A headache is the most common problem of our time. It is characterized by pain in any region of the head, often extending to the neck. Everyone suffers from this problem at some point in their lives. There are different types of headache and remedies to cure a headache.
- Tension Headache- It is the most common type of headache that people get. It is either due to the lack of sleep, hot and humid weather, noisy kids, stress and due to other causes. According to the WHO, more than 70 percent of the general population experiences occasional tension headache.
- Sinus Headaches- It is a terrible byproduct of a sinus disorder and causes a deeply concentrated pain in the nose bridge, cheekbones, and forehead.
- Hormonal Headache- It occurs when a woman is about to begin her cycle or is already menstruating.
Remedies to Cure Headache:
1.) Peppermint Oil to Treat a Headache
Peppermint is very effective to cure a headache. It is one of those refreshing aromatic oils that reminds you of fresh lemonade and smells like a crisp summer breeze. Just a small amount of peppermint essential oil can invigorate the senses and calm your nerves.
- It triggers a tingling, cool sensation on the skin, relaxes your nerves and muscles, promotes blood circulation and relieves any pain that can be caused by nerve contraction.
- According to a study published in Functional Neurology in 2005, when Peppermint oil is applied on the forehead and temples, it reduces pain sensitivity and relaxes the muscles.
- It helps relieve muscle tension caused by a headache when applied on the neck.
- According to a study published in American Family Physician in 2007. Ethanol and peppermint oil preparation, as well as acetaminophen and peppermint oil preparation, was significantly effective in reducing pain intensity in patients with tension-type headaches.
2.) Drink Plenty of Water to Treat Headache
Dehydration can cause a headache especially if you have vomited or have hungover. Drink a glass of water as your head start to hurt. Try to drink or take a sip of water throughout the day. You will gradually feel the pain is getting low.
- Men should drink at least 3 liters of water and women should drink at least 2 liters of water. If you do exercise or live in a hot or humid environment or you have an illness that causes diarrhea or breast feed, then you should drink more water.
- If you have a headache, don’t drink cold water because it can trigger a migraine in some people. Room temperature water is the best option to cure a headache.
3.) Use Caffeine Carefully to Prevent Headache
Caffeine can initially help a headache but it can lead to more headache over time by developing or worsening a caffeine dependence. Adenosines is elevated in the bloodstream during a headache. Caffeine helps by blocking adenosine receptors.
- Don’t take caffeine more than twice a week. Often use of caffeine makes your body dependent on caffeine, especially who have migraine problem. Headaches are the common side effect. If you are heavy caffeine drinker or you will suddenly take it out of your diet because daily use of caffeine dilates the blood vessel in your brain. When you limit or withdrawn caffeine from your diet these blood vessels constrict and cause a headache.
- Learn how to slowly and effectively overcome caffeine withdrawal if you consume too much caffeine and think it is contributing to your headache. If you have a frequent headache try to avoid all caffeine whenever possible.
4.) Cold Compress to Cure a Headache
Placing something cool and soft over your forehead and eyes can help the blood vessels constrict, which will reduce the inflammation and may ease your headache pain. This works particularly well if the problem is concentrated in your sinuses.
- Dip a washcloth in cool water, and lay it over your forehead. Again Refresh it with more cold water if starts to feel uncomfortably warm.
- Prep the heavy-hitting compress in your forehead. Put a wet washcloth in a plastic sandwich bag, and put the bag in the freezer for 30 minutes. Remove it and place on your forehead for a long-lasting compress. The washcloth will be extra cold, and the bag will keep the icy wetness off of your skin.
- If your headache is a tension headache, such as one caused by anxiety, stress or sore muscles, a hot shower or warm compress may help to relieve the pain more effectively than a cold compress.
5.) Massage your Face and Scalp to Treat Headache
If you are suffering from tension headaches, massage can help to improve circulation and relieve tension, which will help to relieve the pain of your headache. Tension headaches can be caused by a variety of things such as from poor posture to jaw clenching to strained muscles. Depression and Anxiety may also trigger tension headaches.
