Natural Headache Relief – Some Simple Headache Remedies

Almost all of us have experienced headaches in our lifetime; in fact, headache is one of the most common illnesses all over the world. Headache has a wide variety of causes including stress, diet, jaw problems, disease of the eye, ear, nose, sinuses and throat, hypertension and other more serious medical conditions. Generally, headaches can be divided into two categories: Primary headaches or those that is not caused by any underlying conditions. Most headaches, about 90%, are of the primary type. On the other hand, secondary headaches are caused by medical conditions. Secondary headaches account for a very small percentage of all headaches.

Relieving Headache the Natural Way

Generally primary headaches, including cluster headaches, migraine and tension headaches can be treated with over-the-counter drugs and analgesics that are readily available. Over $400 million dollars are spent every year on headache remedies. However, there is a safer and more natural method to relieving headache the natural way. Here are some of the most effective natural headache relief you can try:

Herbal and Essential oils -- there is an abundance of herbs and other plants that can be used as a natural headache relief. Although these herbs don’t always work the same for all people, they are some of the best, safest and most effective natural headache relief available. Lavender and Peppermint are just two of the herbal and essential oils headache sufferers can use as natural headache relief.

Applying Ice on the head –- one of the fastest and most effective ways to stop a headache in its tracks and prevent it from worsening is to place ice on the head when you first notice any pain. 80% of people can actually abort their headaches by applying ice to their heads just when the dull throb is just beginning. An ice pack wrapped in a towel, a bag of frozen vegetables, ice pillows can be applied on your forehead or top of the head at the onset of pain.

Massage -- the power of touch is an effective natural headache relief. There are certain acupressure points on the head that you can press to massage your headache away. Gently massage your scalp as if you are washing your hair. You can also use a natural-bristle hairbrush at your temple and gently move it towards the back of the head in slow circles. Massage is one of the best natural headache reliefs that helps ease the tension.

Caffeine – caffeine can be a helpful natural headache relief. As a stimulant, caffeine can boost the pain-relieving effect of analgesics such as aspirin. A cup of coffee or tea with aspirin can provide better natural headache relief than aspirin alone. In addition, fervent coffee drinkers are advised not to skip a day without a sip of their favourite beverage as this can trigger a caffeine withdrawal headache.

Heat on the neck -- tension headaches usually result when neck muscles tighten due to stress and constrict the blood vessels resulting to reduced blood flow to the brain. By applying heat on the neck, the muscles are soothed and blood supply is increased thereby relieving the pressure.

Rest and Sleep -- probably the simplest and most effective natural headache relief is to simply lie down, take a load off, and have a long rest or sleep. Movement can worsen a headache so it is recommended to simply go to a dark, quiet room and take a rest to help alleviate the pain.