Headaches often get brushed aside as nothing more than a common complaint, a quit-your-whining-and-start-working type of thing…if only. While many people suffer them at one point or another, rarity is not the best way to judge just how nasty something can be. The pain of a headache can make day-to-day life a miserable challenge, and forces us to head straight for the aspirin. This is a sticky situation, because ultimately that will only perpetuate the problem.
When you take over-the-counter pain killers all you’re doing is smothering your symptoms and ignoring the real issue of what triggers the headache. Natural remedies for headaches may take a bit more thought than simply popping a pill, but don’t brush them off. They won’t wreak havoc on your body like other over-the-counter or prescription pain-killers do, and you’re less likely to become so dependent on them that you need them for every little ache.
1. Crush it with cayenne
Utilizing something spicy may not sound headache helpful, but cayenne is somewhat revered in the kingdom of natural remedies to treat pain and inflammation. The secret behind its success lies in an ingredient called capsaicin, which inhibits something in our body that is one of the main elements in pain perception called Substance P. In short, Substance P is part of what makes us feel pain, and the capsaicin depletes it. Numerous studies, the first in 1998 in The Clinical Journal of Pain, support that when applied topically to the nasal passages; people experience a significant decrease in the severity of their headaches, all thanks to capsaicin.
You will need…
-1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder
-4 ounces of warm water
-cotton swabs
Directions
Dilute a ½ teaspoon of cayenne powder in 4 ounces of warm water. Soak a cotton swab in the solution and stir it around to make sure it’s covered-the powder can sometimes sink to the bottom.
Apply the moist swab gently to the inside of each nostril until you can feel the heat. It may be a bit unpleasant at first, but take the burning sensation as a sign that it’s working. When it subsides, your headache will hopefully be wiped out, or at the very least better than before.
2. Go nuts
Instead of popping a pill when you get a headache, toss back some almonds. For everyday tension-type headaches, almonds can be a natural remedy and a healthier alternative to other medicine. It acts as a pain reliever because it contains something called salicin, which is also an agent in popular over the counter killers. Try eating a handful or two of these wholesome nuts when you feel the ache start to set in.
Note: People who suffer from migraines may find that almonds are a trigger food
3. Find some feverfew
Headaches, particularly migraines, can be relieved through the use of the feverfew plant. When a migraine is in the works your blood vessels are changing, and theories suggest that the vessels in your head are expanding and pressing on nerves. Feverfew has been confirmed to relax the tension/constrict blood vessels, easing the painful pressure. It also reduces inflammation and pain overall with a substance called parthenolide, which has results similar to taking a daily aspirin, but without the side effects.
You will need…
-1 ounce fresh or dried flowers
-1 pint of boiling water
Add 1 ounce of fresh or dried feverfew flowers to 1 pint of boiling one. Steep for 10 minutes, and then strain. Drink half a cup twice a day as needed.
4. Apply an apple cider vinegar compress
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has a long history in realm of natural remedies. It’s been used to relieve everything from scurvy to hay fever, and just about any other ailment that falls in between. Some modern day studies have proven its effectiveness in treating certain illnesses, but most of its clout lies in the reports of people throughout the centuries who have benefited from it. If you find yourself coming down with a throbbing headache, try getting some quality ACV time into your day in the form of a steam-style treatment.
You will need…
-1/4 cup of ACV
-Roughly 3 cups of boiling water
-1 cup of fresh cool water
Directions…
Pour ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar into a large bowl, and then fill the bowl halfway with boiling water. Place a towel over your head so that it drapes over the bowl, trapping the steam, and hold your face over it. Make sure your face isn’t so close that it gets burned by the steam. Do this for 5-10 minutes, or when the water starts to cool down, breathing in and out deeply the whole time. When you’re done, use the towel to pat your face dry, and go drink a glass of cool water.
5. Stretch, relax, and breathe
Our lives are fast paced, busy, and filled with more than a little stress. Our overworked minds and bodies react to this by tensing and knotting up muscles, usually in the upper back, neck, and shoulders. Thanks to a little something called referred pain-pain felt in an area other than where the actual painful stimulus is-we end up with tension-type headaches. To help head these buggers off, try some of the following tips.
Do yoga: Yoga will get your mind focused, stretch out your muscles, and get you moving in ways that can help you drop the tension-and if you drop the tension, you can drop the tension-headache. Just doing a few moves when the pain starts up can help, but the best thing to do is a set aside a few minutes each day to practice regularly and prevent headaches before they happen.
Breathe: You may think your breathing alright, but if your head is pounding you’re likely not getting the most out of the oxygen you take in. In general we take breaths that are too shallow, and when we are experiencing pain or stress, we definitely breathe to shallow. Make a conscious effort to take deep, full, breaths that start in your diaphragm and fill up your lungs. This will get your plenty of fresh oxygen circulating through your blood and will also help relax your mind and body.
