Headaches are a common symptom of pain that most people experience at some point in their lives. Sometimes it can be caused by stress, fatigue, or dehydration. Other times, it may signify something that a doctor should evaluate.
Often, when people face an oncoming or current headache, they reach for OTC drugs to get rid of the pain. Although these over-the-counter drugs may give you some relief in reducing the intensity of your headache, they often come with side effects.
The good news is that below are natural remedies for headaches and migraines.
Getting Rid of A Headache – 5 Natural Remedies
Use Peppermint Oil
Peppermint is a natural headache remedy and will help relax tight muscles in your neck area while you soak in the tub. You can also try adding clary sage or rosemary essential oils to mix things up a little and add extra benefits to your soak.
Additionally, you can rub a small amount of peppermint into your temples before bed and leave it on overnight. If you have a dreadful headache, try using peppermint oil topically by diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut oil and applying it to your temples and forehead.
Eat Foods Rich in Magnesium
Magnesium is one of the natural remedies for headaches that you should try. It is found in many foods, including nuts and seeds, whole grains, chocolate, and green leafy vegetables.
Magnesium helps relax blood vessels, reduces inflammation in your body, and improves blood flow within the body. Eating foods rich in magnesium every day can help prevent headaches.
Get Your Blood Flowing
Staying active and exercising helps reduce the risk of headaches due to stress and tension. Make sure that you take time out of each day for exercise, whether a brisk walk or a trip to the gym.
Exercise causes your blood vessels to expand, which can help relieve some pressure from the arteries around your head. However, if you have a migraine or severe headaches, don’t exercise as this will cause the pain to intensify.
Ice It
Applying a cold compress to the back of your neck or forehead can help ease the pain caused by tension or sinus headaches.
You may also choose to soak a cloth in cold water and place it on the back of your neck or forehead.
Drink More Water
Often, dehydration can lead to headaches, so it’s important that you keep yourself hydrated at all times.
You should aim for eight cups of water per day, but if you are experiencing headaches often, try upping that amount. Water is essential to staying healthy and hydrated, so drink up!
Bottom Line
Headaches can be painful and debilitating, but they don’t have to be. By avoiding headache triggers and adopting a few lifestyle changes, you can prevent headaches before they even begin.
In the end, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for headache relief. The above natural remedies for headaches will work, but they will likely suit different people better than others. The main thing to do is figure out what works best for you and gives you the best possible results!