How to relieve headache instantly. 18 Natural Remedies for Instant Headache Relief: Ancient Techniques and Modern Solutions
How can you relieve a headache naturally. What are the most effective home remedies for headache relief. Which ancient techniques can provide instant headache relief. What lifestyle changes can help prevent recurring headaches.
Understanding the Causes and Types of Headaches
Headaches are a common ailment that can significantly impact daily life. Before delving into remedies, it’s crucial to understand the various types of headaches and their potential causes.
Common Types of Headaches
- Tension headaches: The most prevalent type, often described as a tight band around the head
- Cluster headaches: Intensely painful headaches that occur in cyclical patterns
- Migraines: Moderate to severe headaches often accompanied by other symptoms like nausea and sensitivity to light
Potential Causes of Headaches
Headaches can be triggered by various factors, including:
- Dehydration
- Lack of sleep
- Stress
- Caffeine withdrawal
- Alcohol consumption
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Skipping meals
In some cases, headaches may be a symptom of more serious underlying conditions. If you experience frequent or severe headaches, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Ancient Acupressure Techniques for Instant Headache Relief
Acupressure, an ancient Tibetan practice, has been used for centuries to alleviate headaches. This technique involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to relieve pain and promote healing.
The Third Eye Point (Yintang)
How can you use the third eye point for headache relief? Locate the area between your eyebrows, just above the bridge of your nose. Apply steady pressure to this point for several minutes, repeating as needed until you feel relief. This technique is particularly effective for headaches caused by eyestrain or indigestion.
Temple Massage
To relieve tension headaches, gently massage your temples using your thumbs or index fingers. Move your fingers in small circular motions, applying steady pressure. Continue this massage for several minutes or until you feel the pain subsiding.
Neck Pressure Point
Why is the neck pressure point so effective for instant headache relief? The muscles in the back of your neck often tighten during stress, leading to headaches. By applying pressure to this area with the tip of your index finger, you can target the source of tension directly, potentially providing rapid relief.
Foot Reflexology for Headaches
Interestingly, a pressure point between your big toe and second toe can help alleviate headaches. This demonstrates the interconnectedness of different body parts in traditional healing practices. Massaging this area may provide relief as quickly as targeting points on your head.
Hydration: A Simple Yet Powerful Headache Remedy
Dehydration is a common yet often overlooked cause of headaches. Ensuring proper hydration can be a simple and effective way to prevent and alleviate headaches.
The Science Behind Hydration and Headaches
How does dehydration lead to headaches? When your body is dehydrated, blood volume decreases, reducing oxygen flow to the brain. This can cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to headaches. Additionally, dehydration can cause the brain to temporarily contract, pulling away from the skull and triggering pain receptors.
Optimal Hydration Strategies
- Drink water consistently throughout the day
- Consume water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables
- Monitor urine color as an indicator of hydration (pale yellow is ideal)
- Increase water intake during hot weather or physical activity
Remember, while the commonly cited “8 glasses a day” rule is a good starting point, individual hydration needs may vary based on factors like body size, activity level, and climate.
The Power of Sleep in Headache Prevention and Relief
Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health and can play a significant role in preventing and alleviating headaches.
The Sleep-Headache Connection
Why does lack of sleep often lead to headaches? Sleep deprivation can affect the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in pain regulation. Additionally, lack of sleep can increase stress hormones and trigger inflammation, both of which can contribute to headaches.
Improving Sleep Quality for Headache Relief
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine
- Ensure your sleeping environment is dark, quiet, and cool
- Limit screen time before bed
- Avoid caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime
If you consistently experience headaches upon waking, it may be worth discussing potential sleep disorders with a healthcare professional.
Dietary Approaches to Headache Management
Your diet can significantly impact the frequency and severity of headaches. Certain foods and nutrients can help prevent headaches, while others may trigger them.
Headache-Fighting Foods
- Magnesium-rich foods: leafy greens, nuts, seeds
- Omega-3 fatty acids: fatty fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): eggs, lean meats, dairy products
- Coenzyme Q10: fatty fish, organ meats, whole grains
Common Dietary Triggers to Avoid
Which foods are known to trigger headaches in some individuals?
