Headaches can be a real pain, but luckily there are many natural remedies that can help. From drinking enough water to applying heat, there are a variety of ways to get rid of a headache without resorting to medication. Here are 18 effective home remedies to get rid of headaches naturally. Drinking water is one of the most important things you can do to prevent or reduce the severity of headaches. Studies have shown that inadequate hydration can lead to headaches, so make sure you're drinking enough water throughout the day.
You can also try herbal tea for an added boost of natural compounds. If you're dealing with a hangover headache, it may be because alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing the body to release more water through urine. To help relieve the pain, try drinking an 8-16 ounce glass of water every two to three hours. For primary headaches, such as migraine attacks and tension headaches, over-the-counter medications like Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin can be effective treatments. For those who have frequent or recurrent tension headaches, doctors sometimes recommend prescribed doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen. If you think you may have a headache from overuse of medicines, talk to your doctor or a neurologist trained in the management of chronic headache. The two most common types of chronic daily headache are chronic migraine and chronic tension headache, although the two types often overlap. Applying heat can help relieve tension headache or relieve pain from a migraine attack.
Use a low-temperature heating pad, hot water bottle, warm compress, or warm towel. A hot bath or shower may also be helpful, or just let warm water run on your hands and feet. Stress can act as a trigger for both tension headaches and migraine attacks, so find ways to control your stress level, whether it's through meditation practice, working with a psychotherapist, exercising regularly, or a combination of approaches. Caffeine has been shown to resolve many types of headaches, especially cluster headaches and migraines. A cup of coffee or tea can help reduce pressure and calm the brain. However, be sure to consume no more than 2 or 3 cups a day as too much caffeine can have counteracted effects and cause a severe headache. Low blood glucose levels caused by not eating can also cause a headache that is not part of a migraine attack.
Whether it's stretching, yoga, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation, learning to relax when you're in the middle of a headache can help with pain. Acupressure is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and can improve tension and tension in the muscles of the neck and shoulders, which can sometimes trigger or worsen a migraine attack or headache. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory compound that can inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, which causes pain and headache during migraine attacks. Rozental notes that regular meals are important, especially for people who have headaches from low blood sugar. End of Daylight Saving Time is a Common Trigger for Cluster Headaches, Expert Says. If someone reaches a threshold of 15 days of headache per month, or realizes that their headaches are affecting their quality of life, we would label them as chronic tension headaches. Hormonal birth control methods, such as birth control pills, can cause headaches and migraines in some people. Instead of looking for over-the-counter pain relievers, there are many natural methods that people can try to help them get rid of the headache.
Lying with a cool wet washcloth or cold compress on your forehead or eyes can provide relief from pain. Exercise can help keep the body healthy and promote better circulation, which may reduce the chances of a headache developing. Also, caffeine could be a potential culprit of headache, especially if it's something you used to consume regularly but then stopped using or reducing. If you experience symptoms such as dilated pupils, blurred or double vision, pain above and behind one eye, weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking seek medical help right away. This is most useful at the back of the neck or base of the skull and helps to relax tension in the stabilizing muscles located in the neck that are often affected by tension headaches.
