Aromatherapy
Rub a small amount of peppermint oil onto your forehead, temples, and any other affected areas. Do this every 15 to 30 minutes until you feel relief. Also try wintergreen or eucalyptus oil in combination -- they have synergistic effects. Avoid broken skin and eye contact.
Lavender can also be used in this manner. In addition, add a few drops to a hot bath. Lavender oil calms and can relieve stress and pain.
Foods
Red cherries contain anthocyanins, a natural pigment that helps prevent tension headaches. Eat 20 daily.
Herbs
The capsaicin in cayenne peppers tends to stop cluster headaches. Try adding some to a meal.
Ginger activates natural painkillers in the brain (opiates). It also reduces the level of certain prostaglandins, which can cause inflammation. Ginger also reduces swelling and relieves nausea. Drink one or two cups of ginger tea every hour. Either use a prepared tea or grate 1oz. fresh ginger into one cup of hot water. If supplementing, take 500 to 1000mg every 3 to 4 hours on an empty stomach. Do not exceed 6,000mg as this may cause stomach upset.
Garlic, Lavender, Rosemary, Scullcap, and Wood Betony may all prove helpful. Consult with your herbalist, naturopath, or other health practitioner to determine the appropriateness of these herbs for your needs.
Massage Oil for Headaches
Helps relax tense muscles at the back of the neck, a common cause
of headaches. Good for shoulders and back also.
Ingredients:
(use recently dried herbs for best results)
4 tblsp. Chopped lavender buds
2 tblsp. Marjoram flowers and leaves, chopped
2 tblsp. Clary sage flowers and leaves
1 cup almond oil
Dark bottle
Directions:
1. Place dry herbs in a glass jar and pour almond oil over. Cover tightly and shake well.
2. Place in a warm location, out of direct sunlight. Leave for 2 weeks, shaking daily.
3. Strain and place in dark bottle. Cap tightly and store in a cool, dark place.
4. Use as required.
Homeopathy
Certain remedies can be used in acute situations if your symptoms fit the symptom picture of the remedy. For dosages, see the dedicated section on Homeopathy. Consult your homeopath or naturopath to determine your constitutional remedy: the remedy that best fits you as a whole person. Your homeopath or naturopath will take a complete case history considering all of your mental and physical ailments and match these symptoms with the symptom picture of the remedy.
Bryonia: Pain in the front of the head that is made worse by motion.
Gelsemium: Pain in the back of the head and physical and emotional fatigue and apathy.
Nux Vomica: Headaches occur after over-eating or heavy alcohol or coffee consumption, recreational or pharmaceutical drug use.
Pulsatilla: Sinus-related headache.
Lifestyle
The emotional and mental tension associated with anxiety and stress can easily trigger headaches. It is important to deal with the source of such situations to help ease headaches and several other physical, emotional, and mental ailments associated high levels of stress and increased anxiety.
Try to avoid situations that continue to aggravate your senses. Peace and solitude may be preferable to the drone of the television and background noise. Step away from paper and computer work, if possible. Above all, try to find a quiet spot to. This approach works for most cases. Meditation is worth exploring as well.
To deal with fluctuating blood sugar levels, eat smaller meals throughout the day. Include more protein at each meal and less starchy and sugary carbohydrates.
Too much or too little sleep can result in a headache. Try to maintain a consistent sleep cycle.
Sit up straight. A poor posture can aggravate the spine and pinch nerves, which can cause a headache. Yoga and chiropractic can be used to treat both your posture and your headache.
A study involving over 4500 Australians found that headache prevalence was directly proportional to average caffeine intake after corrections were made regarding age, smoking, alcohol intake, and occupation. Reduce your intake or explore alternatives such as caffeine-free teas and non-medicinal herbal blends. Note that withdrawal symptoms may also include headaches...
Avoid alcohol consumption late at night. This can trigger headaches directly, or affect sleep patterns.
Minerals
Magnesium relaxes muscles and blood vessels. It is quite effective in dealing with migraines or headaches caused by premenstrual syndrome. This helps relieve both vascular and tension headaches. Take 1000mg daily. Use a chelated for better absorption. Magnesium glycinate or asparate are ideal choices.
Therapies, Healing Aids, and More
Acupuncture can be used to help detoxify the liver (organ and meridians). It will also focus on the emotional aspect of headaches, facilitating an easier way to handle unresolved anger.
Chiropractic care can cure poor posture and re-align your back bone, reducing the possibility of pinched nerves as well.
If you suspect a food allergy, try eliminating one food at a time from your diet for several days to two weeks and track the results. After all suspect foods have been eliminated, reintroduce them slowly, one at a time. Note which foods you react to and remove them from your diet. Skin tests or positive IgE RAST testing can help isolate specific allergens.
Yoga is often an effective method of attaining a relaxed, peaceful state. It often works well for those with headaches.
