Researchers have characterized headaches by a feeling of tenseness in the neck, shoulder and scalp whereas migraines are basically pulsating headaches, often on one side of the head. It is essential that one avoids headache inducing substances such as MSG (monosodium glutamate), excessive caffeine, alcohol, phenylethylamine found in chocolates and cheese, tyramine found in nuts and fermented meats. If you start getting a headache, steer clear of all devices including your phone, laptop and TV. Eat healthily, and at regular intervals since a drop in blood sugar can set the stage for headaches and always stay hydrated. Generally speaking, headaches are your body’s response to physical or emotional stress. Despite the discomfort, most headaches are temporary and respond quite nicely to DIY natural headache remedies.
Cinnamon: This is a miracle spice that can treat headaches effectively. By grinding some cinnamon sticks into a powder and mixing it into a thick paste with water, you can get instant relief from headaches just after about thirty minutes with the paste applied on your forehead. Don’t forget to wash off with lukewarm water though!
Thyme: To relieve headaches, dab a drop or two of thyme or rosemary essential oil on your forehead and rub gently into the skin. Sit quietly for several minutes to let this remedy work.
Basic Stretches: A few simple exercises to stretch your head and neck can help reduce the intensity of a headache. Move your chin upwards and downwards, left and right, and bend your neck sideways towards each shoulder. You can also try to slowly rotate the neck in clockwise and anticlockwise directions to help the shoulder and neck muscles relax.
Compress: Applying an ice pack to the back of your neck can give relief from a migraine since the cold from the ice helps reduce inflammation that contributes to headaches. Plus, it has a numbing effect on the pain. Also, just soaking your feet in hot water can bring relief from headaches. Also, placing a washcloth that has formerly been dipped in ice-cold or hot water on your head repeatedly can be helpful too.
Apples and Apple Cider Vinegar: Both apples and apple cider vinegar can be used to fight off a headache. They help restore the acid-alkaline balance in the body. Mix a half cup of apple cider vinegar with a half cup of water and boil the mixture in a covered saucepan. Remove from heat, hold a towel over your head and slowly inhale the steam. This will provide instant relief from sinus headaches. However, if you wake up with a headache, just eat a piece of apple sprinkled with salt, and drink some warm water after or add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to glass of water with honey and a splash of lemon juice. Drink it two or three times a day.
Peppermint and Lavender Essential Oils: The calming and numbing effects of both peppermint and lavender oils make them perfect tools for finding headache relief. While peppermint oil generates a long-lasting cooling effect on the skin, research shows that peppermint oil stimulates a significant increase in skin blood flow of the forehead, and it soothes muscle contractions. Lavender oil, on the other hand, is commonly used as a mood stabilizer and sedative. Research has shown that the use of lavender oil is a safe and effective treatment of migraines. Both of these essential oils are really effective headache remedies, so take advantage of their benefits by placing a few drops of peppermint or lavender oil into your hands and then rubbing the blend on your forehead, temples and back of your neck. If the smell is too strong for you or if the peppermint is too chilling, dilute it down by mixing the essential oils with almond, grapeseed or coconut oil.
Rest: Particularly if you are struggling with migraines, resting or sitting in a darkened room can help relieve symptoms and it can be a basic headache treatment at home. Close your eyes and focus on relieving tension in your neck, back and shoulders.
