Natural Ways to Get Rid of Headaches

 


Headaches.

 We've all experienced it. They can become a huge obstacle and suck the life and productivity right out of us. Studies have shown that people lose more work days due to headaches than any other reason.

 

If we are to believe the commercials that force themselves on our screen, the easiest way to deal with headaches will be to pop a few pills plus a glass of water. While taking medication can cure the headache, there are also other means that we can take to ease the pain naturally and even prevent it in the first place.

 

The first step that you can apply in treating a headache is to figure out why it's there. There are many things can cause headaches, such as allergies, eye strain, stress, diet and illness, poor sleep and even change in climate or temperature.

 

If you are someone who gets regular headaches, you may want to see your physician to rule out the possibilities of migraines, a need for glasses, or some other physical reason. While you're there, be sure to ask about ways to alleviate your headaches naturally because pills usually tends to have side effects in the long run, that should be your last option. They may have suggestions that can help.

 

Here are some good strategies you can use to treat your headaches without drugs:

 

1.   Exercise

We all know we need exercise for our well-being. But not all of us get the amount of exercise we need to maintain a good health. Exercising can greatly help you deal better with headaches, stress and even anxiety and as we all know stress is one of the main causes of tension headaches. When we exercise, our body produces chemicals such as endorphins and adrenaline which helps us deal better with headaches.

 

  •     Exercise is the number one key to reduce stress and alleviate stress headaches.
 
  •  You don't need to go to the gym and workout daily to feel the benefits.
          Whenever you feel a headache coming on, get up out of your chair and start to move. Get out of the house and get some fresh air. Even if it's just a five-minute walk, it's better than nothing.
 
  • Regular exercise can help keep those headaches at a minimum.
          Many people find classes like aerobics helpful for dealing with stress. Less stress equals fewer headaches.

 

2.   Use essential oils and herbs.

     Many people find relief from headaches by massaging with a few drops of essential oils like peppermint, lavender or chamomile essential oil. A few drops of oil applied on the temples or the back of the neck and massaging thoroughly can greatly help with your headaches.   Make sure you're using a quality essential oil.

 

chamomile oil

Herbs are also great for headaches. One of the easiest methods to benefit from herbs when experiencing a headache is to drink herbal tea. There are many varieties of these herbal teas. There are even tea blends made specifically for headaches in the market.

·      Enjoy a cup of chamomile tea at your desk to help ease your headache. Other teas that can greatly help with your headache are the same as the essential oils: lavender, peppermint and wintergreen.



 

3.   Reflexology

    While you probably can't run out during your busy day and get a massage to ease your headache, there is an alternate available: reflexology. In reflexology, points in the feet and hands correspond to parts of the body.

·      Your toes and the areas right below them correspond to the head, sinuses and ears. Massaging these areas gently can significantly improve a headache. Something as simple as taking off your shoes and rubbing your feet can be the natural cure you're seeking.

 

4.   Use hot and cold.

 Most of the times, headaches are usually caused by change in temperature like a sudden rain on a sunny day etc.

·      Place a cold compress on the back of the neck. You can use ice or a damp cloth that has been in the freezer for a few minutes.

·      If your headache doesn't respond to cold, you can try a warm cloth instead.

·      Another method is to alternate between hot and cold compresses.

 

·      A foot-bath will also work as a natural cure. Soaking your feet in hot water can provide headache relief. You can increase the effect by adding a few drops of essential oil to the bath.

 

5.   Eat properly

   Many headaches are related to your diet. You should start paying attention to what you eat or what you don't eat. This may give you a clue as to why you're getting headaches. Headaches can be your body's way of telling you that it isn't getting the nutrients it needs to function properly. Always try to have balanced diet.

 

·      Diets high in fats and preservatives and low in fiber are not going to help you get better, for example: fast foods.  When we continuously consume this type of diet, our immune system suffers, and we can experience headaches as a result.

 

Be sure to try a few of these methods to naturally treat your headaches. The truth is, not all headaches will respond the same way. What works one time may not work the next. As always, inform your doctor if you cannot find relief through these methods or with over the counter medication.