- Processed meats containing nitrates
- Aged cheeses high in tyramine
- Artificial sweeteners
- Excessive caffeine or caffeine withdrawal
- Alcohol, particularly red wine
- Foods containing MSG
It’s important to note that dietary triggers can vary from person to person. Keeping a food diary can help identify your personal triggers.
Stress Management Techniques for Headache Prevention
Stress is a common trigger for many types of headaches. Implementing effective stress management techniques can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of stress-related headaches.
Mindfulness Meditation
How can mindfulness meditation help alleviate headaches? Mindfulness practices can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and promote relaxation. Regular meditation may help increase pain tolerance and reduce the frequency of headaches.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
This technique involves systematically tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in the body. It can be particularly effective for tension headaches, which often result from muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.
Deep Breathing Exercises
Deep, controlled breathing can help activate the body’s relaxation response, reducing stress and potentially alleviating headache pain. Try the 4-7-8 technique: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7, and exhale for 8.
Regular Exercise
Engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and promote overall well-being, all of which can contribute to fewer headaches. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Natural Supplements and Herbal Remedies for Headache Relief
Several natural supplements and herbs have shown promise in preventing and treating headaches. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
Magnesium
Why is magnesium often recommended for headache prevention? Magnesium plays a crucial role in neurotransmitter function and blood sugar control. Some studies suggest that magnesium supplementation may help reduce the frequency of migraines.
Feverfew
This herb has been used for centuries to treat headaches and migraines. Some research indicates that feverfew may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, though more studies are needed to confirm its efficacy.
Butterbur
Extracts from the butterbur plant have shown potential in reducing the frequency of migraines. However, it’s crucial to use only purified forms of butterbur, as unpurified forms can be toxic.
Coenzyme Q10
This antioxidant plays a vital role in cellular energy production. Some studies suggest that CoQ10 supplementation may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
The Role of Essential Oils in Headache Management
Essential oils have been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices. While scientific evidence is limited, some people find relief from headaches using certain essential oils.
Peppermint Oil
How can peppermint oil help with headaches? Peppermint oil contains menthol, which may help relax muscles and ease pain. Applying diluted peppermint oil to the temples and forehead may provide a cooling sensation and potential pain relief.
Lavender Oil
Known for its calming properties, lavender oil may help reduce stress and promote relaxation, potentially alleviating tension headaches. Inhaling lavender oil or applying it diluted to the skin may provide benefits.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil may help relieve sinus headaches by opening up nasal passages and promoting easier breathing. It can be used in a diffuser or applied diluted to the chest and throat area.
Safety Considerations
Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying to the skin, and avoid ingesting them. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, perform a patch test before use. Pregnant women and those with certain medical conditions should consult a healthcare provider before using essential oils.
By incorporating these natural remedies and lifestyle changes, many people find significant relief from headaches without relying solely on over-the-counter medications. However, it’s important to remember that persistent or severe headaches should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out underlying conditions and ensure appropriate treatment.
4 Ancient Tricks for Instant Headache Relief
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4 Ancient Tricks for Instant Headache Relief
Our Pharmacy in Beverly Hills knows that many people suffer from constant headaches and migraines. Although many people just suffer through them or take over the counter medication, there are other ways to relieve yourself from the pain!
Did you know that ancient Tibetans applied pressure to certain spots of their bodies in order to relieve their headaches? This method, called acupressure, has been proven to be incredibly effective. Here are our tricks to help you.
1. Massage Between the Eyebrows
Try applying steady pressure the area between your eyebrows and above the bridge of your nose. Apply this pressure for several minutes repeatedly until you feel as though your pain is starting to relent. Touching this pressure point can aid in relief from pain caused by indigestion and eyestrain.
2. Massage Your Temples
Your temples, or the sides of your forehead, are other pressure points that can be touched with acupressure. Use your thumbs or the tips of your index finger to apply steady pressure to your temples; try moving your fingers in small circular motions until the pain subsides.
3. Massage the Back of Your Neck
Try pressing the back of your neck with the very tip of your index finger; this can help your migraine or a headache go away almost instantly. This works so quickly because the muscles in this area tighten when experiencing stress, this causes your head to ache. Therefore, directly targeting this spot is extremely effective.
4. Massage Between Your Big and Second Toes
This may seem like a weird pressure point to focus on, but there are many parts of the body that are interconnected despite not being next to each other. This spot in your foot can help you alleviate your headache or a migraine just as quickly as focusing on a spot on your head.
