A recent video shared on TikTok by business coach Andrea Eder shows her filling a kettle with water as she explains a simple method to alleviate migraines. Her suggestion? Fill a basin with hot water—”as hot as you can tolerate”—and soak your feet in it. It may sound too easy, but Dr. Sood, M.D., also known as @doctorsood on TikTok, backs up this technique with a medical explanation.

How Does the Hot Water Method Work for Migraines?

“If you get migraine headaches, here’s a hack you can try that has no side effects and may help,” says Dr. Sood. “Soaking your feet in hot water. But why does this work? The hot water dilates the blood vessels in your feet, drawing blood away from your head. This relieves the pressure on the blood vessels causing your migraine, which in turn reduces the pain.”

While some people in the comments said this method didn’t work for their migraines, others found it helpful. One person commented, “I put my hands and feet in hot water with a frozen bag of peas on my neck. The migraine was gone in about 10-15 minutes, with no lingering side effects.” Another shared, “I did this last week. Soaked my feet for 10 minutes in hot water, and it worked great. I only had a mild headache for about four hours after.” Yet another person said they sit at the edge of the bathtub, place an ice pack behind their neck, and submerge their hands and feet in hot water for relief.

Migraine Remedies: Trial and Error

Migraines can be caused by a variety of factors, so it’s no surprise that there are many treatments available. The hot water trick might work for you, but if it doesn’t, there are plenty of other methods to explore. Finding the best solution often requires some trial and error, as different remedies work for different types of migraines.

More Natural Migraine Remedies

Stay Hydrated

While dehydration may not directly cause migraines, it can certainly make them worse. Research has shown that drinking an extra liter and a half of water daily can help reduce the intensity of headaches for people who experience them frequently. However, staying hydrated won’t necessarily prevent headaches or reduce their frequency.

Caffeine

Caffeine can be a double-edged sword when it comes to migraines. Some over-the-counter migraine medications contain caffeine, which can enhance other painkillers and alter your perception of pain. However, for some people, coffee itself can trigger migraines. If caffeine helps you, try to drink the same amount at the same time each day. Ingesting caffeine sporadically can increase your chances of triggering a migraine.

Ginger Tea

If coffee isn’t for you—or if it makes your migraines worse—ginger might be a helpful alternative. One clinical study found that ginger can effectively treat migraines. To make ginger tea, steep two tablespoons of freshly grated ginger in three cups of boiling water for five minutes. Ginger tea bags can also work, but fresh ginger root tends to be more potent.

Heat Therapy

Tension headaches and certain types of migraines can be relieved with heat. This pain is often caused by muscle contractions in the head and neck, typically brought on by stress or lack of sleep. Applying a hot compress or washcloth to the back of your neck can help relax tense muscles. A hot bath or shower may also provide relief.

Cold Therapy

For some people, cold therapy works better than heat, especially for migraines and cluster headaches. Applying an ice pack or cold towel to the forehead or neck can help constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow, providing relief from the pain.

Stress Management

If your migraines are triggered by stress, practicing breathing exercises can be an easy remedy. Find a quiet place to sit or lie down, then inhale for five seconds and exhale for five seconds. Continue this pattern for at least 10 minutes, allowing your body to relax with each breath.

Yoga is another great way to manage stress and may also help with migraines. While the idea of rolling out a yoga mat during a migraine may seem impossible, those who can manage some gentle movement may find relief from slow, calming yoga poses.

Track Your Symptoms

Finding the right migraine treatment can be a process of trial and error. Since everyone’s triggers and symptoms are different, it’s important to identify what works for you. Pay attention to things like bright lights, screen time, loud noises, certain smells, specific foods, and sleep schedules, as any of these could trigger your migraines.

Keeping a regular routine can help you pinpoint what sets off your migraines. Once you know your triggers, try to avoid them or come up with ways to counter them (for example, by using earplugs, sunglasses, or soothing oils). You should also keep a migraine diary, noting the date, time, and circumstances surrounding each migraine episode. This information could be valuable for both you and your healthcare provider when determining the best course of treatment.

Conclusion

Migraines can be incredibly debilitating, but there are many natural remedies that might provide relief. From soaking your feet in hot water to managing stress and staying hydrated, the key is to find what works best for your body. Be patient and persistent, and you’ll eventually find a solution that helps you regain control over your migraines.