Headaches, including migraines,
are extremely common. Because headaches can stem from a variety of causes, some
headache sufferers seek treatment on a near-daily basis. Fortunately, there are
several home-remedy treatments that can help alleviate migraine pain and other
types of headaches.
(must read: How to get rid of Back pain)
Remedies
for Headaches and migraine pain
Lavender
Oil
Not only does lavender smell
great — it’s also a useful home remedy for headaches and migraine pain.
Lavender oil can be either inhaled or applied topically. Two to four drops for
every two to three cups of boiling water are recommended when inhaling lavender-oil
vapors as a headache treatment. Unlike many medicinal oils, this home remedy
can also be safely applied externally without the need to dilute it. Lavender
oil should not be taken orally.
Ice
Pack
Placing a cold compress like an
ice pack on your forehead will numb the pain, help shrink the blood vessels and
improve circulation to the area. This particular remedy works well for
headaches due to stress or sinus problems. Wrap some ice cubes or crushed ice
in a thin towel. Hold it against your forehead for a few minutes. A bag of
frozen vegetables can also serve as an icepack. Never apply ice directly on
your skin as it can damage the skin. Alternatively, apply a cold cloth on your
head and temples for 10 minutes and repeat the process for some time until you
get relief.
Lemon
Lemon is a very effective and
powerful ingredient to treat headache because it is refreshing and relaxing.
Plus, it helps maintain the acid-alkaline balance in the body. Drinking warm
water mixed with juice squeezed from one-half of a lemon will reduce the
intensity of a headache. This particular remedy is beneficial for headaches
caused by gas in the stomach. Another option is to apply lemon crusts, pounded
into a paste, on your forehead to immediately relieve pain.
(Must read: Side effects of Lemon and Lemon juice)
Peppermint
Oil
Peppermint is a soothing home
remedy that has been shown to benefit tension headaches. This fresh-smelling
oil has vaso-constricting and vaso-dilating properties, which help control
blood flow in the body. Headaches and migraine pain are often due to poor blood
flow, and peppermint oil helps to open and close the vessels that promote flow.
Peppermint home remedies also open up the sinuses so that more oxygen can get
into the bloodstream.
Caffeine
Have a cup of strong coffee.
Caffeine reduces blood-vessel swelling, and thus can help relieve a headache.
This is why caffeine is an ingredient in
some extra-strength painkillers like Excedrin. However, if you are already a
heavy coffee drinker, skip this. Caffeine withdrawal can cause headaches,
creating a vicious cycle.
Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory
properties that can help ease headache pain. It also helps relax the blood
vessels in the head, reduces swelling in the brain and activates natural
opiates in the brain that help lessen the pain. Simply drink ginger tea up to 3
times a day to reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate headache pain. It
is important to start at the onset of the headache so the ginger can act
quickly.
Nuts
Instead of popping a pill when
you get a headache, toss back some almonds. For everyday tension-type
headaches, almonds can be a natural remedy and a healthier alternative to other
medicine. It acts as a pain reliever because it contains something called
salicin, which is also an agent in popular over the counter killers. Try eating
a handful or two of these wholesome nuts when you feel the ache start to set
in.
Eat
less chocolate
Pretty straightforward-chocolate
and the caffeine it contains make it a common trigger for headaches in many
people.
Drink
enough water
On average we don’t drink enough
water daily, and that alone is cause for a headache. Coffee, alcohol, sugary
drinks-all can dehydrate you (hence the pounding headache that comes along with
a hangover) and should be avoided. As soon as your head starts to hurt, drink a
tall glass of water, and then sip throughout the day. Gradually the pain will
start to ease up, and you’ll be hurting less and well-hydrated to boot. Simply
drinking water may seem too obvious or simple to actually work as a headache
remedy but it can, and often time’s does. We humans often just seem to feel the
need to make things more complicated than they are.
Do
something constrictive
Tie a bandanna, scarf, or necktie
around your forehead, then tighten it just to the point where you can feel
pressure all around your head. By reducing the flow of blood to your scalp,
this can help relieve the pain caused by swollen blood vessels. You might try
soaking the bandanna in vinegar, a traditional headache remedy.
Basil
Oil
Basil, the strong-scented herb
used as a topping for pizzas and pastas, certainly tastes and smells good. And
for people in need of a natural headache treatment, the oil derived from basil
plants can also be a useful home remedy. Basil works as a muscle relaxant, so
it is especially helpful for headaches caused by tension and tight muscles.
Flax-seed
Some headaches are caused by
inflammation, which can be reduced by consuming omega-3 fatty acids. Flax-seed can help provide headache relief because it’s rich in omega-3s. Flax-seed can be used as a home remedy in several forms, including as an oil and ground or whole
seeds.
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