Relieve Headaches Naturally

​Headaches are a common condition that many people suffer on a regular basis.

IMG_5366.JPG

Before you reach for the pills, try to relieve your headache naturally.​

IMG_5367.JPG

Several types of headaches exist, with tension headaches being the most common. Cluster headaches are painful and happen in groups or “clusters,” while migraines are a moderate-to-severe type of headache.

Although many medications are targeted at relieving headache symptoms, a number of effective, natural treatments also exist

1. Water

Inadequate hydration may lead you to develop a headache. Water relieves headache symptoms especially if you are dehydrated. 

2. Magnesium 

Very important mineral necessary for countless functions in the body, including blood sugar control and nerve transmission (

Interestingly, magnesium has also been shown to be a safe, effective remedy for headaches.

3. Limit Alcohol

Alcohol is a vasodilator (widens blood vessels) can trigger migraines and cause tension and cluster headaches. Alcohol also acts as a diuretic, causing the body to lose fluid and electrolytes through frequent urination, leading to dehydration. 

4. Get Adequate Sleep

Sleeping less than 6 hours nightly can be detrimental to your health and May cause headaches.

Beware too much sleep can also trigger headaches!

Aim for 7-8 Hours 

5. Avoid foods high in Histamine 

Histamine is a chemical found naturally in the body that plays a role in the immune, digestive and nervous systems, also found in foods like smoked fish, aged cheeses, cured meats. 

6. Essential Oils

Therapeutic benefits used topically and ingested.  Aromaric compounds from a variety of plants. 

Apply peppermint essential oil to the temples to help reduce tension headaches  Lavender oil is highly effective at reducing migraine pain and associated symptoms when applied to the upper lip and inhaled 

7. Vitamin B

Water-soluble micronutrients that play many important roles in the body, contributing to neurotransmitter synthesis and help convert food into energy 

8. Cold Compress

Applying cold or frozen compresses to the neck or head area decreases inflammation, slows nerve conduction and constricts blood vessels, all of which help reduce headache pain  Apply the compress to the back of the neck, head or temples for headache relief.

9. Coenzyme

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a substance produced naturally by the body that helps turn food into energy and functions as a powerful antioxidant. 

100 mg of CoQ10 supplements per day can help reduce migraine frequency, severity and length 

10. Yoga & Meditation

Fantastic way to relieve stress, increase flexibility, decrease pain and improve your overall quality of life 

 15. Herbal Remedies 

11. Herbal Remedies

Feverfew an anti inflammatory flowering plant  and butterbur may reduce headache symptoms.

Butterbur root comes from a perennial shrub native to Germany and, like feverfew, has anti-inflammatory effects.

12. Avoid Nitrates and Nitrites

Foods containing nitrates may trigger headaches as they cause expansion of blood vessels. Preservatives added to items like hot dogs, sausages and bacon to keep them fresh by preventing bacterial growth.

LIMIT PROCESSED MEATS  

13. Ginger Tea

Ginger contains many beneficial compounds, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances. 250 mg of ginger powder was as effective as the conventional headache medication sumatriptan at reducing migraine pain, also helps reduce nausea. 

14.Exercise

Regular physical activity can be more effective than relaxation techniques. Inactivity causes headaches.

Raise your heart rate by moving 3/4 times weekly 30-45 minutes. 

Sandy Donnelly