Pill-less Headache Remedies

With all the information that is out there about the adverse effects of ibuprofen and acetaminophen on the liver, frequent headache sufferers are always looking for alternate remedies. Excessive use of pills, even over the counter cures such as Tylenol, Advil, or Motrin, can cause serious negative health effects. While some headaches do require a medicinal treatment, many others can be alleviated by other means.

Foods: Try eating a piece of chocolate, especially dark chocolate. Eating cheese, especially a strong-flavored cheese such as sharp cheddar or gorgonzola, can sometimes help as well.

Beverages: Drinking a non-diet soda can sometimes help a headache. The combination of sugar and caffeine may be just what your body is craving. A cup of coffee, particularly if you are a regular coffee drinker, may also be of help. Other options to try are hot herbal tea (add lemon or peppermint if you like), grape juice, cranberry juice, or red wine.

Scents: Burning a green apple scented candle is said to help alleviate mild headaches. Choose one strong enough that you will be able to smell it while it burns. Burning the candle in a small room will help to intensify its scent. Citrus air fresheners can have a similar effect. Some stores like Bath and Body Works carry anti-stress sprays in pleasing scents, or even in scents specifically designed to help headaches. Spray the room, or spray a little on your pillow before lying down.

Pressure points: Rubbing your temples has long been known to help headaches, but have you ever stopped to wonder why it helps? Your body has several sensitive pressure points, one of which happens to be your temples. To find another, pinch the flesh between the bases of your thumb and index finger. Massaging these areas can help many headaches. They are also helpful in getting rid of the "brain freezes" often caused by eating or drinking something too cold, too quickly.

Rest: It sounds overly simple, but sometimes lying down in a dark, cool, quiet room can be the most effective cure of all. You don't necessarily have to nap; sometimes just the resting is plenty.

All of these home remedies will have different results on different people and types of headaches. You will have to try them singly and in combinations to decide which is best for you. Some, particularly the food and beverage based cures, can actually trigger headaches in some people, so proceed with caution. You may need to try different combinations before finding what works most effectively for you and your type of headache.