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18 Remedies to Get Rid of Headaches Naturally
Headache symptoms can be managed at home with a number of natural treatments, including drinking water, taking a nap, applying a cold compress and more.
Headaches are a common condition that many people deal with on a daily basis.
Ranging from uncomfortable to downright unbearable, they can disrupt your day-to-day life.
Several types of headaches exist, with tension headaches being the most common. Cluster headaches are painful and happen in groups or “clusters,” while migraines are a moderate-to-severe type of headache.
Although many medications can be used to treat headache symptoms, a number of effective natural treatments also exist.
Keep reading for 18 effective home remedies to naturally get rid of headaches.
Headaches have a number of causes, some of which are much more serious than others.
Research shows that certain dietary and lifestyle factors could increase the risk of experiencing headaches. Examples include (1, 2, 3, 4):
- lack of sleep
- dehydration
- caffeine withdrawal
- alcohol use
- nutrient deficiency
- undereating
However, serious injuries and underlying health issues can also cause headaches.
For example, headaches can result from potentially life threatening conditions, including tumors and blood clots, as well as from traumatic brain injury (5).
Medication overuse and infections of the central nervous system can cause headaches as well (6).
Additionally, some people are more likely to experience headaches than others.
People with obesity, those with sleep disorders, those who smoke, and those with high caffeine intake are more at risk of experiencing headaches. People with a family health history of headaches are more prone to headache disorders too (6, 7, 8).
1. Drink water
Inadequate hydration may lead you to develop a headache.
In fact, studies have demonstrated that dehydration is a common cause of headaches (4, 9)
What’s more, being dehydrated can impair concentration and cause irritability, making your symptoms seem even worse (10).
Thankfully, research suggests that drinking more water may help reduce headache occurrence, duration, and severity in some people (11).
To help avoid dehydration headaches, focus on drinking enough water throughout the day and eating water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.
2. Take some magnesium
Magnesium is an important mineral necessary for countless functions in the body, including blood sugar regulation and nerve transmission (12).
Interestingly, magnesium has also been shown to be a safe, effective remedy for headaches.
Evidence suggests that magnesium deficiency is more common in people who get frequent migraine headaches than in those who don’t (13).
Studies have shown that treatment with supplemental magnesium, in many different doses and forms, may help reduce both the frequency and the severity of migraine headaches (14).
For example, supplementing with 600 mg of magnesium citrate may be effective for reducing headaches in people with migraine (15).
However, taking magnesium supplements can cause digestive side effects like diarrhea in some people, so it’s best to start with a smaller dose when treating headache symptoms and ask a healthcare professional if you have questions related to dosing.
Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Citrate is a great choice for people who want to try magnesium for headaches. Each capsule contains 150 mg of magnesium citrate.
Pure Encapsulations products are tested by third-party, independent laboratories, including Eurofins, Intertek, and Silliker (16).
Shop for Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Citrate online.
3. Limit alcohol
While having an alcoholic drink may not cause a headache in most people, studies have shown that alcohol can trigger migraines in about one-third of those who experience frequent headaches (17).
Alcohol intake is also a risk factor for tension headaches and for cluster headaches, which are among the most severe types of headaches (17, 18).
There are several ways in which alcohol is thought to trigger headaches, including by provoking inflammation, activating certain neuronal pathways, contributing to dehydration, and widening blood vessels, though the exact mechanism is still unclear (17).
People who experience frequent headaches could try cutting back on their alcohol intake to see if it benefits their symptoms.
4. Get adequate sleep
Sleep deprivation can be detrimental to your health in many ways and may even cause headaches in some people.
In fact, research shows that poor sleep quality and insomnia are associated with increased headache frequency and severity (19).
Sleep apnea, a health condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and then starts again during sleep, is associated with morning headaches, while insomnia is linked to increased headache severity in those with tension headaches (20, 21).
However, getting too much sleep has also been shown to trigger headaches. Therefore, getting the right amount of rest important for those looking for natural headache prevention (22).
For maximum benefits, aim for the “sweet spot” of 7–9 hours of sleep per night (23).
Having trouble sleeping? Read more about natural sleep aids.
5. Avoid foods high in histamine
Histamine is a chemical found naturally in the body that plays a role in the immune, digestive, and nervous systems (24).
