Natural Remedies For Headaches

 

Headaches can be extremely painful and because of this, many people don’t feel that natural cures for headaches will work.

However, if you’re one of those unfortunate people who suffer from regular headaches, you’ll know that anything is worth trying!

So here are the some of the best natural cures for headaches for the three most common types of headache.

Tension Headaches

Of the three main types of headaches, tension headaches are the most common. With this type of headache the muscles contract and it feels like something is literally squeezing your head.

The pain can run from one ear to the other both over the head and around the back of the head.

Tension headaches are usually associated with a lack of sleep and/or stress.

Natural Remedies For Tension Headaches:

Ginger Tea

Fresh ginger can easily be found at your local grocery store. Crush up no more than an inch of ginger and put it in a pot of boiling water.

This home-made remedy will help reduce inflammation and ease your headache.

Of course, you can use ginger tea bags, but fresh is best!

It works just as good, if not better than an aspirin and is a completely natural plant based remedy.

Peppermint Oil

Most health stores sell peppermint oil. Take the oil and apply it to your hairline. The cooling sensation created by the oil will help to relax the muscles in your head and neck, thus relieving the pressure.

 

Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches are so debilitating that they can confine you to bed, unable to move for extended periods of time.

Migraines cause a throbbing pain to occur on one side of your head. As a result of this pain, individuals are usually sensitive to light and sound. It some cases it can even cause nausea.

Migraines can be genetic as they are found to run in certain families. The bad news for women, however, is that you are three time more likely to have them than men.

Many experts believe migraines are a result of nerve signals being misinterpreted as pain signals by the brain. 

Natural Remedies For Migraine Headaches:

Acupressure Massage

Acupressure massage has been around for hundreds of years. It’s an ancient Chinese healing method that works by applying pressure to certain points on the body, with some of these points being associated with pain relief.

First, take your finger and place it in the groove between your first (big) toe and second toe. Press firmly and apply pressure for at least three minutes.

If you can, hold it for a total of 5 minutes before letting go. .

Feverfew

Feverfew is an herbal supplement that comes from the sunflower and daisey family.

During clinical trials, Feverfew has been shown to be a very effective treatment for migraines.

It works by decreasing the amount of inflammation in the area where there is pain. When inflammation is reduced, it eliminates pressure on the nerves. As a result, the migraine starts to subside. You can find Feverfew in capsule form in store.

The one I stock can be taken as a capsule, or broken open and the contents made into an infusion.

 

Cluster Headaches

People tend to think of migraine headaches being the worst type of headache. However, anyone who has suffered from cluster headaches would disagree – and they’d be right!

Cluster headaches are sometimes known as “suicide headaches” because that’s a common fate of sufferers.

These headaches can last from 15 minutes to 3 hours, several times a day (and night) and can last for weeks, month or even years.

Those who suffer from cluster headaches often describe it either as an ice pack in their head, or some-one pushing a red hot poker behind their eye. This is because the pain is very concentrated and it feels like someone is stabbing them in the head.

Cluster headaches usually occur in a cluster of days, hence the name cluster headaches. They are most common in the spring and autumn.

Natural Remedies For Cluster Headaches:

Remedies for cluster headaches are few and far between. The most successful have been the insertion of an electrode into the brain to allow a small, constant electrical current to prevent the headaches from starting.

Purely natural, non-invasive remedies have varied success. However, these two seem to have some benefit.

Capsaicin Cream

Cayenne pepper is the main ingredient in Capsaicin cream. Put a dab on your finger and apply it to the inside of your nostril. Be sure to place it on the side where you are experiencing the pain. Once applied the cream will go to work.

It works by blocking pain signals.

You can find a recipe for making your own capsaicin cream here>>>

Chlorophyll Supplements

It has been speculated that one of the causes of cluster headaches is lack of oxygen. Because of this, chlorophyll is thought to be useful because it promotes the flow of oxygen.

A rich source of chlorophyll can be found in spinach, parsley and cress when used raw or put through a juicer.

Chlorella and wheatgrass are both “superfoods” that are rich in chlorophyll and can be purchased in store both as powders and capsules.

Chlorella also contains a special Growth Factor which can help repair damage to nerve tissue and is ideal for those with degenerative brain and nerve disorders.

 

The Simplest Natural Remedies For Headaches

Some of the simplest natural remedies for headaches are not so much cures as preventative measures.

And one of the major preventative measures you can take is to change your diet, by avoiding caffeine, alcohol,chocolate, cheese, nuts and aspartame. Unfortunately, this makes life pretty boring!

Another practice you can try is meditation and relaxation exercises.

As many headaches are stress-related, finding time for meditation and relaxation will help with stress reduction.

If you feel a headache may be coming on – or just lurking and waiting to pounce, then rubbing your temples with an ice cube can often stop it developing.

Lastly, don’t skip meals. This can lead to blood sugar levels dropping and the brain is one of the first organs affected.

So always eat regularly and healthily.