A large majority of headaches are a result of the muscles and joints in the head and neck that become too tight, this causes pressure on the nerves at the top of your spine which leads to the uncomfortable and irritable headaches we get. This could be due to lack of hydration, having slept in a funny position or stress related. Its consider the norm nowadays to reach for the medicine cabinet and pop an Advil or Tylenol. What we really should be asking is if the long term effects of taking prescription medication for something minor like a strain is worth it.
Holistic healing has become very popular with a variety of different remedies, diets and lifestyles.
Headaches are one of the most common medical complaints – nearly everyone has experienced a headache at some point or another. Here are 10 natural ways to relieve headache pain:
10 Natural Ways to Relieve Headaches
1. Eat a Banana
Magnesium is an essential mineral that our bodies need to function properly. It can improve bone health, stabilize blood pressure, and help maintain a healthy heart rhythm and nerve function. Symptoms of being low in magnesium include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, muscle cramping, tingling, and muscle contractions. Many of us don’t get the proper amount of magnesium a day, therefor resulting in low magnesium levels that are linked to headaches and migraines.
2. Lavender Oils and Lotions
Lavender has been used throughout the centuries as an antiseptic, bathing and calming agent. It is known for its anti-inflammatory characteristics and its ability to dilate blood vessels, which suggests why it helps reduce headache pain.
Lavender is used for many purposes today, including insomnia, eczema, arthritis, cuts, inflammation, hair loss, stress, anxiety, fungus, bacteria, sinus congestion, irritability, cooking, migraines and headaches,
3. Avoid Gluten
The Gluten Free Society states that “A large percentage of migraines are actually induced by nutritional deficiencies, dietary allergens, and environmental chemical exposure.” Gluten could very well be the reason for your headaches!
4. Drink More Water
We believe that in most cases, headaches are caused by chronic unintentional dehydration. Correcting the dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, it is possible for most who sufferer from headaches, to finally end the pain.
5. B-Vitamins
Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid may reduce the frequency, severity and disability of migraines, according to new research. There is an assortment of food that contain vitamin B such as, milk, liver, olive oil, tomatoes, prawns, peanuts, beef, spinach, salmon and cheese. You can also consider daily Vitamin B supplements as studies have shown they were found to reduce migraines.
6. Stretch
Tension headaches are caused by muscular strains in the head and neck and/or emotional stress. Tension headaches are usually dull, steady, aching pains on both sides of the head. The good news is that gentle stretching exercises can help alleviate the aches associated with tight muscles around the neck and upper back. Breathe deeply and grab your yoga mat to relieve a bad headache!
7. Meditate
Quiet your mind, find a comfortable position and meditate. Meditation is an ancient spiritual practice that people are still using today to get headache relief. This mind-body practice seems to work by relieving stress associated with headache pain.
8. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is meant to be effective during migraine attacks. It works as an anti-inflammatory agent. Ginger blocks prostaglandins- the chemical messengers that cause a slight swelling in the brain. Drink ginger tea at the onset of your headache. This is when it’s most effective in blocking pain.
9. Warm or Cold Compress
Many people use a warm or cold compress, either alone or with other treatments. Unfortunately, this time-honored practice has not been well studied. In the absence of conclusive research, most healthcare providers suggest selecting between a warm or cold compress based on what works best for you.
10. Pencil Between Your Teeth
According to a Woman’s Day article found online, when we are stressed, we naturally clench our teeth, which can cause strain to the muscle connecting the jaw to the temples. By putting a pencil between the teeth, it effectively un-clenches the jaw and can help alleviate the stress.
Do you know a good remedy for the relief of headaches? What natural way would you recommend? Tell us and others in the comment section below.
