches.

People who are sensitive to caffeine may prefer decaffeinated green tea or caffeine-free herbal alternatives.

5. Lavender Tea

Lavender is commonly used for its calming aroma. Lavender tea may promote relaxation, ease tension, and support better sleep, particularly when stress is a migraine trigger.

The evidence for lavender tea itself is limited, but some people find that the warmth, aroma, and quiet routine of drinking it help them relax during or after a migraine episode.

Stress-related headaches and migraines may also occur alongside anxiety. Those who need additional support can explore depression and anxiety treatment or cognitive behavioural therapy.

6. Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon balm belongs to the mint family and is traditionally used to support relaxation and reduce nervous tension.

It may be helpful for people whose migraines are linked to stress, restlessness, or poor sleep. Like chamomile and lavender, lemon balm is unlikely to stop a migraine on its own, but it may make the experience more manageable.

Anyone taking sedative medication, thyroid medication, or other regular treatment should ask a healthcare professional whether lemon balm is suitable.

7. Feverfew Tea

Feverfew has a long history of use as a herbal remedy for migraine prevention. Some studies suggest it may reduce the frequency of migraines in certain people, although the evidence is mixed.

Feverfew is more commonly taken as a supplement than as a tea. Its flavour can also be quite bitter.

It is not suitable during pregnancy and may interact with blood-thinning medicines. Feverfew should not be used regularly without advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

8. Willow Bark Tea

Willow bark contains salicin, a natural compound related to aspirin. For this reason, it is sometimes promoted as a remedy for headaches and inflammatory pain.

However, willow bark can cause side effects and is not suitable for everyone. It should be avoided by children, pregnant people, those with aspirin allergies, people with stomach ulcers, and anyone taking anticoagulant medication.

Because of these risks, it is sensible to speak to a GP before using willow bark tea for migraine relief.

Does Hydration Help With Migraines?

Dehydration is a common headache and migraine trigger. Even mild fluid loss may contribute to fatigue, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and head pain.

Drinking water should remain the main way to stay hydrated, but caffeine-free herbal tea can contribute to daily fluid intake. During a migraine, sip fluids slowly if nausea makes drinking difficult.

Avoid very sugary drinks, as rapid changes in blood sugar may worsen symptoms in some people.

Which Tea Is Best for Your Symptoms?

Which Tea Is Best for a Migraine?

The best choice depends on your symptoms and personal triggers:

• Ginger tea may be helpful when nausea is the main problem.
• Chamomile, lavender, or lemon balm tea may support relaxation.
• Peppermint tea may soothe digestive discomfort or tension.
• Green tea may help people who respond positively to small amounts of caffeine.
• Feverfew may have a role in migraine prevention, but professional advice is recommended.

Keeping a headache diary can help you track which drinks, foods, sleep patterns, hormonal changes, and daily habits are linked to your migraines.

Best teas for migraines

Can Tea Make a Migraine Worse?

Yes. Some teas can worsen migraines in certain people.

Caffeinated teas may trigger symptoms, especially when consumed in large amounts or when your usual caffeine intake changes suddenly. Strong aromas can also aggravate nausea or smell sensitivity during an attack.

Herbal ingredients may interact with prescription medicines, and “natural” does not always mean risk-free. People taking regular medication should check with a doctor or pharmacist before using herbal remedies frequently.

Other Ways to Manage a Migraine

Alongside drinking a suitable tea, the following measures may help:

• Rest in a quiet, dark room.
• Drink water regularly.
• Eat at consistent times.
• Apply a cool compress to the forehead or neck.
• Limit strong smells, screens, and loud noise.
• Follow your prescribed migraine treatment plan.
• Record possible triggers in a migraine diary.

When symptoms are persistent, a doctor may recommend medication, further testing, or a specialist referral. Private Medical Clinic offers specialist consultations and referrals when additional assessment is required.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Book a medical appointment when:

• Migraines are becoming more frequent.
• Headaches are affecting work, sleep, or daily life.
• Over-the-counter medicines are no longer effective.
• Symptoms have changed.
• You are unsure whether the headaches are migraines.
• You regularly need painkillers.
• A new headache appears during pregnancy or after the age of 50.

A doctor may review your symptoms, medication, medical history, blood pressure, and possible triggers. Depending on the findings, they may recommend tests, treatment, or referral.

You can arrange an online GP consultation when attending a clinic in person is difficult.

When Is a Headache an Emergency?

Seek urgent medical help when a headache:

• Starts suddenly and is extremely severe.
• Follows a head injury.
• Occurs with weakness, confusion, fainting, or difficulty speaking.
• Is accompanied by a high temperature and stiff neck.
• Causes new loss of vision.
• Occurs with a seizure.
• Feels significantly different from your usual migraines.

These symptoms may indicate a condition that needs immediate assessment.

Final Thoughts

Ginger, peppermint, chamomile, green, lavender, lemon balm, and feverfew teas may provide comfort during a migraine, depending on the symptoms involved. Their main benefits may include hydration, nausea relief, relaxation, and support for better sleep.

Tea should be viewed as a supportive measure rather than a replacement for medical care. Because migraine symptoms and triggers differ from person to person, it is important to monitor how your body responds.

For persistent or severe headaches, consider booking a GP appointment online or contact Private Medical Clinic for personalised medical advice.

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