4 of the Best Ways to Get Natural Headache Relief
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Nicole Avena
Are you tired of relying on over-the-counter painkillers to alleviate your pounding headaches?
What if there were natural ways to help relieve headache pain?
From ancient techniques to modern approaches, let’s take a closer look at some of the best natural ways to mitigate headache pain.
What Causes Headaches?
- dehydration
- hunger
- head injury
- excessive alcohol consumption
- serious sinus issues
- stress
- diet
- cold/flu
- jaw problems
- medications
- poor sleep
Keep in mind, your symptoms might be related to the specific type of headache you’re experiencing.
Types of Headaches
There are many things that can provide natural headache relief, and some can be found at your local grocery store or pharmacy. However, not all headache interventions are the same. Some may provide temporary relief, while others may have no effect whatsoever.
To find the best natural treatment for your headaches, it’s important to understand the different types of headaches and their causes.
Tension Headaches
One of the most common types of headaches are tension headaches. These are usually caused by stress or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. If you suffer from tension headaches, you may find relief by taking a hot bath, using a heating pad, or massaging the affected area.
Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches are another common type of headache. They’re often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can be triggered by stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, or weather changes.
If you suffer from migraines, you may be able to find relief by taking an over-the-counter pain medication or prescription migraine medication, but it’s recommended to try natural alternatives first.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are less common than tension headaches or migraines, but they can be just as debilitating. Cluster headache sufferers typically experience intense pain on one side of the head that comes in “clusters” or cycles. The pain is often accompanied by redness in the eye on the same side as the pain.
Cluster headaches can be triggered by heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, bright lights, and certain foods. Many people who suffer from cluster headaches seek relief by taking common pain relievers or prescribed medications, but natural solutions may help as well.
No matter which type of headache you’re dealing with, here are some of the best natural ways to treat headaches…
3 of the Best Options for Natural Headache Relief
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is one of the oldest and most well-known forms of natural medicine. The practice of using essential oils to promote health and happiness dates back thousands of years and can be found in many different cultures.
Aromatherapy is thought to work by stimulating the olfactory system, which is the part of the brain responsible for smell. When essential oils are inhaled, they may interact with the limbic system, which is responsible for emotions, memory, and the stress response. This interaction can lead to a reduction in stress, as well as an improvement in mood and overall well-being.
Essential oils can be used in several ways. The most common method is through diffusers, which disperse the oil into the air so that it can be inhaled. Essential oils also can be added to baths, massages, or applied directly to the skin.
The best way to choose an essential oil is to select one based on its scent. Some common scents, such as lavender, chamomile, peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemon, may help relieve headaches. Once you’ve selected an oil, it’s important to read the label carefully and follow the directions for use.
Acupressure
Acupressure is an ancient Chinese healing practice that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body. This pressure can be exerted with the fingers, elbows, or other objects (but not needles, which are used in acupuncture).
Acupressure is said to release tension and promote relaxation. It’s often used as a treatment for headaches, neck pain, and fatigue.
There are many different acupressure points on the body. The most common points for headache relief are located on the temples, forehead, and back of the head.
To use acupressure for headache relief, simply apply pressure to the desired points for 1-2 minutes. You may feel a throbbing or tingling sensation during this time.
If you suffer from severe headaches, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning acupressure, or any new treatment or regimen.
Herbal Teas
When it comes to herbal teas, there are many different options available to help relieve headaches. Some of the most popular herbs for headache relief include ginger, peppermint, lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus.
- Ginger is a well-known remedy for nausea and vomiting, but it also can be effective in treating headaches. Ginger tea or supplements can help to soothe an upset stomach and ease pain.
- Peppermint is another herb that can be helpful in relieving headaches. Peppermint oil can be used to massage the temples and forehead.
- Lavender is a relaxing herb that can be helpful in reducing stress and tension headaches.
- Chamomile has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce the severity of headaches.
- Eucalyptus oil can be used to massage the scalp and neck to help relieve tension headaches.
There are many other herbal teas that can be helpful in treating headaches. Talk to your doctor or a qualified herbalist to find out which ones may work best for you.
Top Tips to Reduce Headache Symptoms
- Drink lots of fluids, especially water, to stay hydrated as dehydration can cause headaches.
- Limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol since these can trigger or worsen headaches.
- Get plenty of rest and relaxation to help ease tension and stress, which can contribute to headaches.
- Regular exercise can help to reduce stress and improve overall health.
- Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to help reduce stress and improve your overall health.
Natural Headache Relief
If you’re looking for long-term headache relief or just preventative measures, consider implementing the above lifestyle changes.
It’s important to remember that people may have different reactions depending on their body type, so we recommend consulting a doctor before attempting any of the suggested treatments.
Taking these steps may be a great way to help reduce the frequency or severity of your headaches!
At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical or healthcare advice from a physician, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new health regimen.
