December 15, 2008
Next Time Try Natural Headache Remedies
Most of us get the occasional headache and it's no big deal. A bit uncomfortable, but a couple of aspirin will fix you up. Migraine headaches are another story. If you've ever had one, you know you never want to have another. The trouble is, some people are afflicted with frequent migraines, and nothing seems to help. Well, here's some good news for those of you who suffer from migraines. There are a number of herbs, singly and in combinations that provide you with effective and, in some cases, preventative migraine headache remedies. Take a look at some of the best.
One of the most reliable and well researched migraine headache remedies is feverfew, a herb with a proven clinical track record and widely used in Europe as a preventative for migraine attacks. The active constituent is effective against chemicals in the brain which dilate blood vessels and which cause migraines. Feverfew, like many herbs, are slow to act, and must be used for a couple of months before the effects are felt. Please note that feverfew is a preventative, but won't help relieve pain once an attack is already underway.
Many independent clinical studies have concluded that daily use of feverfew as a migraine headache remedy does indeed prevent migraine attacks. Included in the double-blind studies were patients who had used feverfew as a preventative for years. Those who were given a placebo in place of their regular dose of feverfew experienced a resurgence of migraine attacks, suffering frequent and severe migraines. Those provided with the regular dose of feverfew remained migraine free for the six month period of testing.
Feverfew is not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers.
Another of the natural migraine headache remedies is ginger tea, particularly suited to ongoing migraines situated in the front of the head. Taken at the onset of an attack, ginger tea will provide relief in as little as 30 minutes. Continued use of ginger tea, consumed six times each day results in fewer and less severe attacks. Ginger tea is also fragrant and tasty!
Other effective migraine headache remedies you may want to try include the following:
Kava Kava, native to the South Pacific, has been used for centuries for its relaxing properties, useful in cases of stress related migraines.
Valerian root is another of the migraine headache remedies useful in stress induced headaches. Valerian may act as a preventative if your migraines are stress related. Valerian root is a powerful relaxant, so use discretion when driving or operating machinery.
If your migraines are characterized by insomnia or irregular menstrual cycles, Jamaican dogwood may be one of your migraine headache remedies of choice.
Chamomile tea is a good preventative among the better migraine headache remedies.
Lavender oil, rubbed across the forehead and temples, eases pain and spasms.
If you suffer from migraines, try some of these natural headache remedies. A knowledgeable herbalist may have other headache remedies not discussed here which will bring you the relief you need.
Filed under Headache by Wilson
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Comments on Next Time Try Natural Headache Remedies »
Any natural headache remedies?
i am 16 weeks pregnant and for the past 3 days i have had a throbbing headache at the back of my head, i dont want to take any medications (obviously) and my next dr. appt is not until Feb 12, i have read that tea helps but being pregnant i was told to be wary of certain herbs. Any ideas?
water always works best
you may be a little dehidrated
but be careful not to over do it
small amounts
and tea is fine if you get decaf
you can always phone your doctor though babe with any worries you have
they will offer advice at least
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Most headaches of your description are caused by tense muscles in the neck, shoulders and back. Have somebody give you a good massage in that area.
Also, you can get a "pain patch" at the drug store; it's an external treatment using either menthol or capsaicin, both of which are safe. You stick the patch on the tense muscles and leave it for up to 8 hours.
Neither of these requires anything taken internally, and work better anyway.
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NewsTarget.com printable article
Originally published December 14 2005
Doctor recommends natural headache cures
by Mike Adams
Dr. Michelle Schoffro Cook, specializing in natural medicine, talks about the importance of hydration, sleep and proper diet in eliminating headaches.
* It tends to bring plenty of stress, and where there is stress, there are headaches.
* There are many causes of headaches, including: dehydration; blood sugar imbalances; stress; consumption of synthetic sweeteners, food colours or preservatives; inadequate sleep; poor posture and misalignment of the vertebrae in the neck; clenching the jaw; allergies; hormone imbalance; eyestrain; and others–some can be serious so if your headaches seemed to start "out of the blue" see your medical doctor to rule out anything serious.
* To help you ward off headaches during the holiday season and afterward, here are some simple and natural solutions: Drink more water–MANY headaches are simply the result of dehydration.
* One of the ways they signal their need for water is through headaches.
* Eat more frequently throughout the day and avoid simple sugars to balance blood sugar fluctuations that can result in headaches.
* Avoid synthetic sweeteners and MSG (monosodium glutamate) since both are common causes of headaches.
* MSG is commonly used in fast food, Chinese food, packaged and prepared foods and many restaurant foods–even ones that say they don't use them.
* Go to bed a bit earlier and make sleep a priority in your life to avoid headaches linked with sleep deprivation.
* See a chiropractor or other bodywork specialist to work on any misalignments in the vertebrae in the neck that can cause pinched nerves and muscle tension.
* Become aware of how much you clench your jaw since it may irritate the jaw joint and result in headaches.
* Awareness is the first step in eliminating jaw clenching due to stress.
* Often these hormonal headaches can be lessened or reduced by eating a whole foods diet devoid of fast or fried foods, eating less red meat and significantly cutting back on sweets throughout the month.
* Pace yourself in front of the computer or television to avoid eyestrain.
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I have an idea that should help but please discuss it with your doctor FIRST in case there are any concearns that I cannot predict. Using hydrotherapy… water it a really natural and safe way to treat a headache. What I find that works is taking a warm bath (provided the health of your pregnancy permits) and while I'm in the tub, use an ice pack from the freezer covered in a damp towel on the part of your head that aches. You want it to cool the area, remove and reaply as needed. The hot water will draw some of the congested blood from your head as well as the cold ice pack will do the same. Give this a try if your doctor approves of it. Good luck… its worked for me many a time.
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If it is stress related teas like chamomile at bedtime will help some.
Also take magnesium, Vitamin B complex and B 12 and 0.4 mg of folic acid each day throughout reproductive life.
Also you should take some type of omega fatty acid.
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Place a hot wet folded hand towel on your neck. 30 seconds in the microwave is just right. The damp heat will relax the muscles and calm the headache. Use it on your face in the same manner. It is great for your skin. Make it as hot as you can stand. Generally 30 to 40 seconds in the microwave is just right. But plenty hot. Lay down while you do this. It will relax you.
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Howdy! Headaches are usually caused by toxin build up and dehydration of the brain. Simply drink a large glass of water, (don't drink it cold, takes too much to bring it up to your body temp). This should alleviate any symptoms in about 15 minutes. If not, have a smaller glass and sip it at intervals throughout the day. Try not to drink any cold water. If you want to have tea, purchase mint teas, or chamomile, both of these are really wonderful for pregnant women. It is my understanding that pregnant women, however, should not drink Spearmint tea. Hope this helps!
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Home remedy book, my niece's science teacher and personal experience.
Do be careful about consuming painkillers especially when you are pregnant. Avoid them at all cost.
Find ways to relieve your stress. Yes…you are right about the herbs. Herbs may be natural but some specific ones come with powerful effects. So best is to wait till Feb12 to ask your doctor.
In the meantime, get free ideas on headache remedies here http://www.headacheremedysecrets.com
Only embark on those that are harmless.
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Have someone massage your feet for 30minutes while focusing a lot of attention on the big toes and surrounding areas.
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Massage Therapist
Brown paper soaked in apple cider vinegar. Read about acv on the web.
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