Natural Relief from Headaches

Although headaches are a normal occurrence and happen to everyone, some people suffer from major headaches or recurrent headaches for a number of reasons. Most people turn to aspirin to get relief from their headaches but if you are suffering from migraines or recurring headaches, aspirin can become an unhealthy dependence in the quest to get relief from the pain of headaches. There are a number of natural alternatives to medication that can help you get some relief from headaches.

When experiencing a migraine or major headache, try using some ice for relief. Ice helps fight the pain by reducing the swollen blood vessels that are pressing on the nerves causing your headache. The cold cuts down the pain messages to the brain reducing the muscle contractions. You can use a reusable ice pack, ice cubes, or even a frozen package of frozen foods. Whatever method you choose, wrap a towel around it and place it on the area of your head that hurts for about 20 minutes. You can do this several times but try to do it when the pain starts so the ice can work faster.

Applying acupressure to the exact point of your pain can help provide some relief from headaches. Using the acupressure point called L14, which is the area between your thumb and forefinger, can help relieve headaches. Feel for the tender areas of this web-like part between your thumb and forefinger. Also rub the back of your hand and on the palm side of your hand. Rub and press in a rhythm that produces a twinge but not a pain. Do this for a minute until the headache subsides. Pregnant women should not do this treatment because it could cause premature contractions.

Aromatherapy can be just as effective as ibuprofen in relieving headaches. Mix one drop of peppermint oil into one or two drops of almond oil and rub on your temples when your headache starts. You can also use Lavender oil or Roman chamomile. Another effective way is to dab a drop of the oil of your choice on a tissue and inhale it or take a bath in a few drops of the oil. Vitamin B6 can help stabilize the serotonin levels in the brain to reduce headaches. Take 50 mgs a day of vitamin B6 if you have chronic headaches. Feverfew is an herb that is similar to aspirin that can reduce the number of headaches. Take 125 mgs of dried feverfew, which is available in capsules in health stores. Make sure it is authentic feverfew.

If you seem not to be able to finish things you start or your mind races constantly with new ideas or you are the versatile type that needs a lot of change in your life, a little ginger can help stabilize your brain and prevent headaches your lifestyle may cause. Put 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger in 16 or 24 ounces of hot water and sip throughout the day. Aloe can help you get some relief from headaches caused by stress and irritation. Take 2 tablespoons of aloe juice twice a day. Adding some fiber to your diet and drinking more water can work miracles in bringing on relief from headaches.

Constipation can cause headaches. Be sure you are getting enough fiber in your diet and drinking enough water, which is 32-64 ounces a day. For relief from menstrual headaches, take 400 ius of vitamin E daily a few days before your period and stop a couple of days after it begins. Take 400 mgs a day of magnesium. Reduce this dosage to 200 mgs a day if you experience diarrhea, then slowly increase the dosage to 400 mgs. Be sure you are getting 750 mgs of calcium a day and 400 mgs a day of riboflavin for relief of menstrual headaches.