There are many different types of headaches ranging from mild to debilitating. No matter how bad your headache is, you want it gone as quickly as possible. But what if you don’t want to turn to medication to relieve your headache pain? What if you’re looking for more natural options? While it’s always important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed here, if you’re having a less intense headache, there are some natural pain-relief methods you can pursue at home.
Here are five tips for at-home natural headache relief:
Tip #1: Essential Oils for Natural Headache Relief:
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 used to provide headache relief? Peppermint and lavender can be combined with a carrier oil (jojoba, grapeseed, and coconut oil are all examples of carrier oil) and rubbed on the temples, forehead, and wrists, to alleviate headache symptoms.
Peppermint may increase blood flow to the forehead, which can in turn decrease muscle contractions causing a headache. Lavender is a known mood stabilizer and sedative, so it has a very relaxing effect on the body.
Tip #2: Drinking More Water for Natural Headache Relief
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 let your headache dissipate. You may also want to make sure that you’re drinking enough water daily, and increase the amount or frequency and see if this helps to prevent your headaches from occurring in the first place.
Tip #3: Stretching for Natural Headache Relief
Often times, headaches can come on due to tension and muscle soreness. Stretching can help reduce any muscle tension, which may in turn help to relieve your headache pain. Here are some stretches you can try 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.
Tip #4: Ginger Root for Natural Headache Relief
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.
Tip #5: Apple Cider Vinegar for Natural Headache Relief
Apple cider vinegar contains high levels of potassium, which may help to prevent migraines. Also, inhaling the vapors of apple cider vinegar 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.
In addition to these five at-home tips, chiropractic treatment is another natural method to relieve your headache pain.
Reach Out to Us
All of the doctors at South Orange Chiropractic are dedicated to helping you get to the root cause of your headache pain. Reach out today to book your appointment. Let’s get you back to feeling good again.
