Today, I will be sharing 11 best natural remedies for headaches. Headaches are something that everyone gets at some point. Thankfully there are a few basic things that you can do to provide relief from the pain without having to resort to meds or making a trip to the doctor. When it comes to treatment, natural is always best, whenever possible.
11 Best Natural Remedies For Headaches
1. Cold Pack
Placing a cold pack against your forehead can provide much needed relief for migraine. Place a few ice cubes in a towel. Or you can take a cold shower, or use a bag of frozen vegetables. Keep the cold pack against your forehead for about fifteen minutes, and then take a break for fifteen minutes.
2. Hot Compress or Heating Pad
For tension headaches, you can place a heating pad against the back of your head or your neck. For sinus headaches, place a hot cloth on the area that hurts. Warm showers can also help with pain relief.
3. Remove Some of The Pressure on Your Head or Scalp
Headaches can also be caused by ponytails that are too tight. External compression headaches are also caused by wearing a hat, swimming goggles, or a headband that fits too tight.
4. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can be the cause of your headache, or it can make it worse, so be sure to take in a lot of fluids.
5. Get Your Caffeine Fix
Drink some coffee, tea, or something with a caffeine content. If you drink it soon after the pain begins, it could provide relief for the pain. You can also take OTC pain relief meds like acetaminophen. Remember moderation is key. Caffeine withdrawal can also cause headaches.
6. Dim Lights
Flickering or bright lights, even your PC screen can result in migraine headaches. If you are prone to getting migraines, use blackout curtains throughout the day to block out some of the light. Wear sunglasses when you are outside and you can also consider adding anti-glare screens to your PC and use only daylight-spectrum fluorescent globes in light fixtures.
7. Avoid Chewing
If you are in the habit of chewing your fingernails, chewing gum, pens, or the inside of your cheeks, try to avoid this. Also steer clear from sticky or crunchy foods, and take small bites when eating. People who are prone to grinding their teeth at night, can wear a mouthguard while they sleep. This might get rid of morning headaches.
8. Give Relaxation a Try
Do something that helps your mind and body to relax, like yoga, stretches, or meditation. Implementing some relaxation techniques while you’re in the middle of a headache can help the pain to subside. If you suffer from painful muscle spasms in your neck, speak to your GP about physical therapy.
9. Massage
Massage is something that you can apply yourself. Massage your neck, forehead, and temples for a few minutes to get rid of a tension headache, which is brought on by stress. Or you can apply gentle, rotating movement to the area where the pain resides.
10. Add Ginger to Your Diet
Some studies suggest that taking ginger alongside OTC medication can help ease the discomfort of migraine pain. Brew some ginger tea or take ginger supplements.
11. Avoid Overdoing it With Meds
There are plenty of pain relievers available from retailers and pharmacies for treating headaches. To get the most from these meds without too much risk, be sure to follow the instructions on the label in conjunction with these guidelines:
- Liquid gets absorbed faster into the body than pills.
- Steer clear from ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications if you suffer from kidney or heart failure.
- Take painkillers the moment your head starts to hurt.
- Never give aspirin to children under eighteen years old.
- If you are prone to getting sick to your stomach when you have a headache, ask your doctor about possible treatment.
- Speak to your GP about what you should do to avoid a rebound headache. This is pain that starts after a few days of taking pain relievers.
- Also speak to your doctor about which headache symptoms you should not treat yourself.
When Must You Call a Doctor?
- Headaches that follow brain or head injury.
- Headaches that are accompanied by speech problems, dizziness, confusion or any other neurological signs.
- Severe headaches that start abruptly.
- Headaches that worsen even after taking pain medication.
Conclusion
I hope that you have found these 11 best remedies for headaches useful and that you will implement some of them to see if it helps for you.
Sending you much light, pain-free vibes, and inner peace.
Anthea