Natural Headache Relief
Almost everyone has experienced a headache at one time or another. Some of us only get them on occasion, while for others they are a daily occurrence. But one thing’s for sure: having a headache that won’t go away can ruin your entire day.
Headache remedies are readily available over the counter. In addition to aspirin, there are plenty of NSAID drugs to choose from. And for sufferers of migraines and other severe types of headaches, there are prescription drugs. But frequent use of these medications can be detrimental to our health.
Why not try a more natural approach to headache relief? Here are some remedies that many headache sufferers have found to be effective:
* White willow bark – This is what aspirin is derived from. It has similar effects, but it is easier on the stomach. It should not, however, be taken with aspirin or NSAIDs. White willow bark can be found in health food stores in capsule and tincture form.
* Apples – They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and it may also ward off headaches. Try eating a fresh apple each morning on an empty stomach for a week.
* Lemon – There are many ways to use lemons against headaches. One is to simply add the juice of three or four lemon slices to a cup of tea and drink it. Some also pound lemon crusts into a paste and apply to the forehead. For heat-induced headaches, fresh lemon rind applied to the temples may provide relief.
* Sandalwood – Make a paste out of freshly ground sandalwood and apply to the forehead. Let dry, rub off and wash.
* Cayenne pepper – Cayenne peppers contain capsaicin, a highly effective pain reliever that dilates the blood vessels. This makes it ideal for headache treatment. You can buy cayenne capsules over the counter, or simply use the spice. Add some to water, tea or coffee and drink. It only takes a pinch.
* Rosemary – Rosemary also helps keep the blood vessels dilated. You can make a tea out of fresh or dried rosemary by steeping one teaspoon in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes, then straining. You could also try boiling the herb in water and inhaling the steam, or rubbing rosemary oil on the temples.
* Cinnamon – If you experience headaches from exposure to cold air, try cinnamon. Make a paste with equal parts finely ground cinnamon and water and apply to the forehead.
* Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus works well against tension headaches. Mix a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil with a carrier oil, then massage into the forehead. It may also be helpful to put a few drops on a handkerchief and keep it with you. When you feel a headache coming on, sniff the handkerchief to stop it in its tracks.
* Ginger – Ginger is effective against swelling, pain and nausea, making it a good choice for fighting migraines. You can eat it, take it in tea, or take it in tablet form.
Headaches are painful and unpleasant, but they are also treatable. And in most cases, herbal remedies are effective. So before you pop a pill from the drugstore or pharmacy, consider giving something safe and natural a try.
