14 Natural Ways To Get Rid of a Headache Quickly

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There are many different things that can cause headaches: Abrupt changes in your diet or an everyday schedule like getting too much or too little sleep, stress, long working hours, skipping a meal, or from using the computer for a long time without taking breaks. Headache can cause unbearable pain along with nausea, and at times vomiting. Many people don’t realize that the most common cause of a headache is dehydration. There are many over the counter medicines available in the market to get rid of headache, but all of them have potential side effects, disrupt gut bacteria and can cause other health problems. Instead of relying on quick fixes through drugs, try some of these natural remedies which are proven effective for even some of the worst headaches including tension, cluster and migraines.

15 Natural Ways To Get Rid of a Headache

 Hot Water

Applying heat on the back of your neck with the help of a hot water bag can give you relief from headache caused due to stress. When heat is applied it relaxes the tense muscles thus giving relief from the throbbing pain. Along with a hot water bag, you can also take a hot shower. Another option is fill a tub with bearable hot water and then put your hands in it for ten to fifteen minutes. When you do this, blood circulation improves and thus giving your relief from the headache. For those suffering from chronic headache, must keep their legs dipped in a bucket filled with hot water for ten minutes before going to bed.

Go nuts

Instead of popping a pill when you get a headache, toss back some almonds. For everyday tension-type headaches, almonds can be a natural remedy and a healthier alternative to other medicine. It acts as a pain reliever because it contains something called salicin, which is also an agent in popular over the counter killers. Try eating a handful or two of these wholesome nuts when you feel the ache start to set in.

Lemon

Lemon is very effective and powerful ingredient to treat headache pain. When you drink warm water mixed with some lemon juice, it reduces the intensity of a headache. This particular home remedy is beneficial when headache is caused due to gas in the stomach. Another option is apply lemon crust paste on the forehead to get immediate relief from the pain. At the same time you may also drink a steaming cup of lemon tea three to four times a day when suffering from headache.

Feverfew

Can be taken in capsule or tablet form, as a tea, or even eaten in a sandwich (it tastes bitter). There is mixed evidence to support the effectiveness of feverfew but it has been relied upon for centuries, so it might be worth trying. There are no serious side effects, although you might experience a sore tongue, mouth ulcers, or nausea, digestive problems and bloating. Coming off long-term use of feverfew can disrupt sleep and actually cause headaches.

Eat less chocolate

Pretty straightforward-chocolate and the caffeine it contains make it a common trigger for headaches in many people.

Betel Leaves

Betel leaves are known for their analgesic as well as cooling properties which can hugely help to get rid of a headache effectively within a few minutes. For this remedy, you need to take two to three fresh betel leaves and with the help of a grinder make a fine paste out of it. Now apply this paste on the forehead and both sides of the head for half an hour. Soon you will get relief from the intense pain. At the same time you can also chew one or two betel leaves to treat headache.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy preparations vary considerably but some of the more commonly used essential oils for headache treatment include lavender, sweet marjoram, and chamomile. Use for neck massaging, in a bath, or to inhale. Mix five drops rosemary oil, five drops nutmeg oil, five drops lavender oil in a carrier oil. Massage on the neck and upper back area.

Ginger

Ginger has got anti-inflammatory properties that can help in easing headache pain. At the same ginger helps in relaxing the blood vessels in the head and reduces swelling in the brain and activates natural opiates in the brain which helps in lessening the pain associated with tension headache. When having a headache, you must drink ginger tea three to four times a day to reduce inflammation in the body. However, it is important to take ginger tea at the very beginning of a headache. This will help the ginger to act quickly and lessen the headache.

Apply an apple cider vinegar compress

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has a long history in realm of natural remedies. It’s been used to relieve everything from scurvy to hay fever, and just about any other ailment that falls in between. Some modern day studies have proven its effectiveness in treating certain illnesses, but most of its clout lies in the reports of people throughout the centuries who have benefited from it. If you find yourself coming down with a throbbing headache, try getting some quality ACV time into your day in the form of a steam-style treatment.

You will need…
-1/4 cup of ACV
-Roughly 3 cups of boiling water
-1 cup of fresh cool water

Almonds

Almonds contain pain-relieving chemicals that may reduce your headache symptoms in as little as 10-15 minutes. A handful of almonds is always a handy natural substitute for any over the counter quickie.

Cayenne pepper

Another endorphin stimulant, cayenne will help to alleviate your headache. Both consumption and topical applications are know to cure some of the worst headaches. Sweet Relief Cream is one type of topical application that works very well, especially when combined with DMSO.

Drink fish oil

There are some small-scale studies that show the ingestion of fish oil can help reduce migraines and head pain, thanks to its omega-3 fatty acids, which promotes heart health. The American Heart Association states that the ingredients in fish oil may help reduce inflammation, blood clotting, lower blood pressure, and steady heart rhythm. Those actions in turn may help reduce head pain because it may reduce the inflammation of blood cells that press and pinch on nerves.

You will need…
-1 tablespoon of fish oil OR fish oil oral supplements
-1 glass of orange juice

Peppermint

Peppermint has got calming and soothing properties that can help in the treatment of headaches. You can make herbal tea by adding one teaspoon of dried peppermint herb in a cup of hot boiling water. Cover and allow it to steep for ten minutes, then strain it and add some honey to sweeten it before sipping it slowly. You can also use peppermint oil to gently massage the temples, jaws and the back of your neck. This will give you instant relief from the pain. In addition, inhaling the soothing aroma of peppermint steam can ease the symptoms associated with headache such as vomiting.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil has got pain relieving as well anti-inflammatory properties. To quickly get rid of headache you must use eucalyptus oil to massage the forehead and temples for fifteen to twenty minutes. The oil will provide a soothing effect thus giving relief from the pain. At the same time it will also help in relaxing the tense muscles around head. Along with eucalyptus oil you can also coconut oil or almond oil to massage the forehead in order to get rid of your headache.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is another herb that can effectively treat headache. Take some cinnamon sticks and grind them to make a powder out of it. Now add some water to this powder to make a thick paste and apply it on your forehead and temples and lie down for half an hour. Soon you will get relief from headache. After some time wash your forehead with lukewarm water. This remedy is helpful when headache is caused by exposure to cold air.

Source:

http://everydayroots.com

http://wakeup-world.com

 

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Phyllis Bentley
I have 12 years’ experience in the medical industry. As a freelance writer, I have written a number of articles which have been published in highly read publications. I have a strong knowledge base in a range of medical and wellness topics and in the business of health care.
Specialities in Family health; autoimmune diseases; mental health; diabetes, cancer; fitness and nutrition.