Last month all the remodeling and HOA nonsense {combined with lack of sleep} left me with more headaches than usual. Since I am not a fan of just downing an Excedrin every time a headache strikes, I decided to try out a few natural headache solutions. I’m still kind of toying around with them to find out which remedy will be my personal go-to, but I thought I’d share a couple, in case any of you have HOA problems too. 😉
- Ginger tea. First, I pretty much love the idea of any tea, so this one appealed to me right away. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that lend nicely to combating headaches. Just crush a 1″ cube with the side of a knife and steep in boiling water for 5 minutes or so. You can add a little honey to taste.
- Peppermint oil. Rub a bit {a little goes a LONG way} on your temples and neck. It is quite refreshing and does take the edge off–though, for me so far, it doesn’t take it away completely.
- Capsaicin. A friend told me about this one. It comes in cream or pill form and is basically the active ingredient in cayenne pepper. It is supposed to block the nerve pain signals. I haven’t had a chance to pick any up yet, but I plan on giving it a try.
- Lavender essential oil. Lavender is known for aiding in relaxation, but it apparently is also a go-to for migraine sufferers. Add a couple of drops to a pot of boiling water {1 drop for every cup of water} and then sit over the steam for 10 minutes of so, inhaling the lavender goodness.
- Take a nap. I know this one isn’t always possible, but you know that saying, “A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything.” Well, I totally agree. Stress is a booger, and sometimes you just got to throw up your hands and say catch ya later.
- Feverfew tea. Again, tea. Just the act of sipping tea is relaxing to me. With this one, you need 1 ounce of fresh or dried feverfew flowers and 1 pint of boiling water. Steep, strain, drink {about 1/2 cup at a time}. You can also get this in capsule form.
- Add Omega-3’s to your diet. Omega 3’s help combat inflammation–and since most headaches come down to inflammation, adding more anti-inflammatory foods to your diet can help. Flax seeds are high in Omega 3’s and can be ground up and added to oatmeal or a smoothie pretty easily.
- Stretch or do yoga. Tension headaches can occur when you have tight over strained muscles {from stress or physical activity}. Adding a regular stretching routine to your day is supposed to help a ton.
- Limit headache causing foods. If you have frequent headaches, you may want to limit foods/drinks like wine and, I am sad to report, chocolate. They can both cause or make headaches worse. Paying attention to how your head reacts to everything you eat is not a bad idea either. You may just need a diet tweak.
- Get a massage. I am not a huge massage kind of gal, but I know lots of people swear by them for relaxation, de-stressing, and reducing tension {read: causes of headaches}.
How about YOU, do you have any go-to natural remedies for headaches?
~Mavis
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Lindsay says
I’m not sure if this is true or not but I once heard that when you take your headache pill with a big glass of water, that it’s the water that helps more than the pill. I guess this would be true if your headaches are caused by dehydration. Anyways, this always stuck in my head and now the first thing I do when I get a headache is down a big glass of water.
Teckla says
I found it to be very helpful to be well hydrated back when I used to have migraines. Everyone is different, but it’s definitely worth a try.
Teckla says
I found it really helpful to stay well hydrated back when I used to have frequent migraines. Every body is different, but it’s definitely worth a try.
Linda says
The spa. The last time I had a headache, I headed to the spa. Relaxing in the salt and sand rooms really helped draw out the tension and my headache was gone in an hour. Plus I felt pretty refreshed.
Cecily says
I have chronic migraines (as many as 10 a month) and a cold pack applied to the back of the neck or a cool wet rag applied to the forehead (depending on the location of the headache) really helps.
Katy says
One thing to mind: spicy foods including Capsaicin can also act as a headache trigger, especially for migraines. Other triggers are alcohol, and like you said chocolate.
Veronica says
I have found that my headaches come mostly from my C1 and C2 vertebrae being out of alignment. (Which comes as a result of carrying multiple children and their car seats all day.) A trip to the chiropractor for a manual adjustment normally fixes the headache within the hour.
Teckla says
Migraines are not fun! I had them frequently from the 1970s to around 1996-97. Eliminating some foods, staying hydrated, minimizing stress, relaxing and massage, etc. helped. Two things finally made the difference. One was reducing, then eliminating the meds I was taking. Sounds absolutely crazy, but I was taking too much, too often, and causing myself rebound headaches. When I moved to another state, my new doctor had a different approach. I thought I would croak when I was switched from an ergotamine to Midrin, but found myself slowly improving until I was having very few migraines. At that point I went through menopause, and hesitantly, HRT for the maximum 5 years allowed. It definitely helped with the change problems, but the best side effect was no more migraines. I’m not sure what the exact correlation is, but it seemed to confirm what I had always thought true. My migraines were linked to hormone changes during my (quite irregular) menstrual cycles. Might be some things to talk about with your doctor.
Lana says
Mean old Mom that I am I always made may kids drink two glasses of water before popping pills. Most of the time it worked. America is SO dehydrated!
Mavis says
I soo agree! There are so many alternatives to water now that I think it’s a forgotten beverage! 🙁
Kate says
Agree about the water! And also pinching the pressure point between the thumb and index finger. I had migraines and realized that they were triggered by cottage cheese. Sad, because I adore cottage cheese. Yogurt also triggers them for me.
Wendi says
Wow, you have informed folks reading your blog Mavis! After having a headache DAILY for over 40 years a new doctor asked if I had ever gone without OTC pain medication. Nope…. Turns out it was a continuous rebound headache since I was 12 years old. Now in my late 50’s, when I feel one coming on, I simply drink a glass of water, rub some peppermint oil on my temples, throw a bag of frozen peas on my forehead and pinch between my thumb and pointer finger. It’s gone in no time. Wish I read your blog 40 years ago!
Mary says
My migraine triggers include some of the things already mentioned as well as aged cheeses and dark chocolate, but also bright sun. I can’t live without my polarized sunglasses and big hats. I definitely recommend staying hydrated, well rested and eat enough healthy, substantial food including protein. When you feel a headache starting, try to identify anything that you need at the moment, and anything that you need to eliminate. Take care of your most basic needs, and avoid excess noise and light. Believe it or not, just removing headbands and tight ponytail holders can make you feel a little better!
Jen Y says
The first thing I do is drink a glass of water. Often I’m just a little dehydrated. We get busy working & forget to drink enough water. Many times that’s all I need.
Kim says
Sugar is a migraine trigger for me. When I do get a headache I like to use Young Living Pan-Away and Peppermint essential oils with a little carrier oil and rub it on my forehead, temples, the above the inner corner of my eye (right under my eyebrow), and on my scalp. Also eating a Primal diet helps immensely…but it’s hard to follow sometimes.
Edamommy says
Here are a few of my go to remedies:
1) i always try water first
2) sleep it off if possible and put tiger balm on my temples – puts me right out!
3) since caffeine dilates your capilaries often a strong cup of black tea or coffee will ease my headache
4) i also found out eggs give me headaches so figuring out any dietary triggers is crucial!