It’s also found in certain foods, such as aged cheeses, fermented foods, beer, wine, smoked fish, and cured meats.
Studies suggest that consuming histamine may cause migraines in those who are sensitive to it (25).
Some people cannot excrete histamine properly because they have impaired function of the enzymes responsible for breaking it down (26).
Cutting histamine-rich foods from the diet may help reduce symptoms such as headaches in people who are sensitive to histamine (27).
6. Try essential oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that contain aromatic compounds from a variety of plants.
They have many therapeutic benefits and are most often used topically, though some can be ingested.
Research suggests that peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus essential oils are especially helpful when you have a headache (28, 29, 30).
If you experience frequent headaches, try diffusing essential oils or rubbing a small amount of an essential oil, like peppermint or lavender oil, mixed with a carrier oil, like jojoba, onto your wrists or temples.
There are a number of high quality essential oils available, with Eden Botanicals being one of the best brands to consider.
Shop for Eden Botanicals essential oils online.
7. Try a B-complex vitamin
B vitamins are a group of water-soluble micronutrients that play many important roles in your body. For example, they contribute to neurotransmitter synthesis and help turn food into energy (31).
Some B vitamins may also have a protective effect against headaches.
Several studies have shown that certain B vitamin supplements, including riboflavin (B2), folate, B12, and pyridoxine (B6) may reduce headache symptoms (32, 33, 34).
B-complex supplements contain all eight of the B vitamins and are a safe, cost-effective way to naturally treat headache symptoms.
B vitamins are considered safe to take on a regular basis, as they are water-soluble, meaning that any excess will be flushed out through the urine (35).
If you’re looking for a high quality B-complex supplement, you may want to try Nordic Naturals Vitamin B Complex. It contains highly absorbable forms of B vitamins, including methylcobalamin and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF).
The supplement is third-party tested, and customers can obtain a certificate of analysis on the Nordic Naturals website.
You can shop for Nordic Naturals Vitamin B Complex online.
8. Soothe pain with a cold compress
Using a cold compress may help reduce your headache symptoms.
Applying cold or frozen compresses to your neck or head area decreases inflammation, slows nerve conduction, and constricts blood vessels, all of which could help reduce headache pain (36).
Studies suggest that cold therapy may benefit those experiencing certain types of headaches, including headaches caused by nitrate medication used to treat heart conditions like chest pain (37).
To make a cold compress, fill a waterproof bag with ice and wrap it in a soft towel. Apply the compress to the back of your neck, your head, or your temples for headache relief.
9. Consider taking coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a substance produced naturally by the body that plays a role in energy production and functions as a powerful antioxidant (38).
Studies have shown that taking CoQ10 supplements may be an effective natural way to treat headaches.
For example, one study in 80 people diagnosed with migraine demonstrated that taking 100 mg of CoQ10 per day reduced migraine frequency, severity, and length (39).
A 2021 review that included 6 studies found that treatment with 30–800 mg of CoQ10 per day was effective for reducing migraine frequency and duration (40).
Thorne Research CoQ10 (previously Q-Best 100), which provides 100 mg of CoQ10 per 1-gelcap serving, is a good option for people who experience migraine.
Thorne Research is a well-trusted supplement company that is certified by several third-party organizations, including the Therapeutic Goods Association, a regulatory agency run by the Australian Government Department of Health (41).
Shop for Thorne CoQ10 online.
10. Try an elimination diet
Studies suggest that food intolerances can trigger headaches in some people (1).
To discover whether a certain food is causing frequent headaches, you may consider trying an elimination diet that removes the foods most related to your headache symptoms.
Aged cheeses, alcohol, chocolate, citrus fruits, and coffee are among the most commonly reported food triggers in people with migraines (1).
A 2016 study in 50 people with migraine found that eliminating migraine-triggering foods from the diet significantly reduced migraine attack frequency, duration, and severity (42).
Read more here about how to follow an elimination diet properly.
11. Drink caffeinated tea or coffee
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Sipping on beverages that contain caffeine, such as tea or coffee, may provide relief when you are experiencing a headache.
Caffeine improves mood, increases alertness, and constricts blood vessels, all of which can have a positive effect on headache symptoms (43).
It also helps increase the effectiveness of common medications used to treat headaches, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen (43).
