Why Some People Go To McDonald’s When They Get A Headache

There’s a headache “hack” making the rounds on social media lately, especially among the younger crowd. People are claiming that if you feel a migraine coming on, all you need to do is head to McDonald’s and order… a large Coke and fries.

Sounds a little strange, right? But as someone who’s suffered from chronic migraines for years, I have to admit—I understand the desperation. I’ll never forget the time I woke up with the worst migraine and a full-on panic attack before I was supposed to speak at a conference in New York City. If I’d known about this Coke-and-fries trick, I would’ve made a beeline for the nearest McDonald’s!

Does The McDonald’s Migraine Hack Work?

What I found interesting is that this hack may not be completely off base! Dr. Jessica Lowe, a board-certified neurologist (and migraine sufferer herself), explained why it might actually help, at least if you catch your migraine early enough. She said:

“A large Coke from McDonald’s has about 80 milligrams of caffeine in it. That right there is probably enough to stop your migraine in its tracks. Salt and electrolytes are important. Then, of course, fries are carbs. A lot of people have migraines that are provoked by hunger or just their glucose starting to drop.”

It’s not magic—it’s caffeine, salt, and quick carbs. And for some people, it actually helps.

One commenter joked, “I’ve heard it called, and have now adopted the name of this combo, as being the McMigraine.” Another said, “Solid advice! My teen daughter and I suffer from migraines, and this works Every. Single. Time.” And someone else added, “I have used the McDonald’s trick for years and years. It only works for me if I am just starting an onset of one, not if it’s intense and I’ve had it for hours.”

But while a fast-food fix might hit the spot once in a while, it’s not exactly ideal—or sustainable. So what if there were a better option? One that’s natural, fast-acting, and easy to keep on hand…without the deep-fried guilt?

The Problem With Headaches (And Why Relief Isn’t Always Simple)

Before we dive into that, let’s set the stage. Not all headaches are created equal, and not every remedy works for every type. In this post, I’m focusing on the kinds of headaches most of us deal with on a regular basis:

• Tension headaches from stress or screen time
• Sinus headaches from allergies or congestion
• Migraines that come with pressure, nausea, or aura

These are the ones most likely to respond to natural, early-intervention remedies like essential oils, hydration, rest, and gentle movement.

Headaches linked to medical conditions, like cluster headaches, head trauma, or neurological issues, are a different story. (See the box below for warning signs that it’s time to check in with your doctor, or possibly even visit the emergency room.)

But even when you know what kind of headache you’re dealing with, finding a remedy that actually helps without side effects or frustration is another story.

Headaches might be common, but they’re frustratingly unpredictable. One day, it’s a dull ache behind your eyes after hours on the computer. The next, it’s a pounding, one-sided migraine that forces you to cancel plans and crawl into a dark room.

And while the internet is full of solutions—meds, magnesium, massage tools, even McDonald’s fries—most fall into two frustrating categories: they either don’t work fast enough, or they don’t work at all.

Sure, you could lie down with a cold compress or reach for another dose of painkillers, but what if you’re at work, out running errands, or trying to care for someone else? What if you’ve already maxed out your meds for the day? What if you’re just so tired of throwing everything at your pain and still not getting the relief you need?

That’s exactly why I started looking for a better way—something simple, effective, and easy to use, the moment I feel a headache coming on.

A Better Way To Get Relief (Fast)

When your head starts to throb, you don’t have time to waste. You need something that works quickly, is gentle on your body, and doesn’t leave you feeling groggy, foggy, or worse. That’s why I created my Complete Relief Ready-to-Apply Roll-On—a natural solution that’s helped thousands of women (myself included) find fast, effective headache relief.

This powerful little roll-on combines five essential oils: marjoram to relax tense muscles, black pepper to boost circulation, basil to calm inflammation, spike lavender for fast-acting pain relief, and copaiba to quiet overactive pain signals. Together, they target the root causes of discomfort like tension, stress, and inflammation, helping you feel better quickly and naturally.

And because essential oils don’t need to travel through your digestive system like pills or supplements, they start working almost immediately. When you swipe Complete Relief onto your temples, neck, or chest, the oils are absorbed through your skin and inhaled with each breath, so you can start feeling better within minutes.

How To Use It (And Get The Most Out Of It)

When it comes to headaches, timing is everything. The earlier you act, the better your chances of stopping the pain before it spirals out of control. That’s why I love how easy it is to use Complete Relief—just swipe it on and go. No mixing, no mess, no complicated instructions.

At the first sign of a headache, roll it onto your temples, forehead, or the back of your neck. The little rollerball makes it easy to apply exactly where you need it, and because the formula is pre-diluted, it’s safe to use as often as needed—even on the go.

For best results, try to use it early, right when that first twinge behind your eyes or neck starts creeping in. If you can, pair it with a few minutes of quiet rest, a cold compress, or even just some deep breathing. That little bit of calm can make a big difference in how well the oils do their job.

Because it’s gentle and skin-safe, you can reapply throughout the day if your headache lingers or flares back up. And don’t be afraid to use it alongside your usual routine—whether that includes hydration, magnesium, caffeine, or even over-the-counter meds. This isn’t about replacing what works for you—it’s about giving your body more support in the moments you need it most.

