Few health conditions are as common and intrusive as headaches.
While most of them are relatively harmless, these minor annoyances can disrupt your routine, cause intense pain, and may be difficult to calm down.
Since it is such a widespread issue, plenty of over-the-counter medication can tackle your symptoms and cut them short. However, sometimes, natural treatments are a more effective yet overlooked alternative.
Give Mother Nature a chance, and check the top ten natural ways to cure headaches.
10 – Avoid eating certain foods.
You may not be aware of it, but perhaps certain foods are to blame for your periodical headaches.
Some people have reported heightened sensibility to specific foods, as eating them can trigger episodic headaches or migraines. Some experts estimate that dietary choices may have caused about 20% of all reported headaches.
Common foods to watch out for include citric fruits, chocolate, tomatoes, and aged cheeses.
9 – Try to add certain foods to your diet.
While the foods above can trigger headaches, some others are known to have calming effects.
In the case of recurring migraines, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine suggests “pain-safe” foods that may help ease your symptoms. Brown rice, carrots, spinach, and summer squash are favorites, while salmon and other meats rich in riboflavin are also thought to improve headaches.
8 – Drink water.
Drinking water is about the healthiest thing anyone can do, so of course, it has positive effects against headaches.
In fact, dehydration is one of the most common causes of regular tension headaches and recurring migraines, as it can affect the blood pressure towards our brains. Subsequently, it’s not a bad idea to have a glass or two of water, as it could ease the symptoms within short notice.
7 – Give aromatherapy a chance.
The properties of the aromatic compounds within essential oils should not be underestimated. Specifically, the topical use of certain fragrances has shown to be remarkably effective against headaches.
Peppermint oil scent has instant effects on headaches. Its menthol helps normalize blood flow and opens up clogged blood vessels. On the other hand, the lavender scent has notorious therapeutic effects against neurological disorders.
To apply, dilute two drops of each essential oil in a tablespoon of any carrier oil, and massage your temple gently.
6 – Sip caffeine.
A study published in 2017 reported the effects of caffeine against headaches, and the results were impressive. It constricts blood vessels and improves mood, subsequently creating an instant improvement against all types of headaches.
More importantly, caffeine can also boost the effect of common over-the-counter analgesics, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
While coffee is the most popular choice, you can also enjoy caffeine from certain types of tea, such as black tea.
5 – Try the hot and cold therapy.
According to your type of headache, hot or cold therapy could have wondrous effects.
If you have migraines as a consequence of inflammation, an icepack in the back of your neck can reduce the swelling and provide instant relief.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, soaking your feet in warm water can help reduce the pressure on your head’s blood vessels by drawing blood to your feet.
4 – Increase your B-vitamin intake with a supplement.
Vitamins may really have the solution to most problems.
Multiple studies have established a link between a decrease in headaches and high consumption of B vitamins such as B12, riboflavin, folate, and pyridoxine. Subsequently, it may not be a bad idea to buy a B-Complex vitamin.
They are water-soluble, so there is no associated risk.
3 – Acupuncture might be the solution.
If you feel adventurous and don’t have a crippling fear of needles, acupuncture may be for you.
This ancient Chinese technique stimulates specific points within the body to reduce pain, inflammation, or to treat different conditions.
While its effects on disease are debatable, most experts agree acupuncture is a terrific choice to relieve chronic pain. Regarding this issue, a 2011 study confirmed it as an effective alternative to treat acute migraine attacks.
2 – Try some natural herbs.
Despite the lack of rigorous scientific evaluation, ancient cultures all over the world have used herbal medicine for ages. Some of these are still used today, considered perfect remedies for headaches and migraines.
Some options include ginger, coriander seed, rosemary, honeysuckle, valerian, amongst others. Most of these can be prepared as teas and consumed regularly.
1 – Practice yoga regularly.
It’s hard to argue against the benefits of yoga.
Regular practice can relax the body, reduce stress, and increase flexibility. These benefits have an immediate effect against tension headaches, as they release the pent-up energy accumulated within the body, stimulating blood flow.
However, it goes beyond that.
A particular study determined that regular yoga practice reduced the frequency and intensity of headaches for sixty people with diagnosed chronic migraines.
Overall, the best solution for headaches and migraines is a mixture of nature and science. Regular medication is known to work, but a little help from regular exercise and a nutritious diet never hurt anyone.
