4. Cayenne pepper in warm water
Cayenne has powerful pain-relieving properties, thanks to the compound in cayenne that makes it spicy. Research suggests that cayenne reduces the amount of substance P, a chemical that carries pain messages to the brain. Less substance P means pain messages no longer reach the brain. According to research in the New York Times, an early study out of the University of Chicago found that capsaicin seemed to work better than placebos for headaches occurring in clusters, especially when applied topically. However, drinking cayenne may also help. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon in hot water the next time you feel a migraine sneaking up on you.
