4 Remedies to Get Rid of Headaches Naturally
Everyone gets headaches every now and then, but when they become persistent, it gets more difficult to treat them and some medicines may stop working. The pain reliever that you used to take maybe making little to no difference and a simple rest may not be enough.
Unfortunately, there are risks involved in taking higher doses of pain relievers and they can also get expensive. The best way to relieve headaches is through natural remedies. There are different techniques that work on different types of headaches. It’s important to understand what may be causing the headache and what remedies work for that specific type of headache.
Table of Contents
Types of Headaches
There are a wide variety of headaches but they can be categorized into the four most common types.
Tension Headache
A tension headache could easily be the most painful and frustrating kind of headache and it is very common. Both adults and teenagers experience tension headaches. As the name suggests, this headache comes from stress and is also often called chronic daily headaches. It comes and goes, but it can be really painful.
Cluster Headache
Tension headache might be painful, but a cluster headache is even more severe. It is not as common as a tension headache. It is intense and often feels like there’s something piercing behind your eyes. People experience this over a period of time, lasting anywhere between a few weeks and months. Sometimes, it disappears for a while but then comes back.
Sinus Headache
This headache is due to inflamed sinuses, which also cause pain in the cheek area. There may also be some pain in the forehead and the nose bridge. A sinus headache is usually accompanied by a runny nose, fever, and some swelling in the face.
Migraine
Migraines can last from a few hours to days and people often experience it several times within a month. Other symptoms that come with migraines are sensitivity to light and other stimuli, nausea, and an upset stomach.
Those are the most common types of headaches and sometimes, people experience mixed headache symptoms.
How to Relieve Headache Naturally
Having more knowledge about the types of headaches would help you understand more why these natural remedies work.
Drink Water
Just drinking a sufficient amount of water makes a big difference when you have a headache. Sometimes, headaches can be caused by dehydration. This is especially true for tension headaches so if you often experience tension headaches, you might want to observe how much water you consume in a day and increase it.
Magnesium
You may also need more magnesium in your body. This important mineral helps in many functions in the body like controlling blood sugar. It also aids in nerve transmission. It is a safe and effective remedy for headaches, especially migraines. Studies have shown that people who have more magnesium intake have less frequent and less severe migraine attacks.
Reduce Alcohol Intake
Sometimes, it is not what you lack but what you are taking in excess. If you consume a lot of alcohol, you are more prone to getting different types of headaches. While alcohol may not directly cause a headache, studies have shown that it can trigger migraines for some people. It has also been associated with tension and cluster headaches.
Essential Oils
You may also want to use some essential oils to relieve headache symptoms. These liquids are concentrated and contain aromatic compounds that can soothe an aching head. They also have many therapeutic benefits. Some of the best essential oils are peppermint and lavender. Simply apply some oil to your temples to reduce tension headache symptoms.