Headaches, migraines and tension: these three devils of our modern lives often push us into the hell hole of over-the-counter drugs which tend to do us more harm than good in the long run. They might provide you instant relief and help you regain your composure of the normal self, but in effect, they just smother the symptoms and do not get to the root of the problem. As this happens, we tend to get addicted to the painkillers and they take a toll on our lifestyle. While one cannot and should not disregard the years of science that has gone behind medicines and their efficacy, one should keep their eyes and minds open for some alternatives. And what better option than nature? The best thing about these natural remedies is that they are really easy to try and have zero to nil side effects, unless you are seriously allergic to the constituents of the remedies.
Without much ado, let us have a look at some highly effective natural remedies to relieve headache, migraine and tension.
10. Ginger
Ginger helps in blocking the prostaglandin synthesis, a process which disturbs the neurons, causing sever pain in the head and adjoining areas. Ginger helps in curbing this process and can be effectively used as an alternative for aspirin. You may consume ginger powder in its raw form or opt for soothing hot cup of ginger tea. Another option can be grating ginger and squeezing it for its juice and then, mix it with half a teaspoon of honey and drink this concoction. It will also help in getting rid of nausea which often accompanies a migraine pain.
9. Peppermint Oil
Most of the balms and ointments which are used for headaches and stress releasing purposes, contain peppermint oil as a major constituent. You may apply some peppermint oil onto your temples and forehead to gain a soothing effect. It has the power to calm your senses and help you get rid of all the stress and tensions that have been bothering you. Yet, if you have a sensitive skin and find that the oil is irritating your skin, then you may dilute the oil with some olive oil to reduce its intense nature.
8. Water
Water therapy is the best therapy and that has been proven for not one, not two, but innumerable diseases. Then, how can we leave out headaches, migraine pain and a tensed mind behind? A lot of times, the cause of headaches is dehydration which can easily be done away with, by drinking water throughout the day. However, you should make sure that whenever you have a headache or any sort of migraine pain, you must not consume alcohol simply because it can dehydrate your body even more.
7. Fennel
It is believed that the Aztec tribes used fennel seeds for treating headaches and migraine pains. Wish such ancient backing to it, it is only intelligent to not ignore fennel seeds when it comes to having natural remedies for headaches and related pains. You can consume fennel in the form of a hot cup of tea or go ahead and chew some seeds in their raw form.
6. Chamomile Tea
Herbs can always be relied upon when you are dealing with stress and tension. Chamomile tea is one such wonder. It may not eradicate headaches or migraine in their entirety, but they sure can help you alleviate those pangs of stress and tension. Drinking chamomile tea does not only help in keeping stress in check, but also removes all the toxins from the body. In fact, you can also use chamomile oil in your bath and have a hot water bath to ease out your worries.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one more versatile natural ingredient which is used to treat things as myriad as skin tags to heart diseases. Apple cider vinegar is highly effective for headaches, too. You just need to mix 1/4 cup of the vinegar in 3-4 cups of boiling water and add 1 cup of cold water to it. Now, bend over the bowl and wrap a towel around your head so that the steam emanating from the concoction does not have the space to escape. You will find instant relief!
4. Cold Compress
Cold compress does wonders in not only clotting blood but also in relieving tension, stress and headache. While a hot water bath always helps, you cannot afford to turn a blind eye to its cold counterpart. You might not want to take a full bath from cold water but having a cold compress on the affected part can help a lot. Freeze a bag of peas or water in a sock to use it as a cold compress. Quick, easy and efficient!
3. Fish Oil
Fish oil is highly rich n omega 3 fatty acids and works quite well in heart related diseases and weight loss. However, the brilliance of this substance does not cease at these only, it has been proven that it works well for migraine pains as well as usual headaches. If the taste of fish oil irks you then you can opt for fish oil tablets which are readily available in the market and if that is not an issue, then ingest one spoon of fish oil diluted in a glass of orange juice directly.
2. Almonds & Nuts
If your headache is not caused by chronic cases of migraine and is related to stress and tension of everyday life, then this can be your bet. Munching almonds can prove to be a good help when faced with such a condition. Almonds contain salicin, an ingredient which is quite common in many over the counter drugs available in the market, specially the good old aspirin. Doctors have suggested that eating a good 12 almonds can be a fair alternative for aspirin. However, it must be noted that there are quite a few times when almonds are perceived as trigger foods by those suffering from migraines. Reader, just be informed of your health and allergies before taking in any substance.
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Mustard Oil
Inhaling mustard oil or applying it on one half of the forehead are some home remedies that many grandmothers swear by in South Asia. Mustard oil has herbal qualities and can extract pain from your nerves and vanish it in just ten minutes. It works even better if the oil is warmed before applying. The smell is quite strong so you might find that a bit uneasy but its efficacy has the capacity to overshadow all the negatives.
A word of advice, if the headache goes beyond control and is excessively intense, you might actually want to consider the chemical drugs for better relief. You know what is best for you, certainly. But, the doctor knows even better.
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