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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The best choice depends on your symptoms and personal triggers:
Keeping a headache diary can help you track which drinks, foods, sleep patterns, hormonal changes, and daily habits are linked to your migraines.
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.
Alongside drinking a suitable tea, the following measures may help:
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.
Book a medical appointment when:
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.
Seek urgent medical help when a headache:
These symptoms may indicate a condition that needs immediate assessment.
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.
The best tea for migraines depends on your symptoms. Ginger tea is often the top choice for migraine-related nausea, while chamomile tea and lavender tea may help promote relaxation if stress is a trigger. Peppermint tea may ease digestive discomfort and tension, whereas green tea may help some people due to its low caffeine content but can trigger migraines in others. If your migraines are frequent or severe, speak with a Private GP for personalised advice:
Tea cannot cure a migraine, but certain herbal teas may help relieve associated symptoms such as nausea, dehydration, stress, and muscle tension. Drinking warm, caffeine-free tea can also encourage hydration, which is important because dehydration is a common migraine trigger.
Ginger tea is considered one of the best natural teas for migraine-related nausea. Studies suggest ginger may help reduce nausea and vomiting, making it a popular complementary remedy during a migraine attack.
Peppermint tea may help some people by promoting relaxation and easing nausea or digestive discomfort during a migraine. While evidence is stronger for peppermint oil than peppermint tea, many people find the warm drink soothing.
Chamomile tea may be beneficial if stress, anxiety, or poor sleep contribute to your migraines. Although it is not a treatment for migraines, its calming properties may help reduce tension and improve sleep quality.
Green tea can help or worsen migraines depending on the individual. It contains a small amount of caffeine, which may relieve headaches in some people but trigger migraines in others. If caffeine is one of your migraine triggers, choose caffeine-free herbal teas instead.
No tea has been proven to prevent migraines completely. However, maintaining good hydration and regularly drinking calming herbal teas such as chamomile or lemon balm may support healthy lifestyle habits that reduce migraine triggers like stress and dehydration.
Common drinks that may trigger migraines include:
Keeping a migraine diary can help identify your personal triggers.
Yes. Dehydration is one of the most common migraine triggers. Even mild dehydration may contribute to headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and poor concentration. Drinking enough water throughout the day is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of dehydration-related migraines.
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