Home Remedies for Headache

This article is reviewed by an expert

Do you ever have headaches? If you experience a throbbing or tight-band type of pain, don’t be alarmed. We’ve all had headaches at different points throughout our lives. The most frequent type of pain, headaches might keep you from going to work or school.

To effectively cure a headache, the reason must be identified as there are different types of headaches and numerous potential causes. In most cases, headaches are not a sign of a serious illness. But, if you also have other symptoms, such as fatigue or nausea, it could be a sign of a more serious disease. In these situations, it’s crucial to contact your healthcare practitioner for an accurate diagnosis. [2] In this article we will discuss some of the most effective home remedies for head pain.

What Causes Headache? 

You might get a headache if the pain receptors in your head or neck are triggered. The pain receptors can be activated by numerous factors, including [2]:

• Injury  
• Tension and stress 
• Hormonal changes  
• Eye and dental problems 
• Dehydration  
• Hangover  
• Fatigue  
• High blood pressure  
• Poor body posture  
• Sinus problems 
• Certain foods 
• Brain and nerve disorders

Symptoms of Headache 

There are three types of headaches [2]:

• Tension: The most frequent type of headache is a tension headache, which feels like a tight band around the head.
• Migraine: Migraine headaches are throbbing pain that may be accompanied by numbness, nausea, vomiting, or vision abnormalities.
  Read more on – Migraine Treatment in Ayurveda: Ayurvedic Therapies & Home Remedies
• Cluster: Most often affecting men, cluster headaches tend to occur in groups and are comparatively uncommon.

Home Remedies for Headache

1. Chamomile – Headaches have traditionally been treated with chamomile. However, its usage is not sufficiently supported by science. Chamomile can be consumed in the form of tea. Boil some chamomile flowers in water. Honey is an additional flavouring option. To feel better, you can also use a vaporizer to inhale chamomile oil [4].
2.  
3. Peppermint – There aren’t enough studies to prove peppermint helps with headaches. According to several pieces of research, inhaling the scent of peppermint or peppermint oil may reduce headaches. Some research suggests that peppermint tea may be a beneficial home remedy for headache. Boil a few peppermint leaves in water to prepare peppermint tea, then let it steep for some time. This mixture can be strained into a cup and honey added for flavour. Your peppermint tea is prepared for consumption. This peppermint tea may lessen your headache if you drink it [4]. 

• Caffeine – When it comes to home remedies for head pain caffeine is a highly recommended option. Caffeine can be used to treat migraines and headaches. It can be found in coffee, tea, and guarana berries. In lab experiments, caffeine’s analgesic (pain-relieving) qualities were noted. Caffeine should be consumed with caution, though, as a study has found that it can cause headaches in some people. Boiling some guarana powder in a cup of water will allow you to brew tea. You can then drink this tea to get headache relief [4]. 
• Lifestyle Changes – You can improve how you manage headaches by making certain lifestyle adjustments. To assist you to get rid of headaches, you might start with these techniques [2]. 
• Stay Hydrated – One of the reasons for headaches is dehydration. You can prevent headaches from dehydration by drinking plenty of water as water is one of the best home remedies for head pain[2]. 
• Get an Eye Test – Headaches can also be caused by strain on the eyes or an eye disease. Thus, it’s crucial to have your eyes checked. Limiting your screen usage will help you avoid unnecessary stress and can be an effective home remedy for headache relief [2].
• Eat a Balanced Diet – The secret to preserving general health is adhering to a nutritious diet. It might also aid with headache management [2]. 
• Regular Exercise – Another approach to staying active and the fit is to exercise. Moreover, it might aid with stress management and headache relief [2]. 
• Restrict your Alcohol Consumption – While most people may not suffer a headache after drinking alcohol, studies have shown that roughly one-third of persons who frequently get headaches can develop migraines as a result. A risk factor for tension headaches and cluster headaches, two of the most severe types of headaches, is alcohol consumption [3]. 

The best headache treatment relies on the underlying source of the pain. The easiest way to relieve a headache brought on by stress is to manage your stress. Adopting healthier habits, such as exercising and eating right, may also be helpful. To determine the reason for your headache, you might seek assistance from your doctor. Implementing modifications to one’s way of life, such as eating well, staying hydrated, and exercising frequently, may aid in the long-term management of headaches. Another strategy to prevent headaches is to stay away from potential triggers. The following are some typical headache causes: caffeine, stress, alcohol, excessive or insufficient sleep, female hormonal changes, glaring light, and poor working circumstances [1]. 

Disclaimer: This article is from a health and wellness perspective only and does not constitute medical advice. Kindly seek the help of a trained medical practitioner before initiating any treatment.

Conclusion
The best headache treatment relies on the underlying source of the pain. The easiest way to relieve a headache brought on by stress is to manage your stress. Adopting healthier habits, such as exercising and eating right, may also prove to be effective home remedies for headaches. To determine the reason for your headache, you might seek assistance from your doctor. Implementing modifications to one’s way of life, such as eating well, staying hydrated, and exercising frequently, may aid in the long-term management of headaches. Another strategy to prevent headaches is to stay away from potential triggers. The following are some typical headache causes: caffeine, stress, alcohol, excessive or insufficient sleep, female hormonal changes, glaring light, and poor working circumstances [1].

References:

1. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/headaches 
2. https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Headache 
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27114660/ 
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23030536/