Headaches are the most common pain that we all experience at one time or another. Typically we take a man-made pain reliever and it goes away but talking some pain relievers on a regular basis can have harmful side-effects. Finding a natural solution to headaches, especially for those who suffer recurring ones is more preferable because they have fewer to no side-effects.
Understanding Headaches
There are two general types of headaches, primary and secondary. Primary headaches are not related to an underlying medical condition and include tension, cluster and migraine headaches. These are the most common type of headaches. Secondary headaches are connected to medical conditions such as sinus infections, hypertension, head injury and many other conditions. Secondary headaches account for only 10% of all headaches.
Two of the most painful primary headaches are cluster and migraine headaches. Cluster headaches are characterized by several extremely painful headaches over a short period of time that will then go away for many weeks or months. Migraine headaches are also extremely painful, sometimes debilitating headaches that begin in one area of the head and spreads out all over the head. During a migraine many people become very sensitive to light and can even experience nausea, vomiting and altered vision.
Tension headaches are the typical primary headaches that the average person experiences. They usually begin with a dull, persistent pain in the back of the neck and rise to the base of the head. These types of headaches can also cause extreme fatigue, irritability and insomnia.
Non-Drug Remedies
Learning stress-reduction techniques or adding exercise or meditation to your routine may help in reducing tension headaches and in helping to control outbreaks of cluster and migraine headaches. Other irritants can be smoke, perfume, alcohol, caffeine and aspartame. Try to avoid these things as much as possible if you experience headaches regularly.
While you are experiencing a headache, try an ice pack on the painful areas. Rubbing a few drops of peppermint or lavender oil on your temples or at the base of the neck can also help to relieve a headache.
Herbal Remedies
(Caution: Never take any herbal or vitamin supplement without consulting your physician first. Never give to children unless directed by a physician.)
Cayenne
This hot pepper is believed to relieve pain by wearing out the mechanism by which the pain is transmitted. It also warms and improves circulation which eases the pain of headache, especially cluster headaches. Cayenne is available in powder, extract and pill form.
Feverfew
A European plant that is now cultivated in the U.S. and Canada feverfew helps to reduce the frequency, duration and severity of cluster and migraine headaches. This herb can be taken daily to help prevent these headaches also. Feverfew is available in liquid and capsule form.
Dong Quai
This herb native to China, Japan and Korea has become increasingly popular for many types pain relief including treating cluster, tension and migraine headaches. Taken regularly it can help prevent cluster and migraine attacks. Dong quai is available in tablet form.
White Willow Bark
This was used by the ancient Egyptians as a pain and inflammation reliever. This herb should be used sparingly and only for the most severe cases of headaches. White Willow Bark comes in bark (for tea), capsule and liquid form. This herb is not to be used by people who take medicine for high-blood pressure, blood thinners or who have heart disease.
Mint
Peppermint and spearmint have long been used to relieve bronchial and sinus problems but are also effective for headaches. To reduce the pain of a headache try drinking mint tea or place a few drops of peppermint oil on your lower neck or temples and rub in. Both peppermint and spearmint are available in oil, tea and liquid extract form. Peppermint is also available in capsule form.
Nutritional Supplement Remedies
Melatonin
Melatonin is a substance produced naturally by the brain but when people lack the right amount in their body they can experience many symptoms including migraine and cluster headaches. Taking melatonin supplements can help to reduce the severity and frequency of these headaches.
Magnesium
It has been found that many migraine headache sufferers have low levels of magnesium in their bodies. By increasing the amount of magnesium in their body they can reduce the frequency of migraines. Magnesium is available in both liquid and pill form. Eating foods high in magnesium, such as halibut, oatmeal and nuts can also raise your levels naturally.
Vitamin B2
Also know as riboflavin this vitamin is known to help prevent the frequency of migraine headaches. This vitamin should be taken daily to increase its ability to prevent migraines. Increasing your intake of foods high in riboflavin, such as whole grain foods, dairy products, eggs and salmon can help to raise your levels of B2 naturally.
If your headache is the result of a toothache, sinus infection or trauma to the head you should see your doctor immediately. But for those of you who suffer from headaches regularly trying a natural remedy may be the right solution for you.
