Natural Remedies for Headaches
Most people experience headaches from time to time throughout their lives. In fact, headaches are as common as colds and flus. It is estimated that about 90% of headaches are tension related. Another 6% are migraines, which result from disturbances in blood circulation to the head. Common Causes of Headaches Include: Stress. Muscle tension. Eye strain. Head injuries. Poor Nutrition. Alcohol. Drugs. Tobacco. Sinus pressure. Dehydration. Headaches can be a sign of an underlying health problem, such as anemia, brain disorders, bowel problems, hypertension, hypoglycemia, and vision problems. See a health care practitioner for help diagnosing unexplained recurring headaches. Cluster Headaches Cluster headaches are thought to be brought on by stress, alcohol or smoking. Symptoms of cluster headaches include: Severe, throbbing pain around one eye. Flushed face. Teary eyes. Nasal congestion. Cluster headaches occur from 1 - 3 times daily and can last from several minutes to several hours at a time. Migraine Headaches Migraines are thought to be caused by excessive dilation or contraction of blood vessels of the brain. Symptoms of migraine headaches include: Severe throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. Nausea. Vomiting. Cold hands. Dizziness. Sensitivity to light and sound. Natural Treatments for Headaches Treating headaches naturally involves easing pain and addressing underlying contributing factors such as nutrition, stress reduction, and exercise. Professional Formulas Native Remedies makes a wonderful all natural formula for headaches that many people find very effective. Supplements for Headaches Calcium and magnesium are minerals which help alleviate muscular tension. A deficiancy in these nutrients are thought to lead to migraines.Chelated forms are reccommended. CoQ10, Coenzyme Q10, helps by improving tissue oxygenation. MSM, Methylsulfonylmethane, helps relieve pain. Vitamin C with bioflavanoids, protects against free radical damage and aids in production of anti-stress hormones. Vitamin B3 improves circulation and aids in the functioning of the nervous system. A good B-complex may be helpful. Herbs for Headaches Cayenne thins the blood, which increases blood flow and reduces pain. Chamomile Tea relaxes muscles and helps soothe tension. Ginkgo extract improves circulation to the brain. Kava is a traditional remedy for tension headaches. Meadowsweet has useful anti-inflammatory properties. Skullcap acts as an antispasmodic agent and may be helpful for headaches caused by muscular tension. It also has sedative properties. Valerian root is a good sedative and is helpful when headaches lead to insomnia. Aromatherapy for Headaches Aromatherapy can be very useful in treating many different types of headaches. Essential Oils for Headaches Include: Homeopathy for Headaches Homeopathy can be very effective in treating headaches. Belladonna Sudden onset with intense, violent pain, perhaps due to colds, sinus, migraine, too much sun, an injury or from medications. Throbbing, stabbing pain. Restless with flushed face, bloodshot eyes. Worse from: motion, light, noise, touch. Better from: lying down, darkness, applying pressure. Bryonia Headches that come on in the morning from stress, constipation, anger, too much coffee.Pain is bursting or stiching with a sensation of crushing weight on side and front. Person is worried and irritable. Thirsty, with dry mouth and hot head.Worse from: slightest motion of eyes or head, stooping, being touched, in the morning.Better from: applying pressure, or heat to the head, sitting still with eyes closed, fresh air. Gelsemium is indicated for headaches with blurred vision, dizziness, light-headed. Face is hot. Person is chilled and trembling. Feels confused and weak.Pain is dull, heavy in the occiput, spreads forward, or in a tight band around head. Nux Vomica is indicated for headaches accompanied by nausea or vomiting. It may have been brought on by overindulgence, medications, anger, or stress. Person is irritable or angry and sensitive to noise and light. What Else You Can Do Eat a well balanced diet with plenty of protein, and lots of fruits and vegetables to ensure adequate vitamins and minerals. Avoid overly processed foods that contain artificial colors, sweetners, and preservatives. Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of pure water,. Apply cold compresses to the spot where the pain is radiatiing from. Use a heating pad or hot water bottle to relax head, neck, and shoulders. Acupressure may be helpful for tension headaches and pain. Using the thumbs, press firmly underneath the skull at the back of the neck for several minutes. Massage can be helpful for increasing circulation and promoting relaxation.
The information on this web site is intended for educational purposes only, and not as any form of medical advice. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider.
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