Do headaches always strike at the worst possible time? Whether you’re getting set for a long day of running the kids around or finally getting some self-care in, head ache puts a damper on everything. The good news is that natural headache cures may help reduce pain even if you don’t know what’s causing it.
We’ll go through the many sorts of headaches and their causes, as well as natural headache treatments. I want to have various alternatives if I am smacked with a headache. Life does not come to a halt just because my head aches. While I firmly believe in prioritizing my health, I also don’t want to waste time sitting around with a headache!
Headaches are classified into many categories.
It’s tempting to perceive headaches as poorly-timed irritations, yet they may be messages. They alert us when our bodies need certain nutrients or water. They may also inform us when we have too much of something, such as stress or coffee.
Tension headaches are the most prevalent, although hormone headaches, migraines, cluster headaches, and other types of headaches may also occur. Headaches are another symptom of a stroke. So if you’re getting the worst headache of your life, you’ll want to phone your doctor or emergency number in your country.
Headaches might also emerge due to hormone shifts or imbalances or other health issues. Allergy headaches are a typical factor. Approximately one in every twenty persons suffers from a headache on a daily basis. Migraine problems afflict more than 29 million Americans. Three out of four migraine patients are women.
If you visit a doctor for headaches, they tend to classify them by how you describe them. This includes any accompanying symptoms, the location of the discomfort, and how long it lasts.
Do headaches always strike at the worst possible time? We are typically primarily concerned with how soon we can relieve ourselves of headaches. I understand. Head ache is horrible and never convenient. But, before you medicate the pain away, think about what caused it to assist avoid it from returning! I believe in treating the source of health problems.
Headaches! Natural Remedies! How To Cure Them
If you find yourself with a headache, chances are it falls under one of these two frequent classifications.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most prevalent form. These are also sometimes termed stress headaches or tension-type headaches (TTH) (TTH). Pain or pressure may occur anywhere in the head, scalp, or neck.
Muscle tightness commonly produces tension headaches, which may be provoked by various factors, including:
Stress
Depression
Anxiety
Injury
Use of alcohol
Too much caffeine or a rapid reduction in caffeine consumption
Infected sinuses
Cold or flu
Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
Eyestrain
Fatigue
Overexertion
Tension headaches may affect anybody, although they are more frequent in women and tend to run in families. It may occur with other headache kinds, such as migraine. It affects the whole head and neck, while migraines affect just one location or side of the head.
Migraines
Migraine headaches are also prevalent. Although the word “migraine” is often used to apply to any form of headache, migraines are a distinct type of headache. Migraine pain tends to be confined to one side of the head or strongly in one location.
These headaches are often accompanied by additional symptoms such as nausea and light sensitivity. You may be unable to function if the discomfort is severe enough. Nearly 12 percent of Americans experience migraines, and experts think there is a hereditary connection.
Migraine episodes are commonly reoccurring and have some of the same causes as headaches. But they may also be caused by other reasons, including:
Anxiety
Stress
Hormone alterations
Strong scents
Loud sounds
Bright lights
Lack of sleep
Changes in weather
Excessive physical activity
Medications
Caffeine (too much or too little) (too much or too little)
Meals skipped
Tobacco and alcoholic beverages
Certain foods (chocolate, cheese, MSG, fermented foods, yeast, preserved foods) (chocolate, cheese, MSG, fermented foods, yeast, cured foods)
Other Problems
Cluster headaches and secondary headaches are two more forms of headaches. Cluster headaches are one of the most severe headache forms but also the least prevalent. These may wake someone up in the night with discomfort around one eye or one side of the head.
Secondary headaches are also less prevalent and triggered by major medical issues. Traumatic brain damage or vascular issues are examples. A secondary headache may likely come on unexpectedly and might be linked with other worrying symptoms. If you ever get a sudden, severe headache, seek immediate medical attention.
How Do You Get Rid of Headaches?
If you only suffer infrequent headaches, it’s often hard to discern between variables that may have caused them. Were you low on sleep the night before? Maybe you didn’t drink enough water yesterday? Are your hormone levels fluctuating?
Recurrent headaches are often simpler to link to a medical condition, but not always! There are a multitude of reasons why your head might ache. But, continually looking for over-the-counter medicines isn’t a solution.
Painkillers may relieve pain temporarily, but NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or aspirin) might harm the intestines. This might lead to a leaky gut and other issues, such as autoimmune illness. I have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and although I’ve worked hard to improve my health, no one wants to be diagnosed with an autoimmune disease if it can be avoided.
(Do headaches always strike at the worst possible time?. Headaches! Natural Remedies! How To Cure Them)
Natural Headache Treatments (That Work)
The good news is there are various methods to naturally handle head discomfort, including migraines. It’s easy to locate the home cures that work best for you with a little trial and error. In certain circumstances, you may need to mix a few natural therapies to get relief.
The Internet is full of natural cures for headache symptoms, but the research backs these straightforward solutions.
Electrolytes and Hydration
One of the most neglected headache concerns is dehydration. Even if you drink enough of water, hydration-related headaches might occur. This is particularly true if you’re electrolyte-depleted.
Electrolytes assist your cells deliver nutrients where they need to go. While most people do not have a sodium deficiency, other electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium may be out of balance. These deficiencies can lead to headaches and other issues.
The most frequent causes of electrolyte imbalance include diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive perspiration. However, drinking a lot of water without replacing electrolytes might create issues.
There are numerous strategies to keep our electrolytes in check.
Bananas and potatoes are high in potassium.
There are numerous strategies to keep our electrolytes in check.
Eat potassium-rich meals like bananas and potatoes.
