Headaches are one of the most common health problems that affects most people at one time or another. Headaches can be classified into three main categories: tension headaches, migraine headaches and cluster headaches. There can be many causes of a headache such as physiological changes in the head, constriction of blood vessels, abnormal neuron activity, genetic causes, excessive smoking, excessive drinking, lack of water in the body, and others.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for headache.
1. Ginger
Ginger can help reduce inflammation of the blood vessels in the head, thus providing relief from a headache.
- Add tea leaves and ginger to a cup of water and boilit for a few minutes. Add milk and sugar to suit your taste and consume it twice a day.
- You can also boil ginger powder or raw ginger in water, and inhale the vapor.
- Another option is to chew one or two pieces of crystallized ginger candy.
- Mix equal parts of ginger juice and lemon juice. Consume it once or twice.
- Another remedy, apply a paste of one teaspoon dry ginger powder and two tablespoons of water on the forehead.
2. Mint Juice
Mint has antiseptic and anti-pruritic properties. Menthol and menthone are the primary components of mint which are very effective in alleviating headaches. Those who suffer from headaches and migraines may place mint tea compresses on the forehead to relieve discomfort. You can also apply mint juice on forehead and temples to treat headache. Along with mint juice, corainder juice is also effective in treating headaches.
3. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil helps open and close the vessels that promote blood flow and quickly reduce the pain from a headache. It also has calming and soothing effects generally.
- Massage peppermint oil into your forehead, back of jaws, and temples. Or you can put crushed fresh peppermint leaves on your forehead.
- Alternatively, you can prepare a steam treatment by adding a few drops of peppermint essential oil to a small pot of boiling water. Inhale the steam for a few minutes.
4. Basil
Basil works as a muscle relaxant, making it a helpful treatment for headaches caused by tension and tight muscles.
- Put some fresh basil leaves in a cup of boiling water, let it sit for a few minutes and then sip the tea slowly.
- For mild headaches, you can chew some fresh basil leaves or massage your head with pure basil oil.
5. Lavender Oil
The health benefits of lavender are well known. This herb can be useful in treating headaches among other ailments.
- Put some lavender oil in a bowl of hot water and inhale its vapor for a few minutes. Repeat this popular headache treatment several times a day.
- You can also safely apply this herbal oil externally to your forehead. Do not take lavender oil orally.
6. Ice Pack
The cold from ice helps reduce inflammation that contributes to headaches.
- Applying an ice pack to the back of your neck can give you relief from a migraine headache.
- You can also place a washcloth dipped in ice-cold water over your head for five minutes. Repeat the process several times.
- Alternatively, you can use a bag of frozen vegetables as a cold compress. Within half an hour you will feel some relief.
7. Rosemary
The rosmarinic acid in rosemary oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help treat a headache.
- Simply massage your head with rosemary oil when you have a headache.
- Alternatively, make an herbal tea by boiling one teaspoon of crushed rosemary leaves and one teaspoon of crushed sage leaves in a cup of water. Cover it while boiling. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then drink it. You can have this herbal tea two to three times a day. If both the herbs are not available, you can make the tea with either of the two herbs alone.
8. Cloves
Cloves can be used to ease tension headaches.
- Crush a few cloves gently and put them in a sachet or a clean handkerchief. Inhale the smell of the crushed cloves whenever you have a headache until you get some relief from the pain.
- You can also make a paste from three to four cloves and put it on your forehead.
- You can also mix clove oil with salt and rub it on your forehead. The cooling effect of the clove oil will give you relief within minutes.
9. Cinnamon
Cinnamon can cure headaches associated with the common cold.
- Grind a stick of cinnamon with water to make a thick paste. Apply the paste to your forehead for a few minutes.
- Alternatively,you can add two teaspoons of powdered cinnamon to one-half cup of milk and boil it for one or two minutes. Add a teaspoon of honey, mix it thoroughly and drink it. Do this at least twice a day when suffering from a headache.
10. Apples
Both apples and apple cider vinegar have attributes that can balance the alkaline and acidic levels in the body, giving you relief from headaches.
- Simply eat an apple with some salt.
- You can also add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a full glass of water and drink it.
Next time you have a headache, try these natural treatments for fast relief. However, if you have severe and frequent headaches, consult a doctor.
Diet for Headaches
Certain foods may trigger a headache. Different foods produce different reactions in people. Therefore it is a good idea to pay close attention to your diet. Write down the foods you consume on a daily basis. Foods that seem to be causing adverse reactions in the body should be removed from the diet. The following foods are common headache triggers. It is best to avoid eating these foods if you feel they are triggering headaches.
- Cheese
- Wine
- Caffeine
- Cold cuts
Headaches may also occur when you skip your meals. This is due to the drop in blood sugar levels. The best way to prevent such headaches is to eat your meals on time. You can even divide your meals into smaller portions and eat them frequently during the day. This will keep your metabolism steady and will also regulate your blood glucose levels. It is also important to eat balanced, healthy meals so that you don’t suffer from any nutritional deficiencies.
