Headaches are one of the most widespread health ailments worldwide. Fortunately, there are numerous home remedies and natural treatments to get relief.
Sleeping enough, abstaining from caffeine and drinking plenty of water can help prevent headaches or reduce their severity. Furthermore, a diet rich in fatty fish as well as supplements with omega-3 fats have been known to protect against migraines.
1. Cold Compress
A natural remedy for headache can be a cold compress, which is made from either ice or frozen fruit and vegetables. They’re easy to make and should be part of any first aid kit.
The most effective way to use a cold compress is to place it over the area that’s experiencing discomfort. For instance, if you’re suffering from migraine, place the ice pack over your head and neck for relief.
If you’re suffering from a tension-type headache or one caused by muscle contraction, warm compresses can provide some relief. Just remember that applying too much heat may exacerbate the discomfort; thus, alternate cold and hot therapy with breaks in between may help.
2. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is a natural remedy for headaches that can help alleviate symptoms of migraine and tension headaches. It contains menthol, which relaxes muscle contractions and promotes blood flow in the brain to reduce pain.
Apply diluted peppermint oil to the forehead and temples to relieve headache symptoms caused by sinusitis. Inhaling steam with this essential oil can also help clear congestion and provide temporary relief from sinusitis-related headaches.
Peppermint oil, when taken internally, promotes healthy bowel function and provides gastrointestinal comfort. It may be an effective natural treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
3. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is an effective natural solution to headaches by relaxing both mind and body. Additionally, it may address the underlying causes of your discomfort such as stress or fatigue.
Lavender oil, for instance, can provide relief from tension headaches and migraines caused by anxiety or mental stress. Peppermint oil on the other hand, provides headache relief due to allergies or congestion as well as analgesic relief for nausea.
Essential oils for headaches can be an effective and natural alternative to over-the-counter pain medications that may only provide temporary relief and come with potentially detrimental side effects. With so many different essential oils available to combat headaches, doing your research and finding the right one for you is key.
4. Caffeine
According to the American Migraine Foundation, caffeine can provide much-needed pain relief for headaches. Additionally, it may reduce inflammation that causes them.
Caffeine can enhance the effects of pain medications like acetaminophen, aspirin and ibuprofen when taken together, helping provide faster relief from your headache. Plus, caffeine helps prevent drowsiness and fatigue that often accompany these drugs – which could make the condition worse.
Caffeine can become addictive and may cause withdrawal symptoms that are uncomfortable for some individuals. Therefore, it’s best to reduce consumption gradually instead of abruptly discontinuing use.
5. Ginger
Ginger is an effective natural remedy that can provide temporary relief from headache pain and nausea. It has become a widely-used herbal supplement to assist with migraine headaches.
Additionally, massage oil can be used to relax your muscles. Simply dilute it before applying it to temples, forehead or back of neck areas.
Recent reviews indicate that ginger root may help relieve migraine-related pain and nausea for those who do not want or cannot access prescription drugs. However, more research is necessary before this method can be recommended as a primary treatment for acute migraine attacks.