Magnesium-rich foods, such as pumpkin seeds and cashews, should be consumed.
Calcium-rich foods, such as sardines or yogurt, should be consumed.
Supplement with electrolytes. These are generally offered as a powder or liquid to add to drinking water.
Drink some sports drinks. I aim to avoid sugar, artificial colors, and other additives in most of them.
My preferred method to acquire electrolytes is using these electrolyte packets that don’t contain any problematic substances.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a vital element that is lacking in approximately half of the population. This mineral is involved in a variety of processes, including muscle function. We’re more prone to muscular cramps or tense muscles when we don’t have enough. Tension headaches may result from this.
There are various methods to maintain appropriate magnesium levels, but I prefer this supplement or this one for headache relief. Bathing in Epsom salts or magnesium bicarbonate is a relaxing technique to relieve stress and increase magnesium levels.
Aromatherapy Oils
Essential oils have been used for healing purposes since ancient times. However, not all of them function in the same way. The following essential oils are used in most essential oil headache cures, either separately or in a blend.
Peppermint oil diluted in a carrier oil may be applied to the temples, neck, or any other area where headache discomfort is prevalent. (Avoid putting anything in or near the eyes.) Peppermint oil may help with tension headaches and migraines.
Lavender essential oil is a relaxing essential oil for the nervous system. When breathed, lavender is relaxing for head ache and is often used for stress alleviation. Lavender essential oil, diluted, may also be used topically.
Basil essential oil – In a 2020 study, basil essential oil combined with acetaminophen reduced migraine symptoms more effectively than the medicine alone. migraine relief and possibly prevention
Rose essential oil — A 2017 study found that using rose essential oil topically helped reduce “hot” migraine types. In as little as 30 minutes, patients observed benefits!
Ginger essential oil — For headaches, a friend of mine swears by ginger essential oil. It improves circulation and relieves muscular pain. Ginger powder was shown to be equally as efficient as various migraine drugs in one investigation.
Make important to pick a carrier oil that works for you if you want to utilize essential oils for headache treatment. For persons with allergies, several popular carrier oils, such as almond, might be troublesome. Before using the carrier oil, be sure you test it. You don’t want an adverse response to your treatment when you already have a headache!
Coconut, jojoba, olive, and almond oil are all good carrier oils for essential oils.
Adjustments by a chiropractor
Depending on the type of pain, chiropractic care can be lifesaving. An adjustment may help with headaches, particularly if they’re caused by stress. Chiropractic adjustments may also help with migraines. According to national survey statistics, one out of every five chiropractic patients had a headache complaint.
The nerve system is very delicate. If the bones or muscles apply pressure on a nerve, it might translate into head or muscular discomfort elsewhere in the body.
Chiropractic therapy for migraines has a lot of research backing it up. In one patient, chiropractic therapy helped to eradicate reoccurring migraines, according to a case study. Even better, she was remained migraine-free six months later.
Other case studies demonstrate the advantages of combining chiropractic and other headache therapies. The three patients had less discomfort and used fewer medications. Chiropractic therapy, according to the researchers, benefited by reducing their musculoskeletal discomfort.
Chiropractors are also knowledgeable about natural health solutions. They might provide even more headache treatment suggestions.
Stretching in the Correct Way
Muscle stress or eye strain may create headaches in those of us who spend a lot of time on the computer. Perhaps you’re a busy parent who squeezes in workout time between diaper changes, school drop-offs, and grocery store trips. Regular activity without sufficient stretching might result in stiff muscles.
Tense muscles may be a typical head pain culprit, whether it’s “text neck” from too much time gazing down at the phone or just a desire to stretch.
Including adequate stretching in your daily routine is a simple method to loosen up and relieve stress in your mind. Yoga is a terrific method to include stretching into a workout program. However, nothing official is required. Muscle relaxation may be achieved by simply standing more, bending, stretching the back, and relaxing the shoulders.
Stretching programs may reduce the frequency and severity of headaches by approximately 70%!
Feverfew
Feverfew is a plant frequently termed “medieval aspirin,” and it’s been used for ages as a pain reliever. Research, although mixed, reveals some advantages for headache and migraine treatment. Feverfew may aid with light sensitivity, nausea, vomiting, and pain alleviation in general. It may also aid in the reduction of migraine frequency.
This herb is best used as a prophylactic and must be taken on a regular basis for many months to provide effects. It’s not going to help you if you’re having a migraine right now.
Feverfew is not recommended for usage during pregnancy and may trigger adverse responses in persons who are hypersensitive to ragweed. Blood thinners may potentially interact with it.
This kind of feverfew supplement is my favorite, but you can also purchase the entire herb here. Check with your doctor first to make sure there aren’t any potential conflicts with any drugs or supplements you’re taking. Only take feverfew as directed by your healthcare provider or as directed on the supplement label.
(Do headaches always strike at the worst possible time? Headaches! Natural Remedies! How To Cure Them)
The Bottom Line
There are several natural remedies for headaches and migraines. You should contact a neurologist if you get regular headaches, particularly if alternative therapies aren’t working. Nothing substitutes customized medical advice. However, there are occasions when all you need is a terrific home treatment with no negative side effects.
This article was medically evaluated by Dr. Jennifer Pfleghaar, D.O., FACEP, ABOIM. Dr. Jennifer is a double-board-certified physician who currently works in Emergency Medicine and practices Integrative Medicine out of her clinic in Ohio. As usual, this is not personal medical advice, and we encourage that you consult with your doctor.
Headaches! Natural Remedies! How To Cure Them.
Do headaches always strike at the worst possible time? Have you ever attempted natural headache or migraine relief? What did you find to be effective?
