HOMEMADE REMEDIES FOR HEADACHES

A headache is something that almost everyone experiences at least once in their lifetime. Anyone who has never had one should consider themselves quite lucky, since that is very rare. Approximately 90 percent of all headaches occur as a result of muscle contraction and are commonly referred to astension headaches. Additionally, for many people these headaches are chronic and occur regularly. A smaller percentage of people suffer from another form of headaches that are commonly referred to as Migraines. The main difference between tension headaches and migraines is that migraines often consist of a throbbing pain on one side of the head, accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, or vomiting. On the other hand, tension headaches often consist of a sense of tightness all over the head, somewhat as if a rubber band was wrapped around it. Unfortunately it is hard to diagnose which type of headache someone is experiencing, since the symptoms are quite similar. Nevertheless, many home remedies for both migraines and tension headaches are also very similar.

Note that while most headaches are often due to muscle contractions, there are other more serious conditions which have headaches as a symptom. For example, headaches can indicate a life threatening health condition such as a tumor, stroke, hypertension, or other serious issues. Therefore, if you experience severe headaches over and over again, you should consult your doctor. The follows are homemade remedies you can use at home to cure or to get a relief of a Headache.

1. Mint Juice

Mint contains components, namely methane and menthol, which are helpful in reducing pain in the head. Mint is helpful for those, who suffer migraine headache. You can simply put mint tea compresses directly on your forehead.

Take some fresh mint leaves. Crush it and squeeze out its juice. Place it directly on the forehead to relieve pain.
Coriander juice can also be used for getting rid of the headache.

2. Ginger

Ginger is helpful in working against the inflammation of blood vessels, present in the head. It relieves discomfort. Take a cup of water and add some tea leaves and ginger to it. Add sugar and milk as per your taste. Drink the tea, two times a day.

You can also inhale vapours of ginger. Add some raw ginger or ginger powder in water. Boil it and intake its vapours to feel calmness.
Else, take ginger juice and lemon juice in equal proportion. Mix it and drink it twice a day.
You can also form a paste of two tablespoons of water and one teaspoon of ginger powder. Stir it well and apply it directly on forehead.
The simplest way to avoid headache is to chew crystallized ginger candy.

3. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is one of the best home remedies for headache. It helps in opening and closing the vessels in the head, which accelerates the flow of blood. It ultimately reduces headache. Take some peppermint oil and gently massage it on your forehead, temples, and back of jaws.

Other option is to crush the peppermint and place it directly on forehead.
Steaming can also prove beneficial. You are required to put a few drops of peppermint oil in boiling water. Now, inhale the steam or vapors for some time to reduce the head pain.
You can also place peppermint tea bags directly on eyelids for five minutes to experience a soothing relief.

4. Ice Pack

During headache, you feel very low and warm. To reduce the inflammation, ice can be used. To get relief in migraine pain, rub some ice on the back of your neck.

For headache, you need to dip a clean washcloth in cold water and put it directly on your forehead. Leave it for five minutes. Repeat the process multiple times, maintaining the time gap.
Apart from this, you can also use frozen vegetable bag for cold compress.

5. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is known for its calming and soothing effects. It is commonly known as a relaxant and is the best treatment for headache. Boil some water in a vessel. Add a few drops of lavender oil in it. Inhale the steam to get relaxed. For best results, practice this method multiple times a day.
Alternatively, apply some lavender oil on the forehead. This remedy will help you to relieve pain.

Note- Lavender oil cannot be taken orally.

6. Basil

Basil is known for its medicinal properties. It can be beneficial for severe headache. Take some fresh basil leaves and put it in a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for some time. Then, drink it.

You can also chew some fresh basil leaves when you suffer from a mild headache.

7. Cloves

Cloves are useful in curing tension headaches. Crush some cloves and wrap them in a piece of cloth. When you suffer with headache, inhale the smell of crushed cloves. This will surely provide you relief in headache.
You can also make a paste by crushing some cloves and apply it directly on forehead.
Other option is to use clove oil with some salt. Mix it and gently rub it on your forehead. You will get relief in headache with a cooling effect.

