There is no denying that headaches are a real pain to deal with. We have all had days where a persistent headache has caused us a great deal of discomfort and rendered us useless. It is important to note that the triggers for a headache vary from person to person. However, the pain can be alleviated using numerous ways without having to gulp down painkillers that can potentially have side effects. We have compiled a list of common home remedies for headaches that are easy to follow and can help you get rid of the pain, or provide you with some relief from the agony at a minimum.
How To Get Rid Of A Headache Naturally
A lot of factors such as stress, food intolerances, lack of sleep can trigger headaches. Knowing and identifying which factor caused your headache or migraine can help you tackle it accordingly and get rid of it faster. While there are medications that work to relieve headaches, you can also try a few of these natural headache treatments at home. Below are a few ways that you can get rid of a headache naturally.
Avoid dehydration
Dehydration is a common trigger for headaches and migraines. Avoid dehydration at all times, not just for your overall health, but also to keep tension headaches at bay. Drinking enough water can help you get rid of headaches, and can alleviate headache symptoms in dehydrated individuals within 30 minutes to 3 hours. Make sure you drink plenty of water particularly during exercise.
Place An Ice Pack
Applying a cold compress or an ice pack can be an effective way of migraine treatment at home, and can help you ease the pounding pain. If you’re suffering from a migraine, place a cold pack on your forehead and keep it on for 15 minutes. You can also remove it earlier if it starts feeling too intense. Ice packs can have a numbing effect and can help reduce the sensation of pain.
Dietary Changes
Certain foods can trigger migraines for certain people, in which case, dietary changes can help. If you’re able to recognize which foods trigger your migraine, it is best to avoid them. Some common known triggers include processed food, alcohol, chocolate, etc. Cutting down on histamine-rich foods such as fermented food, aged cheeses, smoked fish, cured meats can also be useful for those who are sensitive to it. One of the best ways to track which foods might be triggering your migraine is to use a food diary or journal so that you can eliminate potential triggers to prevent migraines.
Essential Oils
Some essential oils are known to reduce the symptoms of tension headaches. While there is no strong evidence that essential oils can help reduce the frequency or severity of headaches, many people found peppermint and lavender essential oils to be helpful during headaches. Peppermint essential oil is one of the most common essential oils that people use to get rid of headaches. You can apply diluted peppermint oil to your temples for relief from the pain. It contains menthol and has a cooling effect. Meanwhile, lavender oil can be applied to the upper lip and inhaled for reducing migraine pain.
Get Adequate Sleep
This isn’t necessarily a treatment or a remedy for headaches, but getting enough sleep can help prevent headaches. Sleep deprivation can be a trigger for headaches in some people, which is why it is important to get the right amount of sleep (7-9 hours) at night. A study found that headaches were more frequent and severe in people who got less than 6 hours of sleep every night, as compared to those who slept for 7-9 hours.
Exercise
Engaging in physical activity not only keeps you fit and healthy but it is also found to reduce the frequency and severity of headache. A study shows that a low level of physical activity is linked with an increased risk of headaches. A few exercises at home or even simply increasing the number of steps you take each day can help.
Home Remedies For Migraine
Headaches and migraines can have several different causes, right from allergies, to digestive issues or even high blood pressure. Finding out the underlying cause of the headache is important so that it can be treated accordingly. Meanwhile, you can try these home remedies for headaches to provide relief from the pain.
Ginger
Ginger is known to have a pain‐reducing effect and is often used to get rid of headaches caused due to migraines. Ginger helps in reducing the inflammation of blood vessels in the head, thereby easing the pain. Not just this, ginger is also known to help with migraine-related nausea. You can either have ginger tea, ginger ale, or mix ginger extract in a glass of lemonade and let this home remedy for migraines work wonders for relief from headache. Another way is to mix one teaspoon of ginger powder and 2 tablespoons of water and apply this paste on your forehead for a few minutes to get relief from headaches.
Nutmeg Paste
Nutmeg paste is an effective home remedy for headaches that can work wonders to alleviate the pain. You can create a paste with crushed nutmeg powder and water, and massage it on your forehead. Not only can it help with pain relief, but it also helps you relax and promotes sleep.
Nuts
Dry fruits and nuts contain magnesium, known to relax blood vessels, and are effective against headaches. Some of the nuts that fit the bill are almonds, walnuts, cashews, Brazil nuts. However, almonds are also a trigger for some people who suffer from migraines, in which case, they should be avoided.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The use of apple cider vinegar for headaches doesn’t have definitive scientific evidence, but many people claim to have benefitted from it, and there’s anecdotal evidence. Apple cider vinegar is rich in potassium, which could potentially help prevent migraines. It can also aid in digestion, thereby indirectly helping prevent migraines caused due to digestion issues. How do you use it for relief from a headache? Mix half a cup of apple cider vinegar with half a cup of water and boil it in a covered vessel. Remove the vessel from heat after it is boiled, and slowly inhale the steam. This can work to provide relief from sinus headaches. You can also add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water, add some honey, lemon juice, and drink it.
Flaxseeds
Migraine headaches caused by inflammation may be reduced by consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseeds. Flaxseeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and are often used as a home remedy for headaches.
Basil
Basil is a natural home remedy for muscle relaxation, and can also help relieve headaches caused by tension and tight muscles. You can either chew fresh basil leaves, or can also inhale the steam after boiling basil leaves in water.
Related Topics
Everything You Need To Know About Migraine Headaches: Have you been wondering what causes migraine, and what are its symptoms? Read on to find out all about migraines and how to deal with them.
Best Steam Inhalers: We have a list of the best electric steam inhalers, best steam inhalers for cold and cough, and more to help you decide which one to buy.
You can try these home remedies for headaches, and see which one works the best for you. While these remedies may help relieve the pain, the best way to manage headaches is to identify triggers so that it can be treated accordingly.
Featured Image: Unsplash
