Natural remedies exist for headaches and migraines, such as vitamin supplements, relaxation techniques and acupressure. Peppermint and lavender oils also can provide some relief.
Attaining high levels of histamine through foods such as aged cheeses, beer and cured meats may trigger migraines in sensitive individuals (24). Eliminating them from your diet will likely reduce migraine occurrence.
1. Ginger
Ginger can be an effective natural remedy for headaches. According to an article in Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, ginger contains compounds which reduce pain and nausea associated with migraines.
Addition of sliced or grated ginger to your diet can help prevent and treat migraine headaches effectively. Try steeping some pieces in hot water to make tea or simply chewing some crystallized ginger as a snack.
Ginger oil can also be applied directly with your finger and massaged into the temples, forehead and back of your neck to ease inflammation. As with all supplements it is wise to seek medical advice first as they could interact with medications taken for depression or any dietary restrictions that you are on.
2. Ice
Ice is an effective way to constrict blood vessels and relieve pain caused by headaches and migraines, while simultaneously soothing nerves and reducing swelling in the head. You can either store a bag in your freezer or purchase a wearable ice pack designed specifically to provide long-term cooling effect on the scalp and neck area.
Peppermint oil is an all-natural anti-inflammatory that has been found to alleviate headaches in numerous studies. You can apply a few drops of peppermint essential oil directly to your temples or neck for maximum effect, or make peppermint tea by boiling some drops of peppermint powder with water and sipping as it cools off.
Butterbur root may help ease histamine-related headaches in certain people. Histamine is an antihistamine found naturally within our immune, digestive, and nervous systems that plays an essential role. But for people sensitive to its presence it may cause migraines and headaches – although some individuals may even be immune.
3. Acupressure
Acupressure involves applying steady pressure to thumbs, fingers, knuckles or side of hand in order to relax and relieve pain in affected areas of the hand and improve blood flow in those locations.
Acupressure works on the theory that energy flows through meridians within our bodies and when one becomes blocked it causes pain. Applying pressure along a blocked meridian releases the blocked energy and soothes discomfort.
Acupressure can be an excellent alternative to medication and is generally safe and simple to implement at home. However, it should never be seen as the sole solution for an illness; always consult a medical provider first for advice. Various studies have proven its efficacy against many conditions including headaches and migraines; one found it more effective than muscle relaxants in relieving migraine symptoms altogether.
4. Massage
Massage stimulates blood flow, increasing oxygen and nutrients reaching tissues while simultaneously encouraging your body to release waste products and toxins.
Massage for headache can help ease tension and stress levels while stimulating parasympathetic nervous system activity, an anti-anxiety response which soothes you while encouraging restfulness and sleepiness.
A small 2022 study demonstrated that cervical mobilization (manual manipulation of the neck) combined with massage could reduce migraine symptoms; however, due to single-blind study design and smaller sample sizes compared with double-blind studies more research must be completed to verify these findings.
5. Essential oils
Essential oils provide natural relief from headaches, including migraines. Essential oils also work to alleviate stress and promote circulation – which are both common causes for headaches. We suggest our Lavender Spa Mist Spray or Peppermint Headache Relief Blend as effective alternatives.
People have used essential oils for centuries as an aid to relaxation and treating ailments, but recent scientific studies demonstrate that certain oils may be particularly effective at relieving headache pain, including lavender, rosemary, chamomile peppermint and eucalyptus oils.
People can use essential oils directly from the bottle or add some to a warm compress applied to their forehead and temples. They can also try mixing their oil with an almond or jojoba carrier oil and massaging their face with it for an indulging experience.