8. Rosemary

The rosmarinic acid, found in rosemary, is helpful in healing headache. Take some rosemary oil and massage it on the head to relieve pain.
You can also make a herbal tea of rosemary. Take some rosemary leaves and crush them. Now, put the crushed leaves in water to boil and add one teaspoon of sage leaves in it. Cover the boiling water and let the tea cool down at room temperature. Drink this herbal tea twice or thrice a day.

9. Apples

Apples are very effective against headache. All you need to do is to eat an apple daily. For best results, sprinkle some salt on it. It maintains the acid levels of the body.

10. Apple Cider Vinegar

Add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and stir it well. Drink the solution to heal the headache.

11. Cinnamon

Headaches, associated with common cold, can be treated with the help of cinnamon. Take a stick of cinnamon and crush it. Add some water to make a smooth paste. Put the paste on the head for a few minutes.
You can also mix two teaspoons of cinnamon powder in 1½ cup of milk and boil it for two minutes. Mix a teaspoon of honey in it and stir it well. Drink the mixture two times a day to get relief in headache.

12. Green Tea

Green tea, generally regarded as a health-promoting drink, is rich in antioxidants. Squeeze half lemon in it and drink it warm. It is a natural remedy to cure headache.

13. Watermelon

Add one tablespoon of sugar in a glass of watermelon juice. Stir it well and drink it.You can also prepare watermelon smoothie. Blend two cups seeded watermelon, half cup of yogurt, half cup of crushed ice, half teaspoon grated ginger, and some honey. Drink it to get relief in headache.

14. Massage

Massage is the best remedy for headache. To get temporary relief, massage your neck, shoulders, head, and back. Rub your temples smoothly and massage under the areas of eyebrows to get relief in headache. You can place wet warm cloth on the face before massage to let muscles relax.

Note- Before starting massage, drink a glass of water.

15. Relaxation Activities

Relaxation activities help in reducing stress, which ultimately prevents headache. Some relaxing activities include listening to music, deep breathing and get enough sleep. You can also try some exercises to relieve headache.

16. Warm Shower or Bath

Hot water is used for treating various health issues. You should take hot water shower to relieve headache. During the shower or bath, let the hot water flow over the back and neck area of your body. The heat of water will lessen muscle tension, thereby alleviating headache.
You can also soak yourself in hot water tub for some time.

17. Hydrotherapy

In this therapy, you are required to stand in hot water for two minutes and then, in cold water for two minutes. This process will regulate the flow of blood. Practice the process for 20 minutes.

18. Spicy Food

To get relief in headache, you can also have some spicy food. You can grab some hot pepper or spicy salsa. You can also sprinkle some pepper flakes or cayenne on your food. Capsaicin is also effective for curing headache.

19. Sesame Seeds

To prevent migraine pain, sesame seeds are very effective. As they are enriched in vitamin E, sesame seeds are helpful in stabilizing the estrogen levels. Sesame seeds are also rich in magnesium, which increase the headache-preventing power.

20. Physical Exercises

For treating headache, physical exercises are good remedies. Yoga provides fruitful results in healing several health problems. Camel pose is also effective in curing headache.

Sit in a comfortable and quite place. Relax your body while concentrating on breathing.
You can also enjoy 10 minutes’ walk or do some stretching exercises, including rolling your neck, forward and upward movement of shoulder, and neck isometrics.

21. Spinach Salad

Spinach is helpful in alleviating headache. Prepare salad of some spinach leaves. Add ¾ cup of cubed watermelon, ½ cup of dried apricots and two tablespoon chopped almonds or walnuts. Sprinkle some raspberry vinaigrette in it. Have it.

22. Yogurt

Yogurt is a great source of calcium. The brain is dependent on calcium to function effectively. When you are suffering with headache, eat some yogurt.

Note- Don’t add sugar to it.

23. Baked Potato

Baked potato is rich in potassium, which helps in soothing pain in the head. If your headache is caused by alcohol, baked potato is effective.

24. Darkened Room

Turn off the lights and rest for ten minutes in darkness. Close your eyes and relax. Sometimes, reducing the sensory input is the best way to get rid of throbbing pain in the head.

25. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds can heal the pain in the head. During headache, eat some raw pumpkin seeds. They are rich in magnesium sulphate, which are helpful in curing headache.

TYPE OF HEADACHES