We all experience headaches at some point in our lives. Regardless of age, race, gender, and location, we are all susceptible to headaches. You found this blog interesting, so you may be one of the unfortunate few that has chronic headaches or regular pain. But, you don’t have to carry on without any treatment and you don’t have to keep taking over-the-counter pills with the hope of some relief.
A headache can be felt in any part of the head, on both sides of the head, or it can be concentrated in one area. Depending on the cause, the severity of a headache can range from being uncomfortable to debilitating. A headache can be described as a constant, dull ache, sharp, pulsating or throbbing pain.
There are many factors that can trigger a headache including stress, emotional distress, anxiety and medical disorders such as migraine, high blood pressure, dehydration, and hormonal imbalance.
Regardless of your type of headache or the triggers that cause yours, there are homeopathic treatments that can reduce pain or stop headaches before they happen.
Here are the Top 5 Natural Remedies for Headache
1. Lavender and Peppermint Essential Oils
Lavender essential oil has soothing properties that can help relieve and manage the pain caused by headaches and migraines. Peppermint essential oil contains menthol which can ease the pain. Applying diluted peppermint or lavender oil directly on the temples can help relieve pain caused by tension headaches and migraines. Lavender essential oil can also be diffused or added to a warm bath for aromatherapy.
A blend of these two essential oils was created by Bargz and it is called BrainRelief. It is formulated to ease pain such as headaches. The other advantage of aromatherapy is that you can utilize it anywhere. Dab it on your pillow for restful sleep, dab it on your bracelet to carry the scent with you all day or diffuse it next to your desk.
2. Avocado and other Magnesium-rich Food
Studies show that people who have frequent headaches often have low magnesium levels. Eating magnesium-rich food like avocado, whole grains, beans, broccoli, nuts, and seeds can bring all-natural headache relief. Magnesium is involved in several processes of the body such as muscle relaxation, blood pressure regulation, and nerve transmission.
3. Coffee
Studies say that caffeinated coffee contains vasoconstrictive properties. Coffee can cause the blood vessels to narrow and restrict blood flow, helping in headache relief. Studies suggest that drinking around 4 cups of brewed coffee a day seems to be safe for most healthy adults. If your headache is already debilitating, it may be too late to drink a cup of coffee. But adding coffee to your regular routine may help stop or reduce your headaches.
4. Water
Doctors say that dehydration is a common cause of headaches. When we are dehydrated, the blood flowing to the brain is not enough, thus causing headache. Drinking enough water and keeping yourself hydrated can help relieve mild headaches. However, keeping yourself hydrated may not be enough to relieve other types of headaches.
5. Sleep
Sleep deprivation often leads to headaches. Experts say having seven to nine hours of continuous sleep can help reduce daily headaches. It is also a good idea to take some rest and sleep when suffering from headaches.
No two headaches are the same, and so there often isn’t a magical solution to curing them. However, if you are tired of choking down pain pills or just waiting out the pain, the above natural remedies may be worth experimenting with. Of course, if you have a medical professional that is overseeing your pain treatment, consult them before changing your medicine regiment.
The most common ways of treating headaches are rest (waiting it out) and pain relief medication. Painkillers for headaches are usually available over the counter. OTCs or over-the-counter painkillers are very convenient because they are readily available in groceries and pharmacies.
They are less expensive as well, rather than going to the doctor and paying for the expensive prescription. Although the goal of taking OTC painkillers is to alleviate pain and improve the quality of life, these medicines have potential side effects and some can be very serious.
Let’s learn more about some of the most common OTC painkillers
1. Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol and in many other brands of OTCs. It is taken to help with all types of pain including mild to severe headache, muscle aches, sore throats, and fever. However, Acetaminophen can cause severe liver damage when taken in excessive amounts or when taken with alcohol. Overdose of acetaminophen can cause acute liver failure. Other side effects include rash, hives, swelling of the body and difficulty breathing or swallowing.
2. NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs relieve pain by reducing the production of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins that cause pain. The most common NSAIDs are ibuprofen, diclofenac, and naproxen. They are usually taken when the cause of pain is evident such as arthritis or injury. They are also commonly used to decrease inflammation and reduce fever.
Some of the common side effects of taking NSAIDs are indigestion and stomach ulcers. NSAIDs should not be taken more than the recommended dose or for long periods because it can cause stomach bleeding, kidney and heart problems, high blood pressure, fluid retention and other allergic reactions. Long-term use of NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Pregnant women should not take NSAIDs unless prescribed by a doctor.
Whether taken correctly or incorrectly, OTC painkillers can cause harm to our bodies. That’s why it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of these medications before taking them. It may be worth it to opt-out of using these OTC painkillers and find a better way to manage pain or to use a natural supplement in addition to the pain pills.
Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter to receive more helpful and interesting tips on staying clean, smelling good and living a happier life!
Articles You might be Interested in
How to Promote Hair Growth Naturally
5 Great Orange Essential Oil Uses and Benefits
Steam Inhalation With Eucalyptus Oil: Learn How To Use Eucalyptus Oil Steam & It's Benefits
