Headaches are a common condition that many people deal with on a daily basis. Although many medications are targeted at relieving headache symptoms, a number of effective, natural treatments also exist. Here are some of the home remedies to get rid of headaches naturally.
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Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Headaches
1. Stay hydrated
The first thing that you should follow to help relieve headaches is to remain hydrated. Drink enough water or reach out to electrolytes for a faster recovery. Many times, dehydration can be the cause of your headache, especially after a bad hangover. This happens when the brain shrinks due to fluid loss, leading the brain to pull it away from the skull, causing pain and ultimately unbearable headache. Try opting for an electrolyte that is not high in sugar and contains a good amount of vitamin C.
2. Get some caffeine
Having some tea, coffee, or something with a little caffeine in it is one of the home remedies to get rid of headaches naturally. If you get it early enough after the pain starts, it could ease your headache pain. It can also help over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen work better. Just don’t drink too much because caffeine withdrawal can cause its own type of headache.
3. Relax with Yoga
Practicing yoga is an excellent way to relieve stress, increase flexibility, decrease pain and improve your overall quality of life.
Taking up yoga may even help reduce the intensity and frequency of your headaches.
One study investigated the effects of yoga therapy on 60 people with chronic migraines. Headache frequency and intensity were reduced more in those receiving both yoga therapy and conventional care, compared to those receiving conventional care alone.
4. Take enough vitamins and minerals
Many times headaches are also associated with specific vitamin and mineral deficiencies. For example, taking the proper amount of magnesium can help relax blood vessels, Vitamin B2, B12 is shown to cure headaches or Coq10 is beneficial for recurrent headaches. Try consuming a balanced diet and avoid skipping your meals. Or supplement your meal with a good dietary supplement to help meet your requirement.
5. Get adequate sleep
Sleep deprivation can be detrimental to your health in many ways, and may even cause headaches in some people.
For example, one study compared headache frequency and severity in those who got less than six hours of sleep per night and those who slept longer. It found that those who got less sleep had more frequent and severe headaches.
However, getting too much sleep has also been shown to trigger headaches, making getting the right amount of rest important for those looking for natural headache prevention.
For maximum benefits, aim for the “sweet spot” of seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
6. Drink ginger tea
An age-old remedy! Ginger tea has been connected with headaches especially migraine headaches and it got science to prove it. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory compound that can inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, which causes pain and headache during the migraine attack. A migraine headache can sometimes be so worse that it can cause nausea and vomiting. Ginger can help stimulate digestion and prevent getting a severe attack of nausea and vomiting.
7. Use essential oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that contain aromatic compounds from a variety of plants. They have many therapeutic benefits and are most often used topically, though some can be ingested.
Peppermint and lavender essential oils are especially helpful when you have a headache.
Applying peppermint essential oil to the temples has been shown to reduce the symptoms of tension headaches.
Meanwhile, lavender oil is highly effective at reducing migraine pain and associated symptoms when applied to the upper lip and inhaled.
8. Hot or cold compress
Just simply use an ice bag and put it on the affected area in the forehead or neck. This will constrict the blood vessels and reduce inflammation. It can temporarily give relief from headaches.
A study found that applying an ice bag to the neck for 30 minutes greatly helped people with migraines.
When faced with headaches due to tensions, applying a heating pad on the forehead will relax the muscles and provide relief.
An alternative could be a tepid bath. One can also apply a heated towel in the affected area for treating headaches.
