At the onset of the painful pulsing, pressure, or tension, it is easy to run over to the medicine cabinet and swallow a few pain reliever pills. But what about natural headache remedies? Here are 7 ways to naturally relieve or even prevent headache pain.
Natural Headache Remedy #1: Water
As soon are you feel a headache coming on, drink some water. This might just do the trick and it might be the simplest of natural headache remedies. However, if the headache has been rearing it’s ugly head for a while, the water probably won’t be an instant cure. Instead, the aches should lessen within an hour. Dehydration is sometimes the cause of headaches, so drinking enough fluids will help with preventing the pain.
Natural Headache Remedy #2: Pressure Points
Begin by pressing gently on your temples and massage in small circles for a minute. Work your way to between the eyebrows, just above the bridge of your nose. Massage this area for 30 seconds.
Move down the back of your neck to the base of your skull. Stop with your thumbs on either side of your spinal cord, press upward onto this area, and tilt your head back. Hold this for two minutes.
If you headache hasn’t lessened yet, there is another good pressure point inn the webbing between your thumb and index finger, close to the bone. Using the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand, squeeze this point. If you are squeezing the correct spot, you will feel the nerve and some pressure. Squeeze each hand for one minute.
Lastly, move down to your feet. Using your thumb, push down in the area between the big toe and second toe. Rub this spot for one minute on each foot.
Natural Headache Remedy #3: Exercise
Regular exercise is great for keeping headaches away. Exercise releases endorphins, which is the body’s natural painkiller. Incorporate exercise into your daily routine and you should decrease the occurrences of headaches. However, if you are experiencing headache pain, try jogging in place, doing some jumping jacks, or quickly doing a set of crunches. This might release enough endorphins to calm the headache pain.
Natural Headache Remedy #4: Lavender Essential Oil
This is an excellent tonic for the nerves and is commonly used in aromatherapy. It is used for alleviating pain and decreasing stress. Simply massage a few drops on your temples and forehead. A study published in Nursing Times showed that there was a 50 percent decrease in pain after a lavender oil massage.
Natural Headache Remedy #5: Butterbur
This herb is used to treat migraines, headaches, insomnia, stomach pain, and anxiety. Make sure the label says certified and “PA-free”.
Natural Headache Remedy #6: Feverfew
This is another herb that helps with migraine pain. Unfortunately, the few studies that have been conducted on the effectiveness of feverfew have been poorly conducted. Some people swear by it, but there isn’t scientific study to 100% confirm it yet. However, many people and scientists say that feverfew works.
Natural Headache Remedy #7: Magnesium
Magnesium citrate supplements could help someone who has frequent headaches. The magnesium helps with releasing tension in the muscles, therefore decreasing headache pain.
