Best Natural Headache Remedies and Cures

There are five types of headaches; including tension headaches, sinus headaches, migraines, transformed migraines, and cluster headaches. Because these all stem from a variety of causes, some headache sufferers need a variety of treatment options they can implement as often as needed.

For folks who experience headaches frequently, that pretty much rules out over-the-counter pain relievers, which research has indicated may be harmful if taken long-term. Fortunately, there are several home headache relief remedies that can effectively relieve various types of headaches, including migraines. To learn about these remedies and more, you need only look below.

1. Buckwheat

This cereal grain was commonly used for human consumption prior to the turn of the 20^th century, and is primarily used in the manufacture of livestock feed today. Buckwheat’ flower and pancake mix are still sold on the grocery store shelf; and can be utilized as a home remedy for headaches and migraine pain. This is because buckwheat contains an anti-inflammatory antioxidant flavonoid known as rutin, which can relieve headache pain.

2. DIY Scalp Massage

Do-it-yourself scalp massages are frequently effective in alleviating headache pain. Research has demonstrated that applying gentle pressure on the greater occipital nerve – located at the skull base on the back of the head – can alleviate migraine pain. Reflexology - massage applied to reflex points on the feet and hands - is also an effective home remedy for headache relief.

3. Feverfew

As suggested by its name, feverfew is an herbal remedy commonly used for fevers, but it is also an effective therapy for headaches. A study in England back in the 1980s revealed that 70% of subjects experienced less migraine pain if they took feverfew daily. Another study showed that when migraine sufferers took feverfew together with white willow bark, they experienced even better results.

4. Peppermint Oil

For centuries peppermint has been used as a headache remedy. From tea to extract, there are lots of ways to enjoy peppermint. Fresh smelling peppermint oil has vase-dilating and vaso-constricting properties, which can effectively relieve headaches caused by poor blood circulation. Peppermint is also useful as an essential oil in aromatherapy, and for it's cooling properties.

5. Flax Seed & White Willow Bark

Flax seed provides headache relief because it’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Flax seed can be used as an oil, and either ground or whole seeds, and is even more effective when combined with white willow bark. This popular herb is nature's equivalent to aspirin, and also relieves your headache pain by reducing inflammation.

6. Lavender Oil

This great smelling flower is also useful as a remedy forheadache relief.Whether used in aromatherapy or applied topically. Lavender oil can be applied topically at full strength, but do not take it internally.

7. Basil

This pungent herb can be used used as a topping for pizzas and pastas, and as a natural remedy for headache relief. Basil is a natural muscle relaxant, which makes it and effective treatment for tension headaches.

For better or worse, your diet plays a significant role in whether or not you get headaches, as well as the severity of the headaches you get. Here are some suggestions regarding what you should avoid, as well as what you should consume to prevent or relieve headaches:

1. Limit Alcohol

A natural diuretic, alcohol draws fluids out of the body, causing dehydration and hangovers when you drink too much of it. Limit your consumption to one or two servings per week.

2. Limit Caffeine Many folks like a hot cup of coffee in the morning for reasons that should be obvious; the caffeine in coffee make it a real eye opener! However, resist the temptation to partake an extra cup (or three) on those mornings when you're feeling a little sluggish. Another diuretic, caffeine can also cause dehydration and lead to a headache

3. Limit Junk Food

Fried foods and those containing artificial flavors, colors & sweeteners can all cause a headache, why? Because they are delivering unnatural substances, which are interpreted as toxins, to your body and it doesn't like that! So, eat only natural foods, watch your sugar and salt intake! You should strive to include plenty of the following to aid your body's headache defense mechanisms;

4. Increase Water Intake

Generally speaking, the human body needs at least half a gallon of fresh, pure water per day to function optimally. When you over indulge in alcohol, junk foods and other things that are bad for you. if you want your head to remain pain free, up your intake of water to offset whatever bad stuff you may have ingested. 64 oz of water translates to eight 8 oz servings. Add another glass for every serving of alcohol and caffeinated drink you consume.

5. Increase Fruits & Vegetables

Nutritional deficiencies can cause headaches, so eat plenty of the right kinds of food; which include fruits and vegetables. If you have a sweet tooth, fresh fruit is a painless alternative to sugary snacks. For one thing, fruit contains far less natural fructose than processed foods. Besides, a lot of folks think fruit tastes better than candy or desserts.