When dealing with the headache, we must take into account how severe the pain is or if it is recurrent. Mild and specific cases can be improved with some home remedies.
Headache is a common symptom that can appear for multiple reasons. Often their treatment includes the use of several common pain relievers. However, there are other options that help us address this symptom naturally. In this opportunity we want to present you 10 home remedies that calm the headache.
How to relieve headaches?
First of all, it is important to note that headache treatment can vary depending on its cause. Thus, while mild cases are controlled with changes in lifestyle, painkillers and natural remedies, more severe cases require other treatments.
Therefore, it is essential to be attentive to signs that indicate a complication. It should not be overlooked that there is a wide variety of conditions that include this ailment among their symptoms. So, if the pain is very severe or recurrent, it is best to go to the doctor to receive a timely diagnosis.
Among its possible causes, according to information from the Mayo Clinic, lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, poor diet, sleep problems and stress may be involved. However, it can also be due to causes of more attention, such as dehydration, sinusitis, hypertension, infections, among others.
home remedies for headache relief
Research published via the Singapore Medical Journal highlights that most primary headaches can be managed safely in the outpatient setting. In this sense, it is important to recognize some predisposing factors to pain, such as inadequate hydration, poor diet, excess alcohol, among others.
If the above is identified, the first measure will be to avoid these triggers for successful management. As a complement to this, then we propose to use a series of home remedies that calm the headache. Although evidence of their efficacy is still limited, they are generally considered safe approaches.
What if they don't work? If there is no positive response to lifestyle changes and these remedies, it is very important to see a doctor. There should even be an immediate consultation if there are other symptoms besides the headache. Keep that in mind!
1. hot water
You can choose to place a thermal bag on the back of your neck or around your neck. This technique will help you relax a lot of tension. As an alternative, you can also choose to shower with warm water and apply lavender salts.
A study published in the journal Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain published a case in which the headache was relieved by the application of hot towels to the neck. However, more studies are still needed in this regard.
2. Ice
To make use of this option, put a few ice cubes in a sealed bag and cover it with a cloth. Then put it on your neck or directly where you have discomfort, for 20 minutes.
According to a study published in the Hawaii Journal of Medicine and Public Health, the application of cold compresses to the neck or head helps reduce inflammation, slows down nerve conduction and constricts blood vessels. All this, together, would explain its benefits against headaches.
3. Drink water
As we mentioned before, many times the headache is caused by dehydration. Therefore, it is recommended that you increase your water consumption throughout the day, preferably at room temperature.
Research published in Nutrition Reviews found that drinking water helps reduce headache symptoms in most dehydrated people within 30 minutes to 3 hours.
4. Rest
A study published in the Headache Journal found that people who slept less had more frequent and severe headaches. Therefore, to reduce and prevent this pain, it is essential to sleep well and ensure rest. Lie down in a comfortable place or directly on your bed and rest.
5. Chamomile tea
Within the list of natural remedies to calm headaches we find chamomile tea. However, the evidence on its efficacy against this problem is limited.
Its use for this pain is justified by the anti-inflammatory qualities that have been proven in various studies, but in reality it is unknown if they can be beneficial for this ailment.
For its part, a recent study published in the journal Medical Hypotheses showed that chamomile essential oil can be an effective remedy for migraine relief. This is due to the large amount of anti-inflammatory substances it has, as well as its neuroprotective effect.
In any case, considering that its use is safe in almost all cases, it could be tried as part of the treatment. Just make sure you avoid it if you're under other medical treatments.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of chamomile (30 g)
- 2 cups of water (500 ml)
Preparation
- Bring the water to a boil and add the chamomile.
- Let stand for 15 minutes and strain it.
6. Acupressure
Acupressure is one of the remedies that calm headaches naturally. This therapy consists of massaging certain pressure points to relax the area of pain. In this particular case, massaging the temples, jaw, or neck may help.
According to research published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, consistently applied acupressure can be an effective treatment for headaches, even in chronic cases.
7. Lavender essence
Lavender is known to be an effective relaxant. A review published in 2018 in Children even noted that inhaling lavender essential oil for 15 minutes reduced the severity of headaches.
Using its essential oil helps relieve headaches quickly. To take advantage of it, follow these instructions:
Add 5 drops to some oil, either olive or almond, and massage the scalp.
Another option is to add the oil in a diffuser and enjoy an aromatherapy session.
8. Ginger
Ginger root has been widely studied due to its content of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Thanks to this, it has been possible to determine that it can serve as an adjuvant to reduce some ailments.
Although it does not have miraculous or similar properties, it does contribute to promoting well-being in the event of a headache. In fact, a study published in Phytotherapy Research found that 250 mg of ginger powder was as effective as conventional sumatriptan for migraine headaches.
However, given the need for more evidence, it should not be considered as a drug replacement. In any case, consumed in capsules or tea can be a good complement against this pain.
9. Vitamin E
Obtaining adequate doses of vitamin E, either in the diet or through supplements, could be a good option to calm and prevent this ailment. According to a review published in 2015 in the journal BioMed Research International, vitamin E may help relieve headache and premenstrual migraine symptoms, with a low risk of causing side effects.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
There is currently no scientific evidence to show that apple cider vinegar can help relieve headaches or migraines. Its popularity stems from anecdotal data and therefore should be used with caution.
Now, it should be noted that evidence has been found on the relationship between vinegar and the regulation of high blood sugar spikes. For this reason, there are those who consider that this is the reason why it can contribute to the relief of this symptom.
However, given the limited evidence, no claims can be made. In any case, eating a small amount of vinegar diluted in water is not a major problem. Therefore, we leave you the remedy below.
Ingredients
- 1 glass of water (200 ml)
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (10 ml)
Preparation
- Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water at room temperature and drink it.
- Although the taste is not the most pleasant, it is a simple and effective remedy to relieve headaches and migraines.
11. Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral to carry out various functions in the body, including the conservation of the electrical potential of neurons. In this sense, a study published in the journal Biological Trace Element Research determined that migraine is associated with low levels of magnesium in the body.
Therefore, the consumption of magnesium supplements can help relieve the symptoms of this pathology, including headaches. In addition, it can work as a prophylaxis to prevent the onset of the disease. The recommended daily oral intake is 600 milligrams.
12. Avoid alcohol
As we said before, alcohol intake can be a trigger for migraines and cluster headaches according to multiple studies. In this way, reducing or avoiding the consumption of these types of drinks will be an effective measure to relieve or reduce migraine episodes.
13. Peppermint essential oil
One of the most recommended home treatments for headaches is peppermint essential oil. A study published in the German journal Schmerz highlighted the effectiveness of this treatment. Therefore, the topical application of this oil is highly recommended to relieve tension-type headache.
Definitely
We find many ways to deal with the typical headaches that afflict us on a daily basis. However, we must be alert to signs that may alert us to a problem that requires more attention. See your doctor if your pain is severe or recurring.
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