Headaches are not an illness in themselves, but merely a symptom with a number of possible causes. If you are a woman, it is very possible that you’ve had at least one headache within the last month. It’s important to know that not all headaches are the same, therefore the cure you choose should match the ache.
There are many causes for a headache, from lack of water to low blood sugar, to a dying nerve in a tooth, to eating something cold too fast. In most cases, there is no need to reach for the pain pills, in fact, there are countless home remedies that can provide gentle, quick, and lasting relief.
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- A headache is an annoying visitor that you’d rather not see coming, here’s how to show your pate pounder the door:
- Rest for a few minutes on the sofa and place some ice cubes wrapped in a clove on your forehead
- Rub a few drops of lemon balm, peppermint, clove or rosemary essential oil on your temples, forehead, and neck
- After removing the white inner skin, place them inside of a lemon peel on your temples for a few minutes
- For a hot, relaxing neck compress, wrap flax seeds, chopped onions (both warmed in a double boiler) or hot mashed potatoes in a cotton cloth, and press onto your neck until the compress cools off.
- Go for the greens. Many migraine sufferers have a shortage of magnesium in their brains. Dark green, leafy vegetables, nuts, and fruits are good sources
- Posture plays a large role in tension headaches so put those shoulders back and stand up straight
- Freshly-boiled tea made from white willow bark contains salicin, a natural relative of the acetylsalicylic acid used in many common pain medications. It is very easy to prepare, just heat 1 tsp. of white willow bark in 1 cup of cold water and boil briefly. Let steep for 5 minutes, strain, and sip one cup at a time, several times a day.
- Caffeine makes pain medications 40 percent more efficient, so by all means indulge in small amounts to help hasten and increase relief.
If a migraine strikes, head for a quiet, dark room for a little rest to help relieve the pain
If your headache is caused by nasal or sinus congestion, perhaps from a cold or hayfever, try a little bathwater aromatherapy. Put some eucalyptus or peppermint oil in your hot bath water for an inhalation relaxation.
