Headache is a common complaint in most people. There are 2 types of headaches: primary and secondary. Primary headaches are migraine, cluster and tension headaches. Secondary headaches are caused by an underlying disorder such as brain tumour, infection or injury. Tension headaches are the most prevalent type, afflicting men and women at some point in their lives. Most headaches are triggered by emotional, stress, environmental, chemical and food factors.
Certain things that can set off headache include the following:
- Strong or unusual odors, bright lights or loud noises
- Changes in weather or altitude
- Being tired, stressed or depressed
Natural headache remedies
Chamomile - Chamomile has a natural calming effect. Drink a cup of chamomile tea to help calm your nerves and naturally relieve a headache.
Ginkgo - Ginkgo can relieve a headache pain by dilating blood vessels in the head.
Hot or cold compress is great for relieving allergy, sinus and caffeine headaches.
Some oils such as lavender, eucalyptus and peppermint can relieve tension headaches.
Applying ice to your head, but making sure not to put the ice directly on your head. You can wrap ice or a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel.
Applying heat to the back of the neck. Heat can loosen up the muscles that tighten with tension headaches. Try a hot shower, bath, or heating pad.
Another method of natural remedy that doesn't use any material is shiatsu. Press gently on your web between your thumb and index finger. Hold that pressure for 15 seconds. Breathe slowly all the while. Repeat this several times before switching to your hand.
Nutrition is important consider whole food vitamins and an improved diet with lots of raw fruits and vegetables.
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Brahmi is a nervine tonic that enhances learning ,academic performance and improves mental ability. It is used in Ayurveda for the treatment of asthma, hoarseness, insanity and epilepsy and is also a potent nerve tonic, cardiotonic, aperient and diuretic. It acts as an anti-anxiety agent and also calms restlessness in children and is used in several mental disorders.
Natural Headache ReliefIt starts as a dull sensation in the back of your head, nothing to worry about, but it keeps growing, louder and stronger, until you can’t ignore it anymore. You’ve got a headache and you need relief! Traffic, people, noise, lights, smells and daily angst seem almost unbearable. You have to stop this headache, cold in its tracks; otherwise nothing else will get done. You dash towards the closest rifling through a stash of pills before you stop – in this day and age why can’t you find natural headache relief? Well, look no further, we have all sorts of tips to help you quiet the noise inside your head – naturally.
Aromatherapy - Essential oils and scented candles help calm your environment and relax the body and mind - just what you need when your head is throbbing. Here is a helpful list of essential oils .
* Chamomile - calming, soothing
* Cinnamon - reduces stress, loosens tight muscles
* Lavender - reduces pain, relaxes
* Lime Essence - reduces anxiety
* Marjoram - eases muscle tension
* Peppermint - reduces pain, reduces tension
Massage with Pressure Points - Since stress and tension can cause headaches, it’s best to reduce and remove them. Nothing does the job quite like a massage, especially if you incorporate pressure points. If you’re new to these techniques, check out this great video. You’ll be stress and headache free in no time.
Icepack - An icepack will cool your hot head. Icepacks work especially well if you’re exhausted - when giving yourself a massage just takes too much effort.
Soothing Music - A clam and relaxing environment will help you relax and will dull the pain. Listening to classical music is a smooth way to unwind and mellow out - both will calm the commotion upstairs.
A Soothing Footbath-A footbath diverts the blood supply from your head to your feet. Bathe you feet in a basin of 95 degree water. Add hot water at 5 minute intervals, until 115 degrees is reached. After soaking your feet for 5 minutes, pour in cold water until the temperature is lukewarm. Put on wool socks and lie down for about 20 minutes.
Vitamin and mineral therapies-Various mineral and vitamin therapies that have been shown to be beneficial for headaches include supplementing with magnesium, calcium or fish oils.
For example, preliminary research in a group of women showed that supplementing with magnesium (usually 200 mg per day) reduced the frequency of migraines in approximately 80 per cent of those treated.
