How to Cure a Headache Without Drugs

Is the stress of life giving you a headache? Sometimes you would rather not take Excedrin, or Advil or even Tylenol. And it might not be necessary. There are several ways to get rid of headaches without resorting to drugs or medications.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a quiet place
• ice or cold water
• washcloth
• lavender/chamomile
• rest

1. Go lie down. Find as the darkest, quietest room you can. Forget about your stresses and let yourself get better. Often times if you catch a headache quick enough all it takes is a little R&R.

2. The cold cloth. Submerge a cloth in a bowl of very cold ice water and ring it out. Keep the cold water some place close so you can re-cool the cloth if needed. Fold the cloth and lay it across your forehead or wherever the headache pain is bothering you most.

3. Take a bath or shower. Getting that extra freshness can do wonders to cure that headache. The running water will also block out a lot of the noise that might have given you the headache in the first place. Sometimes the bath or shower is the one place people will allow themselves that "me" time we all need.

4. Go outside and get some fresh air. It may be cold, but go ahead and bundle up and get out there. Furnace heat and noises can also cause headaches for some people. While we can't exactly turn them off, we can escape from them for a while.

5. Discourage those around you from wearing a lot of cologne and perfume. Un-necessary scents give a lot of people headaches-- even those who aren't allergic.

6. Drink chamomile tea and try sitting next to a burning lavender candle. These scents are relaxing and may help your headache.

Tips & Warnings

• Even if you do break down and take medicine, using these methods can reduce the necessary dose, and help keep that headache at bay.
• Don't go to sleep with a candle burning unless there is someone else around to watch it.

[Hode]

on 1/21/2009 I like your article. Good information. Thanks

[kaytay]

on 1/18/2009 Thank you for the advice. I get a lot of headaches and always rely on meds. I will have to try your ideas. 5 stars and a recommend

[hlthychoclitnut]

on 1/17/2009 I definately agree not to rely on drugs.One of the other things that get rid of my few head aches is to corrrect my posture when I sloach i get a headache

[KuanShiYin]

on 1/12/2009 The cold cloth, the fresh air - yes, yes, yes! It works!

[lildutchgirl56]

on 1/11/2009 Accupressure on the bridge of the nose will help also. All great tips!