However, caffeine withdrawal has also been shown to cause headaches if a person regularly consumes large amounts of caffeine and suddenly stops.
Therefore, people who get frequent headaches should be mindful of their caffeine intake (44).
While there are many excellent tea brands on the market, Stash Teas is known for offering a wide variety of flavors, including Green Chai, Orange Spice, and Double Bergamot Early Grey.
Shop for Stash teas online.
12. Try acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into the skin to stimulate specific points on the body (45).
This practice has been linked to a reduction in headache symptoms in many studies.
A 2020 overview of 15 systematic reviews concluded that acupuncture may be an effective therapy for people with migraine (46).
What’s more, a 2022 study that included 156 people with migraine found that treatments with both 5 and 10 sessions of acupuncture were effective for reducing frequency of migraine attacks and migraine severity (47).
If you’re looking for a natural way to treat chronic headaches, acupuncture may be a worthwhile choice.
13. Relax with yoga
Practicing yoga is an excellent way to relieve stress, increase flexibility, decrease pain, and improve your overall quality of life (48).
Taking up yoga may even help reduce the intensity and frequency of your headaches.
One study investigated the effects of yoga therapy on 60 people with chronic migraines. Headache frequency and intensity were reduced more in those receiving both yoga therapy and conventional care than in those receiving conventional care alone (49).
Additionally, a 2020 review that included six studies found that yoga helped improve headache frequency, duration, and intensity in patients with tension-type headaches (50).
14. Avoid strong smells
Strong odors like those from perfumes and cleaning products can cause certain individuals to develop headaches.
A study of 400 people who experienced either migraine or tension headaches found that strong odors, especially perfumes, often triggered headaches (51).
This hypersensitivity to odors is called osmophobia and is common in those with chronic migraines (52).
If you think you may be sensitive to smells, avoiding perfumes, cigarette smoke, and strongly scented foods may help decrease your chance of getting a migraine.
15. Try an herbal remedy
Research suggests that certain herbs, including curcumin, chamomile, and butterbur, may reduce headache symptoms.
For example, a 2020 review of 19 studies found positive preliminary findings for curcumin as a preventive treatment and for chamomile as an acute treatment for migraine (53).
The review also found limited evidence that supplementing with butterbur, a perennial shrub native to Germany that has anti-inflammatory effects, may benefit those with migraine (53).
Even though some herbs are safe to take, it’s important to be cautious when supplementing with herbs, as many can interact with commonly prescribed medications and may be unsafe for people who are pregnant or have certain health conditions (54).
Of the herbal supplements mentioned in the review listed above, curcumin and chamomile are generally considered safe. However, it’s important to check with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy to treat headaches.
Thorne Meriva-SF is an excellent choice for those looking for a high quality curcumin supplement to prevent migraines, and Nature’s Way Chamomile may be helpful if you’re looking for immediate headache relief.
Shop for Thorne Meriva-SF and Swanson Chamomile online.
16. Avoid nitrates and nitrites
Nitrates and nitrites are food preservatives commonly added to items like hot dogs, sausages, and bacon to keep them fresh by preventing bacterial growth.
Foods containing them have been shown to trigger headaches in some people (55).
Nitrites may trigger headaches by causing the expansion of blood vessels (56).
In order to minimize your exposure to nitrites, limit the amount of processed meats in your diet and choose nitrate-free products whenever possible.
17. Take some ginger
Ginger root contains many beneficial compounds, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances (57).
A 2021 review that included three randomized control trials found that treatment with ginger supplements helped reduce pain in people with migraine (58).
What’s more, the ginger treatments helped reduce nausea and vomiting, common symptoms associated with severe headaches (58).
If you’re interested in taking a ginger supplement, Pure Encapsulations Ginger Extract is a high quality supplement that provides 500 mg of ginger root extract per capsule.
You can also make a powerful tea using fresh ginger root. Not only is it cost-effective to make, but drinking the tea is a healthy way to stay hydrated.
Shop for Pure Encapsulations Ginger Extract online.
18. Move more
One of the simplest ways to reduce headache frequency and severity is to engage in physical activity.
A number of studies have shown that exercise could help significantly reduce migraine intensity, frequency, and duration (59, 60, 61)
There are many ways to increase your activity level, but one of the simplest ways is to increase the number of steps you take throughout the day.
Learn 10 ways to move more every day.
