Want to soothe a headache naturally? The next time you have a headache, try one of these alternative remedies.
13 Natural Remedies For Headaches: A Soothing Relief
1. Try The Apple Cider Vinegar Steam Treatment
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has many health benefits and is well known for its soothing and restorative properties that stem from healthy enzymes and good bacteria. Try this soothing Apple Cider Vinegar treatment for your headache.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 3 cups of boiling water
- 1 glass of cold water
- one large bowl
- a towel
How To Make an ACV Treatment:
- Pour ACV into the bowl.
- Pour in hot water.
- Drape the towel over your head and lean over the bowl (just close enough where the steam won’t burn your face).
- Breathe in the steam until there’s no more steam coming from the mixture.
- Pat your face dry with the towel when you’re done.
- Drink a glass of cold water.
2. Make A Hot Cup Of Ginger Root Tea
Ginger root is known not just as a spice, but also as a folk medicine. Ginger is a natural home remedy for headaches.
Ingredients:
- 3 slices of ginger (about the size of a quarter)
- 2 cups of water
How To Make Ginger Root Tea:
- Heat the ginger root in a pan with 2 cups of water for about 30 minutes.
- Remove the ginger before pouring the tea into a cup or mug.
- Sip the tea and breathe in the steam to help alleviate the pain.
3. Sip A Cup of Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has sedative elements and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in relieving migraines and tension. For added flavor and health benefits, try adding honey.
4. Drink 8 Glasses of Water Every Day
Not properly staying hydrated can lead to a headache. The next time you feel a headache starting, drink a glass of water as a first step before resorting to medication. Drinking water not only helps with headaches, but also improves skin complexion, prevents cramps & sprains, promotes weight loss, and flushes out toxins as well.
5. Add Flaxseed To Your Diet
Flaxseed contains high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids, which can aid in reducing inflammation. If inflammation is the cause of your headache, this can help.
This can be taken as an oil, in ground form, can be added directly to your food or smoothie, or even mixed with a glass of water.
6. Apply Topical Essential Oils
Place a small amount of rosemary or thyme essential oil on your forehead and on your temples. Let it sit for a few minutes for it to relieve you of your headache.
7. Try Aromatherapy with Lavender Oil
Aromatherapy is the use of natural oils to help your well-being. For headaches, just add a few drops of the lavender essential oil to boiling water and inhale the vapors.
A simpler way is to apply it topically without having to water it down.
8. Use Peppermint Oil
Just like lavender oil, this scent is known to provide a relaxing solution for your headache. The menthol content also increases blood circulation. You can either apply a solution topically or make a cup of hot tea.
- Make a solution of 1 tbsp of almond oil or water, and 3 drops of peppermint oil. Apply topically to the back of the neck area or on your temples.
- Add 1 tsp of dried peppermint leaves in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain it before adding honey for extra flavor.
9. Get a Massage
Studies have shown massages to be an effective remedy for pain, tension, and stress reduction. Getting a massage on your shoulders, neck, or temples can provide temporary relief.
10. Apply a Hot or Cold Compress
If you have throbbing pain in your temple area, you can apply a cold compress over it to ease a bit of the throbbing. The hot compress should be applied to the back of the neck if you’re experiencing tightness of your neck muscles.
11. Drink A Cup Of Coffee
During a headache, blood vessels expand and enlarge. Caffeine in your coffee is said to reduce the swelling of your blood vessels and constrict blood flow. This will reduce the severity of the pain and how often you experience a headache. As with anything, drink coffee in moderation as too much coffee can have adverse effects.
12. Soak Your Feet In Hot Water Mixed With Mustard Powder
This will redirect blood from your upper body to your feet—lowering the pressure in the blood vessels in your head. Soak your feet for at least 30 minutes.
13. Constrict The Blood Vessels
Tie a scarf or wear a bandana around your forehead area down to the base of your skull. You will reduce the blood flow to your head, which will provide relief if your vessels are swollen.
Top 10 Home Remedies gives us her Top 3 home remedies for headaches
Sometimes a medicine bottle is the quickest way to get rid of that splitting pain in your head. However, simple remedies, as the ones listed above, can be just as effective and provide additional health benefits at the same time. The next time you feel the onset of a headache, refer back to this list as a natural way to alleviate that pain.
Do you know any other natural remedies for headaches not included in the list? Please add them in the comments below!
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