Natural Cures For Headaches

This is one such ailment that can have many causes. This is what makes effective cure for headache difficult to find.

Causes

Headache causes are many, but the most common ones are:

a. Stress and tension:

Domestic or workplace-related stress and tension causes the muscles in the neck and head to become tense, constricting blood flow to the brain, resulting in a headache. Arteries leading to the brain may sometimes also undergo spasms, diminishing the blood flow to the brain leading to headache migraine.

b. Hormonal fluctuations:

Sometimes you may experience hormonal fluctuations giving rise to a headache or migraine. They may get induced by certain drugs, like the contraceptive pills.

c. Toxins and liver condition:

Poor liver functioning may reduce the ability of the body to eliminate toxins. This build-up of toxins can give a headache.

d. Certain foods:

It may surprise you to know that goodies like chocolates, cheese, nuts and the like, and even alcohol may trigger migraine in some people.

e. Dehydration and blood sugar levels:

Low blood sugar levels and dehydration can also bring on headaches, especially if you have skipped a meal.

Nature cures for headache

You don’t have to reach for the old traditional pills for your frequent headaches and face their side effects. There are natural remedies that work wonderfully. Physicians generally treat headaches to relieve the pain, but ignore their root causes. Home remedies for headache act on the causes, decreasing the severity.

Holistic physicians recommend a number of natural cures for headaches and migraines that may range from foods to certain techniques. Let’s have a look at some of them:

a. Foods:

Many foods can trigger headaches. A food-induced headache usually occurs three to twelve hours after eating. So, to know what caused it, look at what you ate a day before. As a general rule, avoid foods containing chemicals like nitrites and sulfites, which dilate capillaries in the brain, increasing blood flow and headaches. Even milk, butter, cheese and cream can become the culprit. Some trigger foods also include processed meat products, red wine, caffeine and chocolates.

b. Exercise:

Exercise is especially effective for people with migraine, as it helps alleviate the pain. Exercise also helps release the body’s natural painkillers, the endorphins. But, don’t strain yourself, as you may be worse off. Ideal is to take a half an hour brisk walk outdoors, whenever you get a headache.

c. Aromatherapy:

This is one of the most powerful home remedies for headache. The aromas include peppermint, rosemary, sandalwood, lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus and many others. These essential oils or a combination of them can be used as massage oils, candles or soaps.

d. Massage:

Massage is an effective way to get relief, especially if given by an expert masseur. Headache tension is relieved by kneading shoulders, the back of the neck and the base of skull.

e. Heat and cold:

Application of heat or cold can also get rid of headaches. Putting a cold pack, wrapped in a towel, on the neck or immersing hands in warm water seem to pull the “pressure” out of your head.

f. Other methods:

Acupressure and acupuncture are two ancient Chinese techniques that have stood the test of time. Pressing or pricking certain parts of the body can help cure even chronic headaches and migraines. Even wearing a magnet necklace works.

Natural cures have been curing any kind of headache or migraine since antiquity. So, why not try these cures before you say yes to the prescription drugs.