If you’re looking for ways to prevent headaches, the following evidence-based tips may help:
- Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated throughout the day is a simple way to reduce the risk of headaches while benefiting your overall health. Hydration needs vary, depending on factors like activity levels, body size, and more, so let your thirst be your guide (62).
- Identify underlying causes: There are many potential underlying causes of headaches, including nutrient deficiencies. If you’re experiencing frequent headaches, see a healthcare professional for a thorough checkup to rule out potential causes (2).
- Eat regularly: Undereating and restricting calories could cause you to develop a headache. Make sure you’re consuming enough calories throughout the day, and don’t go long periods of time without eating (63).
- Get the right amount of sleep: Both sleep deprivation and oversleeping may trigger migraines. It’s important to get the right amount of sleep, not too much or too little. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night (23).
- Try to manage your stress: Stress may trigger some types of headaches and take a toll on overall health. Incorporating healthy stress management practices like exercise, medication, and yoga into your life may help reduce your stress level as much as possible (64).
There are many other ways to help reduce headache frequency, duration, and severity. You can work with a healthcare professional to come up with a plan that works best for you.
The occasional mild headache isn’t usually a cause for concern, but if you’re experiencing frequent headaches or a lasting, severe headache, it’s critical that you seek medical care.
Headaches can be a symptom of a serious underlying health issue, such as a tumor, a blood clot, or another medical condition that requires immediate medical attention (5).
A doctor can help rule out potential underlying causes of your headaches and give you the right care.
They can also run tests to help rule out health conditions and nutrient deficiencies, such as B12 and iron deficiency, which may cause or worsen headaches (65, 66).
It’s especially important to seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing a headache after an injury or trauma, such as a fall, or if you experience a sudden, very severe headache, as this may be a symptom of a serious medical condition.
What is the fastest home remedy for a headache?
There are several home remedies that may help treat headaches.
For example, if dehydration is causing a headache, drinking water can help quickly improve the symptoms (11).
Taking pain relievers such as ibuprofen can also help reduce headache pain (67).
Relaxing in a dark room, using a cold compress, smelling some peppermint or lavender essential oils, drinking some caffeine, and avoiding loud noises may also help reduce headache severity.
However, keep in mind that these remedies may not be effective for everyone. Effective treatments depend on the type and cause of the headache you’re experiencing.
Are there any home remedies for headaches that you should avoid?
It’s important to avoid taking herbal supplements to treat a headache unless you’ve checked with a healthcare professional first to ensure the supplements are safe for you. Many herbal supplements can interfere with common medications and aren’t safe for everyone (68).
You should also avoid drinking too much caffeine, as this can make you jittery and interfere with sleep (69).
Is there anything that makes headaches worse?
Bright lights, loud noises, and strong smells may make headache symptoms worse.
If you’re experiencing a significant headache, it’s important to relax in a calm, dark, quiet environment.
Lack of sleep, alcohol, stress, certain foods, hormonal fluctuations, calorie restriction, and taking headache medicine too frequently could also trigger or worsen headaches (70, 71).
Because people experience negative effects from frequent headaches, it’s important to find natural and effective treatment options.
Yoga, nutritional supplements, essential oils, and dietary modifications are all natural, safe, and effective ways to reduce headache symptoms.
While traditional methods such as medications are often necessary, there are many natural and effective ways to prevent and treat headaches if you’re looking for a more holistic approach.
Reasons. How to relieve a headache. Headache remedies
Headaches can be caused by many factors, but the most common cause is head and neck muscle tension, which can be caused by stress, fatigue, bad posture, awkward posture when working on a computer or phone, not getting enough sleep, as well as prolonged reading or eye strain in low light. These simple tricks will help you quickly get rid of a headache without medication.
Massage: how to do it correctly, duration, massage zones
Head and neck massage. Gently massaging the head and neck can help relax muscles and reduce tension, leading to better circulation and less pain. If it is not possible to go to a chiropractor, then you can do a head and neck massage yourself.
Head and neck massage by yourself.
Compress and headband: how to do, where to apply
The use of a cold or hot compress will quickly relieve muscle spasms and facilitate the functioning of cerebral vessels. A cold compress can reduce inflammation and soreness, while a hot compress can help relax muscles. You can apply cold and hot compresses both on the focus of pain and around it.
