A carer who suffers from migraines claims that a retro sweet costing just 60p can relieve her debilitating symptoms in only 15 minutes, enabling her to get out of bed and function normally. Jemma O'Donovan, 28, began experiencing migraines around three-and-a-half years ago and now endures at least two attacks per week.
The Sweet Solution
Jemma, from Bristol, says her migraines are not triggered by anything specific, but at their worst, she suffers from vomiting, dizziness, double vision, and intense pain on one side of her head. Although heavy-duty medication can banish her migraines, she claims the side effects are sometimes worse than the original pain. Eight weeks ago, while experiencing a migraine, she consumed a Barratt Sherbet Dip Dab and was surprised to feel better within 15 minutes. Initially thinking it was a fluke, she tested it again during her next migraine and again found relief.
The Barratt Sherbet Dip Dab is a sherbet dip with a strawberry-flavoured lolly that contains both sugar and salt in the baking soda. Jemma believes the combination of sugar and salt helps relieve her migraine symptoms. While sugar can offer temporary relief if a migraine is triggered by low blood sugar, the NHS warns that refined sugary foods can cause a rapid rise and fall in blood sugar, potentially making migraines more likely.
Comparison to Viral Hack
This discovery is similar to the viral 'McDonald's coke and fries' hack on TikTok, where doctors explained that the mixture of carbs, salt, and caffeine can take the edge off migraine pain, though better options exist. Jemma now keeps a stash of Sherbet Dip Dabs in her bedside drawer, always ready for an attack. She said: 'One of the first symptoms I get is migraine aura, which is flashing lights and colours in one eye. This is my warning sign that I have about half an hour to get somewhere safe before I really suffer.'
She added: 'Sometimes the heavy-hitting medication is worse than the migraine itself. The medication makes my body go to sleep and stops working. In 20 minutes, I feel like I can't lift my arms or walk properly. The sweet hack was a complete accident. I had gone to Tesco and bought some sweets, including a Dip Dab. I was having a migraine, and within 15 minutes after finishing, I felt better. It's not a complete fix, but it makes it more manageable to go about my day.'
Jemma's migraines can last from a few hours up to 72 hours. She now keeps nine Dip Dabs in her bedside table. She recommends others try the hack, saying: 'It's so cheap, easily fits in your bag, and very accessible. I also suggest putting your feet in hot water to draw blood away from your head.'
Social Media Reaction
After sharing her discovery online, many commented. One wrote: 'What? Trying for sure.' Another said: 'Burger and fries with that Coca Cola.' Jemma replied: 'I agree, this is another go-to, but this is great when nausea makes eating risky.' A third commented: 'Definitely going to remember this, thank you.' A fourth wrote: 'Running to stock up on these right now.' Barratt has been contacted for comment.
