When you have a headache, no matter where you are, you want it gone fast. There are many different types of headaches ranging from mild to debilitating. Remember to always seek medical attention if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed here, but if you’re having a less intense headache, there are pain-relief methods you can pursue at home.
Natural Headache Relief Tip #1: Essential Oils
We’ve all heard about the many ways you can use essential oils as natural medicines, but did you know peppermint and lavender essential oils are proven to provide headache relief? Peppermint and lavender can be combined with a carrier oil (jojoba, grapeseed, and coconut oil are all examples of a carrier oil) and rubbed on the temples, forehead, and wrists, to alleviate headache symptoms.
Peppermint significantly increases the blood flow to the forehead, which can decrease muscle contractions causing a headache. Lavender is a known mood stabilizer and sedative, so it has a very relaxing effect on the body.
Natural Headache Relief Tip #2: Water
A headache can be a sign of dehydration. If you are experiencing headache symptoms and haven’t had any water recently, try drinking a glass or two while you sit down and relax. This might allow your body to rehydrate and your headache to dissipate.
Natural Headache Relief Tip #3: Stretching
Headaches can happen because of tension and muscle soreness. Stretching can help reduce these causes and give you headache relief. Try the following stretches for headache relief:
- Backward Shoulder Roll: Roll your shoulders backward while squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- Look Behind You Stretch: Turn your head over your shoulder to look behind you, and bring your chin down toward your shoulder. Repeat on the other side.
- The Bear Hug: While standing, extend your arms in front of you like you’re going to give someone a hug, and then lace your fingers together while pulling your chin toward your chest.
Natural Headache Relief Tip #4: Ginger Root
Ginger root is a natural way to soothe the inflammation causing your headache. For severe headaches and migraines, other symptoms such as nausea may occur, and ginger root provides a natural way to settle your stomach.
Cut three slices of raw ginger root, simmer in two cups of water for 30 minutes, pour into a cup, and sip. The slices can be removed or stay in the tea.
Natural Headache Relief Tip #5: Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar has been in all our news feeds lately for its weight loss properties. While these are not scientifically proven, apple cider vinegar has been used as a natural headache relief agent. It has high levels of potassium, which helps prevent migraines, and inhaling the vapors may relieve sinus headaches. Here are three ways you can use apple cider vinegar for natural headache relief:
- Mix and drink 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of honey, and 8 ounces of water.
- Make a cold compress and put apple cider vinegar on the compress before laying it across the forehead or neck.
- Boil ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar with 2 cups of water and carefully place your head over the mixture and inhale the steam
If you are suffering from frequent headaches, call our team of doctors at South Orange Chiropractic Center to learn more about how natural remedies and regular chiropractic care can help lessen their frequency and severity.
