Around 47 million people across the world often experience severe headache. Headaches and migraine are common health issues faced among people every now and then. A variety of reasons might be behind this condition. This is not a life threatening condition, but the symptoms cause extreme discomfort.
However, you can get rid of headaches and migraine at home with few remedies that are readily available at your kitchen or at your grocery store nearby.
Basil oil
Basil, a strong aromatic herb, which is mostly used for topping in pastas and pizzas tastes as well as smells good. For people who want to go for a natural headache treatment, oil that is derived from basil plant acts as a great home remedy. It can be applied topically. It has muscle relaxant properties and it works great for headaches caused due to stress as well as tension. (1)
Feverfew
Feverfew is an herb, which helps treat fever and acts as a great remedy for treating headache pains. Feverfew also helps relax blood vessels thereby easing pain. This fantastic remedy became popular since 1980s. Many studies demonstrated that feverfew helps in treating headaches. Few studies have also indicated that feverfew herb when taken along with white willow herb showed effective results in treating headache pains.
How to use it
Add an ounce of dried or fresh feverfew flowers to few cups of water. Steep for few minutes and then strain the solution. Drink at least half cup of this solution twice a day or as needed.
Flaxseeds
Some kinds of headaches are caused due to inflammation and can be treated by consuming omega 3 fatty acids. Flaxseeds are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and can help provide relief from headaches. It can be used either in grounded form or in the form of whole seeds or oil.
Lavender
Lavender not only smells great, but also works effectively in treating migraine and headache pains. Lavender essential oil can be applied topically or inhaled to alleviate symptoms of headache.
For inhaling the vapors of lavender oil, simply add two or four drops of lavender essential oil to four cups of boiling water. This is an effective way to treat headache pains. Unlike other medicinal oils, you do not have to dilute it. You can apply it topically to alleviate headache pain. However, it must not be consumed orally.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint is yet another soothing home remedy, which can help treat headache pains. The strong and fresh aroma of peppermint oil has vaso-dilating and vaso-constricting properties that help in controlling the flow of blood within the body. Headaches and migraine headaches sometimes occur due to poor blood circulation and oil derived from peppermint leaves helps to regulate vessels for promoting blood flow. Inhaling its vapors can also open up sinuses so that good amounts of oxygen can enter the blood stream.
Buckwheat
Rutin, a flavonoid in buckwheat is helpful in treating headache and migraine pains. Flavonoids are known as phytochemicals that are found in plants and are fully filled with antioxidants. Flavonoids are helpful in treating inflammation, which is a common cause behind headache.
Ginger
Ginger is known as a traditional remedy for treating headache pains. It has anti-inflammatory properties as well. Ginger helps in treating migraine headaches, though how it shows its effects is not yet known. Ginger also helps cure nausea, a symptom that accompanies migraine headache.
How to use it
Take a half-inch ginger and grind it to paste. Stir it in glass full of water and drink this juice. Alternatively, add one teaspoon of grounded ginger paste to a cup of hot water. Allow it to cool and drink it when warm.
Cayenne
Cayenne acts as a natural remedy in treating inflammation and pain. Capsaicin, an ingredient in cayenne helps in depleting pain caused due to migraine headaches. Few studies also mentioned that when applied topically over the nasal passages, there is a significant decrease in headaches and migraines.
How to use it
- 4 ounces of distilled warm water
- 1/4sp cayenne powder
- Cotton balls
Dilute 1/2 tsp. of cayenne pepper in warm water and dip the cotton ball in it. Ensure that it is fully immersed in it and later apply it in each nostril until you sense the heat. It might cause prickling sensation earlier, but it is a sign that this remedy is working. When it subsides, your headache pain might be wiped out.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent natural home remedy for treating any ailments from hay fever to scurvy. Apply it as a compress to get relief from headaches.
How to use it
- ½ a cup of apple cider vinegar (ACV)
- 3 cups of hot water
- One cup of cool distilled water
Pour around 1/4th cup of ACV in large bowl. Later fill half of the bowl with hot boiling water. Place a towel over your forehead so that it drapes the bowl trapping the steam. Use this for few minutes or till the water cools down along with repeated breath ins and outs. Later drink cool water.
Thyme and rosemary oil
Dab little rosemary and thyme oil on your forehead and gently rub it for few minutes to get relieved from headaches. Thyme and rosemary oil contain CARVACROL, a compound that acts as COX-2 inhibitor that helps treat inflammation caused due to headaches.
Mint Juice
Menthone and menthol are major compounds in mint juice effective in reducing pain caused due to headaches.
Apply mint juice prepared from mint leaves extract on temples and forehead to treat headache pain. Mint tea can also be used as compress over forehead and temples to alleviate headache pains.
Butterbur
Species of butterbur works in two different ways in treating headache pains. Firstly, it helps lower the inflammatory effects of certain chemicals. Secondly, it acts as a natural beta-blocker that restricts flow of blood to brain. In turn, it can control blood pressure that causes migraine headaches. You need to seek pre-approval of your general physician before following this remedy at home.
Stretch, breathe and relax
Relax for few minutes. Stretch, breathe and relax. Practice few yoga postures like pranayama to relax your muscles. Practicing yoga regularly is helpful to prevent headaches before they happen.
All these natural home remedies have shown positive results in alleviating headache pain. However, consult your medical practitioner before trying the remedy that best suits you.