How to Treat Headaches With Natural Remedies

Headaches affect people from all walks of life. Certain headaches can even affect different parts of the head, and have different triggers. For example, a tension headache is often caused by stress and lack of sleep. Sinus headaches can be the result of mucous build-up, congestion, cold and flu. Treating headaches with over-the-counter medicines, such as aspirin, is often the fastest way for most people to remedy symptoms, but they only provide temporary and reactionary treatment. Herbs and natural remedies are very effective for treating and preventing chronic headaches, as well as sudden bouts with acute pain. Read more for help.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Herb guide to identify herbs and possible side effects
• Book of food counts
• Vitamin and herbal supplements (See Steps)
• Dietary items (See Steps)

Dietary Changes and Supplements

1. Reduce or remove foods from your diet that trigger headaches. Fast foods high in sodium and fat, large amounts of caffeine, alcohol, and cheeses are all foods, in large quantities, that will attribute to headaches. These foods can cause water retention, fatigue, dehydration and a slowed metabolism, making you vulnerable to stress and hypertension. Fill your diet with ingredients like sprouts, sea greens, superfood drinks (Odwalla), fresh lettuce and fruits, and organic meat. Chemically induced meats tend to contribute many of the body's imbalances. A healthy amount of raw carrots and celery is also recommended. These foods help the body stay free from toxins, boost the metabolism and keep you alert and energized.

2. At breakfast, drink at a 12 oz. of glass of fresh spring water with 2 ounces of lemon juice added. Lemon juice will help alkalize your body so you don't build up too much uric acid in your system. This often contributes to chronic headaches.

3. Eat a handful of almonds between meals. Almonds contain large amounts of salicin, an alcoholic glycoside that produces a pain relieving effect, much like aspirin. Almonds are also good to munch on during acute headaches. Salicin usually begins to work within several minutes.

4. Drink 2 cups of caffeine-free chamomile tea an hour before bed. Chamomile is a mild but very effective relaxant that will help your muscles relax so you can comfortably sleep and rise.

Body Care and Exercise

5. Stretch your muscles and joints upon rising in the morning. Stretching promotes good blood flow and breathing. Stretching every morning helps to alleviate symptoms of headache that may be the result of hypertension and stress, and helps prevent them for occurring.

6. Lie on a couch or bed with your head elevated and apply ice packs to your head for 30 minutes. Applying wet tea bags over your eyes is also effective. This will keep your blood from surging to your head, causing throbbing pain. Tea bags, mainly green and black are wonderful skin and blood soothers. If you are having sudden pain, repeat this step as needed. For a preventative measure, perform as a relaxation tool at least twice a week.

7. Do breathing exercises at least once a day. Inhale deeply and exhale slowly for 3 to 5 seconds. Doing these exercises while on a brisk walk often produces favorable results. Walking is wonderful aerobic exercise that is good for the cardiovascular system, and coupled with breathing exercises, aids in blood and breathing health. It is common for people with sluggish cardiovascular and respiratory systems to suffer from headaches.

8. Consider a chiropractic adjustment. Many health issues are often the result of a mis-aligned body. Chiropractic treatment is also a good way to help your body release toxins that often build up in the body and can cause headaches.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid smoking. Smoking robs the body of oxygen and can cause headaches.
• Do a mucous cleanse (See previous article).
• Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water each day. Dehydration is often the cause of many headaches.
• Suck on Zinc lozenges as needed. Zinc is a powerful antioxidant that, according to studies, can fight off infection that often can attribute to headaches. Zinc is also effective in shortening the duration of the common cold and other flu-like symptoms.
• This article is not to be considered medical advice. Consult your doctor, nutritionist, herbalist or other health care professional if you have questions about sudden dietary or lifestyle changes.
• If your headache becomes severe, contact your doctor immediately or dial 911.

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