Ginger
Ginger. Photo © shutterstock
Drinking ginger tea is also effective for headaches. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce soreness and improve circulation. It contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including gingerols, shogaols, and zingiberenes, which may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving effects on the body. In addition, ginger can help dilate blood vessels, improve circulation, and reduce tension in the muscles of the head and neck, which can also lead to headache relief.
Almond oil: for face and head
Almond oil can help reduce soreness and improve circulation when applied to the forehead and temples. Almond oil helps with headaches due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It contains many beneficial biologically active substances, including vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, phytosterols and antioxidants. The omega-3 fatty acids found in almond oil can help reduce localized inflammation. In addition, vitamin E, which is also found in almond oil, is a strong antioxidant and reduces inflammation and pain.
Lavender oil
The use of this oil helps to reduce soreness and calm the nervous system. Apply a few drops to whiskey or take an aromatic bath. It cannot directly help in relieving headaches, but it contains many useful biologically active substances, including linalool and linaluyl acetate, which are natural sedatives. Lavender oil can help reduce tension and stress that cause headaches. It improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and reduces muscle tension, which can also lead to pain relief.
Juniper and eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil. Photo © Shutterstock
Juniper contains terpenes that can help reduce inflammation and pain in the head. Eucalyptus oil contains camphor, which is a natural anesthetic and helps relieve headaches. In addition, eucalyptus oil can help improve blood circulation and reduce tension, which also leads to a reduction in headaches.
For headaches, you can add a few drops of the oil from this mixture to warm water and inhale the vapors, or apply the oil to your temples or massage your neck.
Peppermint tea recipe how to brew
Peppermint contains menthol, which is a natural anesthetic and antispasmodic that can help reduce pain and relax the scalp muscles. In addition, mint has anti-inflammatory properties: it reduces local inflammation. The antibacterial properties of mint also reduce the risk of headaches caused by infection. Peppermint tea can also help improve circulation and reduce tension, leading to less headaches. How to make mint tea?
- Bring water to a boil.
- Place dried or fresh mint in a teapot or mug (1-2 teaspoons per cup).
- Top the mint with boiling water and let it steep for about 5-7 minutes.
- Add honey or lemon to taste.
- Strain the tea through a strainer or cheesecloth.
Fresh mint tea can be drunk hot or cooled and drunk as an iced tea. It can be effective in relieving headaches, especially if the headache is related to stress or fatigue.
Evgeny Zhukov
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How to get over a headache quickly. How to get rid of a headache in 2 minutes
Each of us has experienced a headache. This condition is painful – it interferes with productive work, communication, doing ordinary things and just living a full life. Is there a way to get over a headache quickly? Experience shows that this is quite possible.
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Life hacks for health
Simple life hacks
headache
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A headache can be so severe that a person has no strength left for anything. When it comes to migraines, specialists prescribe strong painkillers, and patients take a number of measures to wait out the attack and, if possible, reduce the level of discomfort.
Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.
The most common headache is tension headache. This is a primary headache: its occurrence is not associated with any other diseases. Pain can be localized in different areas of the head: someone suffers from a headache in the forehead, someone more often experiences temporal headache or pain in the back of the head.
Headache is not considered in society as some kind of serious illness, and even in cases where it really causes serious discomfort, people try not to take sick leave and try to work fully.
Everyone chooses their own strategy for dealing with a headache: someone waits and endures, someone turns to folk remedies, someone immediately takes painkillers.
Remove in 2 minutes
Business consultant Kamil K. Wawrzyszko came up with an unusual way to deal with a headache. The video, in which he explains the essence of his method, has been viewed more than 5 million times, and users have left more than 30 thousand comments under it.
What does Vaurizko offer? His strategy to get rid of a headache in 2 minutes involves focusing on the pain. He invites everyone to get rid of discomfort, just listen to him and answer questions about headaches. However, this can be done without the help of a video, just by asking yourself questions.
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So ask yourself and answer honestly:
- Where is your pain?
- What color is pain?
- What form of pain?
Repeat these questions several times until you realize that you don’t know where your pain is or what it looks like – in most cases it does disappear in a couple of minutes.
Does it really work?
In the comments – a mountain of reviews about the method of getting rid of Kamil’s headache. Many claim that their pain gradually became small from large and black, changing color to a lighter one and then invisible.