And while rolling it on is often enough, sometimes your body needs a little extra support, especially if the pain is lingering, tied to muscle tension, or comes with other symptoms like sinus pressure or sleep trouble. That’s when these methods can help:

• Add a hot or cold compress to boost relief. Use heat if your headache is tension-related (like from stress or posture), or cold if you’re dealing with sharp pain or inflammation. Applying the oil first helps the compress work even better.
• Massage it into your feet when you need full-body relaxation. Your feet are full of nerve endings, and this method can help calm your entire system—perfect before bed or when you’re feeling frazzled.
• Use it in the shower to melt tension and soothe overstimulation. A warm shower enhances the oils’ effects with steam and scent, while a cool shower can help with nausea and headache-related queasiness.
• Make a nasal inhaler if you’re battling sinus pressure or want relief on the go. Inhalation is especially effective for congestion-related headaches, and an inhaler offers a quick, discreet option when applying the oil isn’t practical.

Real Relief, Real Results

When it comes to headaches, most of us have been disappointed more than once. We’ve tried the pills, the caffeine, the cold compresses—maybe even the McDonald’s trick—and still found ourselves stuck in bed, waiting for relief that doesn’t come. That’s exactly why I started sharing Complete Relief. Not because it’s trendy or flashy, but because I kept hearing the same thing over and over again: “I didn’t think it would work—but it did.”

Take Terri. She’d lived with terrible headaches her entire life—sinus, tension, migraine, even ones that seemed to come out of nowhere. Like so many others, she was skeptical. “I didn’t really want to waste my money on it,” she admitted. “Nothing ever helps my headaches.” But one morning, with a sinus headache brewing and tension in her neck, she reached for her roll-on. “I thought, ‘This stuff probably isn’t even made for sinuses,’ but I rolled it all over my face anyway and all over my neck just to try it.” What happened next shocked her: “My headache was completely gone within 5 minutes. I cannot believe it. What a miracle!”

Then there’s Sherry, who’s dealt with migraines for over 50 years. Acupuncture helped, but when she couldn’t make it to an appointment, she often just had to ride it out. “As a headache came on last week, I tried this on my temples and the back of my neck… Less than 10 minutes later, the throbbing let up & I was able to function.”

Joyce had tried it all—Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Excedrin Tension. But none of it really worked for the jaw tension that triggered her headaches. “I was skeptical at first,” she said, “but Complete Relief works within minutes when I apply it.”

It’s that kind of speed and consistency that keeps people coming back. For Gayle, Complete Relief is a bedside essential. “It’s my first line of defense when I get a headache, especially at night,” she wrote. “I roll it on my temples and the back of my head, then place the rollerball under my nose so I can smell it. I can often feel an immediate ebbing of headache pain after I’ve smelled it for about 15 seconds.”

Beyond the fast results, it’s the kind of relief people love—it’s natural, drug-free, and empowering. Millie summed it up perfectly: “At the first signs of a headache, I used Complete Relief and within a short time, the headache was gone. I’m glad I didn’t need to take medication.”

For others, the benefits go beyond headaches. Alicia described it as her “miracle in a roll-on bottle,” helping not just with headaches but with the tightness and soreness in her neck and shoulders. And Norma, who had lived with constant pain for over 20 years, found something she didn’t think was possible anymore: sleep. “Since I started using Complete Relief, I can actually fall asleep and sleep for 6–7 hours. I am overjoyed.”

And if you’re reading all this and still unsure? You’re not alone. Rosalyn was in your shoes, too. “Out of desperation, I decided to try Complete Relief. WOW! Within minutes, my headaches are gone. I still can’t believe this miracle oil, but it works every time.”

The Natural Alternative That Belongs In Your Headache Toolkit

If you’ve been living at the mercy of headaches—canceling plans, reaching for pills that barely help, or scrolling through the internet in search of something, anything that works—I want you to know this: you’re not alone, and there is hope.

Complete Relief may not be magic, but for so many women, it’s come pretty close. It’s fast. It’s natural. It’s easy to use. And most importantly, it actually helps.

Whether you swipe it on at the first sign of a tension headache, pair it with a cold compress in a dark room, or keep it in your bag for on-the-go support, this little roll-on has earned a permanent place in my own headache toolkit—and in thousands of yours, too.

That said, I want to be completely honest: Complete Relief won’t work for everyone.

• If your headaches are caused by hormones, sinus pressure, or blood sugar drops, this topical blend might not reach the root of the problem.
• If the pain is already in full swing, even powerful natural remedies may struggle to keep up.
• And sometimes, your body just needs more hydration, rest, or help from a professional.

But if you’re curious, even cautiously so, I’d love for you to try it for yourself. And if it doesn’t help you? Just reach out within 90 days, and I’ll give you a full refund. No hassle, no judgment—just my promise that you’ll never be stuck wasting money on something that doesn’t work for you.

Right now, I’m also offering a buy one, get one free deal! Just add 2 or more bottles of Complete Relief to your cart, and your discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

That means you can keep one in your purse and one by your bed, or share the second with someone you love. Because nothing’s better than being able to say, “Here, this might help.”

Click here to try Complete Relief risk-free.

Because you deserve to feel better—quickly, naturally, and without compromise.

How do you get relief from a headache?