- Lavender can Help Treat Headaches - Thowra_uk
When a headache strikes, it's tempting to pop a pill and hope that is sufficient to ward off the pain. But that's not always the best option. Over-the-counter painkillers can lead to a whole host of side effects and health conditions. That's why exploring natural methods to deal with headaches is such a logical, and increasingly popular, alternative.
Common Headache Causes
Headaches can occur as a result of various circumstances. Common triggers include:
- tension
- lack of sleep
- constipation
- spinal misalignment
- sinus congestion
- skipped meals
- dehydration
In addition to this list, studies have linked certain foods with recurring headaches, including:
- alcohol (especially red wine)
- caffeine
- cheese
- chocolate
- MSG
- nuts (especially peanuts)
- processed/cured meats
When Should Natural Remedies be Used to Treat Headaches?
If headaches are infrequent and don't seem to be a severe, chronic issue, alternative methods may be the best method to deal with the pain. However, if the condition seems to be increasing in frequency and severity, a trip to the physician to take more stringent measures may be advisable.
Natural Remedies for Headaches
Aromatherapy can be used in conjunction with a number of different remedies. Whether essential oils, candles, or soaps are used, scents like peppermint, sandalwood, eucalyptus, and lavender can help relieve tension and relax the body.
Treating the painful area with either hot or cold can be highly effective. Place a cool compress on the neck or upper back. Take it a step further by treating the cool cloth with essential oils beforehand. Peppermint or lavender oil work quite well. A hot pad on the neck and shoulders may also relieve tension. Another option is a warm bath or shower with aromatherapy soap. The hot water and scent will help relieve muscles. If a full bath isn't appealing, a footbath of warm water will help to pull the blood away from the head.
Massage is an excellent way to treat headaches. Gently massaging the shoulders and back of the neck will help to unblock congested sinuses and will stimulate and relax tired, tight, and sore muscles. For additional relief essential oils can be rubbed into the skin during the massage on the neck, shoulder, or sinus regions. Massaging the feet may also help to bring relief. Also effective is the practice of acupressure. Apply pressure to the painful areas with either the thumb or index finger and hold for seven to 15 seconds before releasing.
While exercise may be the least appealing idea when suffering from a headache, getting up and moving around may help relieve the pain. Movement will help release the tension as well as stimulate endorphin production, increase blood flow, and boost oxygen circulation.
Natural Remedies from Herbs and Diet
Several herbs have been linked to headache relief. Herbs may be taken as a dietary supplement, and can also be found as an ingredient in many herbal medicinal teas. Feverfew is an anti-inflammatory herb that can be taken daily as a preventative measure against headaches. The aroma and cooling properties of peppermint make it an excellent headache reliever. Passionflower has been identified as an anti-inflammatory herb with calming properties. Ginko biloba improves blood flow and increases oxygen flow to the brain. White willow bark seems to function in a manner similar to ASPIRIN®, relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Chamomile is known to soothe and relieve tension. Other herbs that may be helpful in treating headaches include meadowsweet, valerian, skullcap, and butterbur.
Certain foods may also provide relief from headaches. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a compound which raises the pain threshold and may offer relief. Ginger, fish oil, foods rich in calcium or magnesium, and garlic all may be effective in reducing headache severity or keeping headaches at bay.
Sources:
farmersalmanac.com, "Natural Headache Remedies" (August 4, 2010)
relieve-migraine-headache.com, "Headache Home Remedies" (August 4, 2010)
relieve-migraine-headache.com, "Home Remedy for Tension Headache" (August 6, 2010)
relieve-migraine-headache.com, "What's the Best Herb for Headache?" (August 6, 2010)
relieve-migraine-headache.com, "Feverfew Migraine Relief" (August 6, 2010)
relieve-migraine-headache.com, "Diet Headache Migraine" (August 6, 2010)
webmd.com, "Headache Home Remedies" (August 4, 2010)
motherearthneews.com, "Natural Headache Remedies" (August 4, 2010)
heealyourheadachenow.com, "Top 10 Headache Remedies and Cures" (August 4, 2010)
curecabinet.com, "Headache Natural Cures" (August 4, 2010)
Sarah Lantz - Sarah Lantz is a freelance musician who enjoys writing on the side. She started piano lessons at the tender age of five and has been ...