- Place your thumbs on your temples. Temple is the soft spot between your upper ear and the corner of your eye. Keep your thumbs on your temples and apply very firm pressure and move your fingers in circular motions from your temple to the center of your forehead to cure a headache.
- Gently massaging the bridge of your nose can help to relieve from sinus and migraine headaches.
- Do a scalp massage. Bath in a hot shower and do a long scalp massage as you shampoo your hair. Or you can use dryer version, pour a little bit of argan or coconut oil on your fingers and rub into your scalp.
6.) Use Acupressure Techniques for Headache Treatment
Acupressure can help you to relieve tension and headache pain, especially if your headaches is caused by stress or muscle tension. Stimulating acupressure points in your shoulder, neck, and hands can help to relieve headaches.
- Locate the mastoid bone just behind your ear. Apply deep, very slow pressure for 4 to 5 seconds while you breathe deeply.
- Locate the point on your shoulder muscle about between your neck and the edge of your shoulder. Using your opposite hand pinch the shoulder muscle between your thumb and fingers. Use your index finger to apply downward pressure for 4 to 5 seconds to cure a headache.
- Massage the soft part of your hand in between your thumb and index finger. Apply slow, circular pressure for 4 to 5 seconds. A pregnant lady should avoid using this technique because it might induce labor.
- You can also place ping pong balls in a sock and lean back against a chair or the seat of a car, this technique will activate the pressure points.
7.) Use Food Based Remedies to Cure a Headache
Lack of food can cause a headache, so make sure you’ve eaten something recently. Some foods and beverages may also trigger headaches like chocolate, red wine etc. Take care of what you eat, and don’t eat foods that can cause headaches. You can also treat headache pain by eating certain foods.
- Eat Almonds- Almonds are rich in magnesium, which may help to relieve headache pain and relax blood vessels. You can also take cashews, bananas, and avocados to cure a headache.
- Eat Hot and Spicy Foods- The effectiveness of spicy foods on headaches depends on the type of headache and individual person. If you have a sinus headache, spicy foods can help to decrease congestion and allow you to breathe better, which can help reduce headache pain.
- Spinach- Spinach is a food with a high density of nutrients and that have many potential health benefits. It also helps to decrease the blood pressure and relieve hangover related headaches. Use fresh spinach instead of lettuce in a salad or on a sandwich.
8.) Rosemary Oil to Cure a Headache
Rosemary essential oil is very effective for relieving muscle stress and pain. It is also well known for increasing blood circulation. Rosemary 0il has analgesic and relaxing properties.
- It is very effective in decreasing pain in migraines and headaches.
- According to a study published in Food Chemistry in 2013. Rosemary is used as a medicine to treat headaches due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties,
- According to a study published in the Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science in 2010. A combination of rosemary, lavender, rose and basil essential oils reduced and anxiety and headaches.
9.) Do Neck Exercise to Treat Headache
Strengthening and Stretching your neck muscles can help to relieve from headaches. Slowly lower your chin without moving your shoulders and feel the stretch in the back of your neck. Return your head to the upright position.
- Slowly twist your head to one side. Hold in this position for 15 to 30 seconds. Return to facing forward, then repeat, looking the other direction. Return to looking straight ahead of you.
- Slowly lower your head so that your ear is approaching your shoulder. Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds. Lift your head to the upright position, then lower your other ear towards the shoulder and hold for 15 to 30 seconds.
- Repeat exercises as necessary to cure a headache.
10.) Use Breathing Exercise to Cure a Headache
Sometimes, breathing itself can be a cure. Breathing is just something we do, but deep breathing and relaxation is actually a something that you need to focus on. Deep breathing can remove tension and relax your headache in minutes.
- Find a dark, cool, and quiet place.
- Sit comfortably or lie down, and remove all the tight clothes and make yourself comfortable.
- Inhale slowly through your nose and feel your abdomen expanding as you fill your lungs with air. Hold for 2 to 3 seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth until your lungs feel empty.