Home Remedies for Headaches
Millions of people around the world suffer from headaches regularly, sometimes mild, sometimes debilitating. Migraine headaches, in particular, can prevent the sufferer from engaging in normal daily activities. Headaches are classified in various ways, and the causes are manifold, from head trauma (from an accident, for instance), to breathing in smog, to simple tension, to infections and even brain tumors. The brain tissue itself is not the source of a headache, because brain tissue contains no pain receptors. Rather, the pain is rooted in a disturbance of structures around the brain, such as blood vessels, cranial nerves, and various tissues outside the cranium.
Headaches are normally treated by taking pills: simple painkillers (analgesia) such as paracetamol, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or diclofenac. However, your body can build up resistance to painkillers. If you suffer from chronic headaches and are accustomed to taking paracetamol to relieve your pain, for instance, the same dosages may eventually begin to lose their soothing effect.
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You should not ramp up your consumption of any pill, whether prescribed or over-the-counter, such that you exceed the daily recommended dosage. Rather, there are a number of home remedies for headaches that may help alleviate your pain.
One simple thing you can do is exercise. This can be especially effective for people with migraines. Start mild: don't overdo it! A simple brisk walk outside, half an hour, might make you feel better, but stay away from car fumes or other pollution. If you work out regularly, half an hour on the treadmill or stairclimber, taking it easy at first, might help also.
Deep breathing may alleviate pain as well, particularly if your headaches are stress related. Lie on your back and breath through your gut, not your chest. Take long, deep breaths: you should see your stomach rising and falling, not your chest. This abdominal breathing has long been employed by practitioners of yoga and meditation; because you are using more of your lung capacity, more oxygen reaches your body cells, and your circulation improves. Focus on each deep breath you take, and your headache may begin to subside.
Aromatherapy is another popular way to treat headaches. There are many aromas to choose from, but peppermint, sandalwood, lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus are particularly effective in alleviating headache pain. Start out with an essential oil, which you should store in a cool, dark place. There are several ways to apply these oils. You can add 8-10 drops to your bathwater, blended with 1 tablespoon of unscented bath oil. You can blend 6 drops of oil with 1 tablespoon of face oil base, and massage this potion over your face and neck in a circular motion. Or you can directly inhale the oils: add 3-5 drops of essential oil to a large bowl of hot water (not so hot that it is scalding to your face in close proximity), drape a towel over the back of your head, lean over so that your face is about a foot away from the bowl, and breath for 5 minutes. Keep your eyes closed; if you have asthma, this method is not recommended.
A simple massage can also help. Have a friend knead the muscles around your shoulders and the back of your neck. Your friend can use a few drops of an essential oil. This will help relieve some of the pressure in your head, and it will feel great!
Some foods can help as well. Try mixing 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 8 ounces of water, plus a spoonful of raw honey. This potion may relieve your pain. Some people even suggest eating spicy foods, particularly if you have a sinus headache; the spice will make your nose run, and thus relieve your sinus pain.
If your headaches are chronic and cause severe pain, you should see a doctor, but if they are manageable, some combination of the above remedies will alleviate your discomfort.
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