Headache is one of the most common health problems suffered by most of the people. Headaches can be classified into three main categories – tension headaches, migraine headaches and cluster headaches. There can be many reasons behind a headache such as physiologic changes in the head, constriction of blood vessels, abnormal neuron activities, genetic causes, excessive smoking, excessive drinking habit, due to lack of water in the body and so on.
Most of the people go for a painkiller to get relief from their headaches. But painkillers have side effects and are not good for your health. Well, there are many natural remedies that can treat your headache in a few minutes.
Here are top 10 home remedies for Headache.
Water
At times dehydration can be the reason behind a headache. Actually the lack of water affects the supply of blood and oxygen and thus causes a headache. So, in case of a headache you must drink a cool glass of water. If the reason behind your headache is dehydration water can cure it within minutes. It is a good idea to drink three to four glasses of water before going to bed to keep your body well hydrated throughout the day.
Ice Pack
Applying an ice pack to the back of your neck can give you relief from headache caused due to migraine. You can even place a washcloth dipped in ice-cold water over your head and allow it to sit for five minutes. Repeat the process several times to reduce any inflammation and thus bringing you relif from the pain. Alternatively, you can even use a bag of frozen vegetables to apply the cold compresses as soon as you suffer from a headache. Within half an hour you will get some relief.
Lavender Oil
The health benefits of lavender are something that everyone knows. This herb can be really useful in treating headaches. Take a bowl of hot water and put some lavender oil to it and then inhale its vapor for a few minutes. This popular headache treatment must be repeated several times a day. Else you can even safely apply this herbal oil externally without the need to dilute it. Bear in mind that you must not take lavender oil orally.
Rosemary
Rosemary can be really helpful in treating headaches. The rosmarinic acid present in rosemary oil has got anti-inflammatory properties. You can simply massage your head with rosemary oil to get relief from headache. Else you can make an herbal tea by mixing rosemary and sage. Take one teaspoon of crushed rosemary leaves and one teaspoon of crushed sage leaves in a cup of boiling water and cover it properly. Once the solution comes to room temperature, drink it. You can take this herbal tea two to three times a day. In case if both the herbs are not available, you can make an herbal tea with any of the two herbs.
Cloves
Cloves can be used to ease away tension headaches. Take a few cloves and crush them gently and then put it in a sachet bag or a clean handkerchief. Inhale the smell of crushed cloves whenever you have a headache until you get some relief from the pain. Else you can make a paste of three to four cloves and apply it on the forehead. You can also use clove oil by mixing it with salt, and then apply it on the forehead. The cooling effect of the clove oil will give you relief from headache within minutes.
Basil Oil
Basil is a strong-scented herb which can be used in headache treatment. Basil works as a muscle relaxant, thus it can be helpful for treating headaches caused due to tension and tight muscles. During such headaches, drinking basil tea twice a day is an excellent home remedy. Put some fresh basil leaves in a cup of boiling water and allow it to sit for a few minutes and then sip the tea slowly. The headache will vanish away gently. During mild headaches, you can chew some fresh basil leaves or massage your head with pure basil oil.
Ginger
Ginger can help in reducing the inflammation of the blood vessels in the head, thus giving relief from a headache. During headache you can sip a cup of ginger tea. To make this tea add tea leaves and ginger to a cup of water and allow it to boil for a few minutes. Add milk and sugar as per your taste and then drink it. Else you can boil ginger powder or raw ginger in water, and then inhale its vapor to get rid of headache. Also you can chew a piece or two of crystallized ginger candy when suffering from a headache.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon can cure headaches caused due to common cold. The easiest way to use cinnamon during headaches is to grind a stick of cinnamon with water to make a thick paste and then apply this paste on the forehead for a few minutes. Soon the pain will vanish away. Else you can add two teaspoons of powdered cinnamon to half cup of milk and then boil it for one or two minutes. Add a teaspoon of honey and mix it properly before drinking it. Drink this solution at least twice a day when suffering from a headache.
Peppermint Oil
The calming and soothing properties of peppermint oil can help a lot when suffering from headaches. Use peppermint oil to massage the forehead, back of jaws, and temples. Peppermint oil helps to open and close the vessels that promote blood flow and within a few minutes you can get relief from headache. Even fresh crushed peppermint leaves when put on the forehead can treat headaches. You can also go for steam treatment, by adding a few drops of peppermint essential oil to a small pot of boiling water and then inhaling the steam for a few minutes.
Apple
Apples can help to alleviate headaches. Both apple and its extract apple cider vinegar have attributes that can balance the alkaline and acidic levels in the body and thus giving you relief from headache. During a headache you can eat an apple with some salt. Else you can add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass full of water and drink it for immediate headache relief.
To conclude, next time when you suffer from a headache, try any of the above mentioned natural treatments according to your convenience to get fast relief. However, in case of severe and frequent headaches you need to see a doctor.
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