Are you someone who frequently gets headaches? Headaches are common symptoms that occur to many, very often and there are many reasons associated with it, like stress, lack of water, sinus, lack of food intake, change in sleep patterns, certain types of food, excess alcohol etc.
A lot of us find popping an over-the-counter painkiller into the mouth, the easiest way to relieve a headache. But there are some natural remedies you could try before doing so and keep the painkiller as the last resort.
Here are some natural cures to ease your headache:
1. Staying hydrated:
Water is the elixir of life and proper hydration is very essential to keep most problems at bay. When the body is dehydrated, the brain can temporarily contract or shrink from the loss of fluid. When fluid is lesser in the body, the brain begins to pull away from the skull and therefore, the head begins to hurt. In order to relieve the pain and restore rehydration, lots of fluids, especially water has to be consumed.
2. Consuming herbal teas:
Here are some teas that can help relieve headaches:
- Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea can help relieve the pain of a headache as it contains anti-inflammatory properties that can ease the pain. This tea can also help in the reduction of stress and anxiety.
- Peppermint tea: Peppermint has therapeutic effects and can help treat tension headaches effectively.
- Ginger tea: Ginger can help reduce inflammation in the body and also in turn relieve the pain of migraine headache and also ease upset stomach caused by migraine.
- Turmeric tea: Turmeric contains curcumin, one of its main components which are known to have neuroprotective effects and can help relieve pain. READ MORE – Top 10 Types of Teas and Their amazing health and beauty Benefits
3. Cold compress:
Using a cold compress around the pain areas can help reduce inflammation and soothe the pain and provide relief. The best application of cold compress areas are the back of the neck, the forehead and temples.
You can make a cold compress at home by taking a zip lock bag and filling it with ice and wrap it up with a soft towel, cloth or handkerchief. Use this to apply it over the pain areas.
4. Steam – Boil some water and add dried peppermint leaves or add in few drops of peppermint essential oil. Slowly inhale the steam. Peppermint contains menthol that helps to relax the muscles and ease out the pain.
5. Head massage:
Massages are therapeutic and can help reduce pain by promoting circulation and blood flow. You can also add little warm oil to the palms on your hand and then massage your head.
Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1 (optional): Take some warm oil into your palms and rub your hands together.
Step 2: From the sides of the head, right from the temple up to the crown of the head, work your way up massaging your head with gentle and circular motions, but with sufficient application of pressure. Do this four to five times and then reverse the direction by starting at the crown of the head and downwards up to the temples and repeat, four to five times.
Step 3: Once that portion is over, massage your entire scalp using circular motions and just using your fingertips.
Step 4: After completing that step, using your palms gently squeeze your palms against your temples and move in circular motions. Do not apply too much pressure.
Step 5: Once that step has been completed, tilt your head downwards and massage your head from your crown downwards up to the neck region and then reverse the direction. Repeat this in both directions four to five times.
Step 6: Then, slowly applying slight pressure using your fingers, press downwards on your shoulder region.
Step 7: After this step, using your thumbs, rub the area behind your ears, by applying slight pressure.
Step 8: Lastly, interlock your palms together and pressing downwards with slight pressure move your interlocked hands all over your scalp.
6. Pranayama:
Pranayama or breathing exercises can help reduce stress and increase the oxygen supply to the brain. It can help relieve the pain of headaches.
All you need to do is, close your eyes and breathe deeply in and out through your nostrils. Do this two to four times. Then, using your thumb, close your right nostril shut and breathe in through your left nostril very slowly, while concentrating on your breathing. Then, using your index finger, close your left nostril, hold your breath for a few seconds and then slowly breathe out through your right nostril.
Do this four to six times. Give it a break of two to three minutes and then repeat this process using your other nostril.
(First time – Inhale through the left nostril, exhale through the right.
Second time – Inhale through the right nostril, exhale through the left nostril). READ MORE – HEALTHY MORNING: AYURVEDA MORNING ROUTINE for healthy body and clear skin
7. Physical exercise:
Engaging in some sort of physical exercise can reduce the frequency and intensity of the headache as the body releases endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers) when we exercise. Therefore, engaging in some exercise, even could be as simple as a walk, can help relieve the pain of the headache.