Headache is medically referred to as “Chephalalgia’’. Improper sleeping habits, excessive use of the computer, watching television and listening to loud music may cause headache. However, it can also be caused by factors such as tension, spasm, inflammation, muscle tightening, food allergy, menstruation, weak eyesight, migraine, meningitis, hunger and alcohol withdrawal.
Symptoms of headache include weakness, throbbing, continuous pain in one side of the head or in the neck area, nausea and puking. Further, chest pain, dizziness and pain in or above the eyes may also be experienced. The problem of headache should not be ignored. It is advisable for an individual suffering from the problem to obtain proper treatment. The headache can be relieved with the use of various natural cures.
13 Natural Cures For Headache
Proper Sleep
Improper or lack of sleep is one of the basic factors responsible for the problem. It is essential to take proper rest. An individual should sleep for 6 to 8 hours per day. Proper rest can help in reducing the stress which might result in the pain.
Peppermint Oil
The peppermint oil can be used to massage the head to relieve the pain. It is essential to massage the head for 20 to 30 minutes. Peppermint oil can be diluted with carrier oil and applied on the head and around the neck area to obtain relief.
Hot Compress
A hot water bag can be placed on the shoulders to reduce the pain resulting from tension. It can also relax the muscles. A towel can be soaked in hot water and placed on the head to obtain the desired results. Taking a hot water bath can also provide relief.
Exercise
Exercise can help in improving the flow of blood to the brain and relieving the pain. Exercises such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming and jogging can be performed to get the desired results.
Chamomile
Chamomile can relieve the pain and inflammation resulting from migraine, sinus and menstruation. An individual can drink a cup of tea prepared by steeping chamomile flowers in water on a frequent basis to obtain the desired results. Chamomile oil can also be used to massage the head to reduce the pain within a reasonable period of time. Another alternative is to inhale the aroma produced by a mixture of chamomile oil and hot water.
Yoga and Meditation
Yoga and meditation can treat the problem of headache caused by migraine, stress and muscle tightening. Bhastrika, nadi sodhana, sithali or pranayama are some yoga postures recommended for an individual. Meditation can also cure chronic headache. To obtain effective results, an individual can practice meditation for 40 to 60 minutes on a regular basis.
Basil
Dried basil leaves can be boiled in water to prepare tea and consumed several times in a day to relieve headache. Inhaling the aroma of finely grinded basil leaves (dried) can also provide the desired results. Massaging the head with basil oil 2 to 3 times in a week can reduce the frequency of the problem. A paste created by mixing basil oil with sandalwood powder can also be applied on the forehead.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has anti-oxidant properties. It can increase the flow of blood to the brain tissues and cells. Further, vitamin C can also improve the production of anti-stress hormones which may help in reducing the problem. Vitamin C rich food items such as strawberry, papaya, red peppers, broccoli, guava and collard greens can be consumed on a regular basis to decrease inflammation, stress and pain.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B2 is also known as “Riboflavin’’. It can help in flushing out the toxins from the body which may lead to the pain. Further, it can improve the blood flow and supply of oxygen to the brain and cure chronic headache by reducing the stress. Consumption of food items rich in vitamin B2 such as milk, spinach, almond and soybean on a daily basis can also promote the normal functioning of the nervous system and boost the immune system.
Vitamin B12 is also referred to as “Cobalamin’’. It can repair damaged blood vessels in the brain and reduce the risk of chronic headache by treating inflammation and improving the flow of blood to the brain. Tuna fish, crab, parmesan or mozzarella cheese and eggs are good sources of vitamin B12. Vitamin B6 may also help in reducing stress and decreasing the pain. Vitamin B6 sources include shellfish, beans, brown rice and whole grains.
Laughter Therapy
Laughter therapy can be considered as one of the most effective cures for the problem of headache. This remedy can help in reducing the mental pressure and stress which may provide relief from the pain.
Ice
A small cotton towel can be soaked in water containing ice and used to cover the head for a few minutes to relieve the pain. The towel can also be placed at the back of the neck and shoulder area. This process should be repeated several times in a day. An individual can also place an ice pack created by putting ice cubes in a plastic bag and wrap it with a towel on the forehead to obtain instant relief. This ice pack should be kept applied for 8 to 10 minutes.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is also referred to as “Aloe Barbadensis’’, “True Aloe’’ and “Lily of the Desert’’. The problem of headache resulting from tension and migraine can be relieved by drinking aloe vera juice (half cup) on a daily basis. Another option is to drink aloe vera juice (1/4th cup) before each meal every day to obtain the desired results. The gel (1 teaspoon) extracted from aloe vera leaf can also be consumed after breakfast and dinner on a daily basis to relieve the pain.
Cardamom
Intake of a cup of tea made by steeping cardamom seeds in water several times in a day can provide relief from the pain. A natural paste created by mixing cardamom powder (half teaspoon), ripe banana (half), warm clarified butter (1 teaspoon) and date sugar (1 teaspoon) can be consumed empty stomach every morning to prevent the problem of headache. Massaging head with cardamom oil can also help in curing the pain resulting from sinus, migraine and tension.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