Drop your shoulders: This is one I remind myself to do about 5 times a day. Make yourself aware of how you carry your shoulders. When you think of it, tell yourself to drop them down. You’d be surprised at how often we carry them hunched up too high, resulting in soreness and, of course, headaches.
6. Get moving
An aching head does not inspire one to get active, but getting up and moving-outside in fresh air if possible- can help loosen up tight muscles causing a headache. It also gives you something to focus on to take your mind off the pain. Good exercise also releases endorphins, which can dull the uncomfortable sensation caused by a headache. To get the most out of your activity, keep in mind the following tips.
Stay regular: Exercising only when you feel like it is less likely to prevent headaches then exercising on a regular basis. Routine also gives your body just that-routine. Routine helps us function, at least physically, better than we might if we didn’t have any.
Warm up and cool down: Take your time getting yourself warmed up and properly cooled down. Jumping into strenuous activities and then abruptly stopping is more likely to cause a headache then stop it.
Enjoy the outdoors: If possible, exercise outside. The invigorating fresh air and change in scenery does something that just makes our bodies and minds feel good.
7. Drink fish oil
There are some small-scale studies that show the ingestion of fish oil can help reduce migraines and head pain, thanks to its omega-3 fatty acids, which promotes heart health. The American Heart Association states that the ingredients in fish oil may help reduce inflammation, blood clotting, lower blood pressure, and steady heart rhythm. Those actions in turn may help reduce head pain because it may reduce the inflammation of blood cells that press and pinch on nerves.
You will need…
-1 tablespoon of fish oil OR fish oil oral supplements
-1 glass of orange juice
Directions
If you are taking fish oil capsules, follow the dosing on the bottle. If using the actual oil, mix a tablespoon into a glass of cold orange juice and drink up! It’s really not as bad as it sounds.
8. Hot or cold?
Headaches are tricksy little things, with what clears them up for one person totally triggering them for another. There’s evidence to support both hot and cold compress treatments, and it all has to do with the muscles and blood vessels. Some headaches are caused, at least in part, by expanded blood vessel pressing on nerves. For these, applying something cold to the area can constrict those vessels and relieve some of the pressure causing the throbbing ache. Other headaches are caused by tension and anxiety, and cold tends to tighten up muscles that then pinch nerves and enlarge blood vessels. You’ll have to play around to see if you’re someone who benefits from cold/ cool treatment or hot/warm, while some people find alternating between the two works best.
You will need…
1. Cold compress, such as a bag of frozen peas, a bag of ice, or a cold pack.
2. Hot compress, such as a towel soaked in very warm water.
Directions
Find a quiet place to lie down, preferably where you can dim the lights or turn them off. Place the cold or hot compress on your forehead and relax. At some point, try switching to the back of your head, or the top, depending on where the pain is concentrated. You can also try a cold compress at one location and a hot compress on another, either on your head, or place the hot compress on your shoulders if your headache is from tension. Do this for as long as you feel you need to. Try sipping fresh water through a straw if you can manage during or after the treatment, and make sure to ease back into your daily routine-don’t just dash onto a crowded street in blinding sunlight.
Tip: Here’s how to make a good hot compress at home that won’t least its heat as quickly as a warm washcloth.
9. Avoid MSG
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is added to food to enhance its flavor. It is derived from an amino acid, called glutamic acid, which occurs naturally in various foods. Many people who suffer headaches find that foods containing MSG triggers migraines or other types of headaches, possibly due to the fact that it excites our neurons. Make sure you read food labels to check if the product has MSG, the FDA is requires companies to list it, however it can also be hidden as a component of other ingredients. Watch for some of these words, which can give away “hidden” MSG, and be extra cautious around Chinese food, processed meats, canned vegies, gravy/soup/dip mixes, and soy-based items.
-Gelatin
-Yeast extract
-Anything “hydrolyzed”
-Textured protein
10. Improve your posture
Improving your posture can make all the difference in the world when it comes to tension-type headaches. Many of us spend our days working in an office or sitting down at a computer with little to no movement, and many of us are guilty of poor posture. We slouch, slump, and hunch forward, which strains our muscles and creates nasty headaches. Try using an ergonomic chair if you’re sitting down a lot, and make a conscious effort to sit up tall but relaxed, with your shoulders back, your chest open, and your neck not sticking too far forward. Working on strengthening core muscles helps a lot with posture, since balance and the strength to support ourselves properly comes from mostly from our center.
11. Use your imagination
Mental imagery has been shown to reduce headaches, whether mild or severe, by helping people relax and loosen up the knots that may be causing the pain. There are guided imagery coaches, but you can also do this on your own. Imagery exercises create a “mental scape” that is calm, peaceful, and pain free-your happy place, if you will. To work on your ‘scape, try the following.
The following…
Find a quiet place to close your eyes and use your mind to fill your head with something other than pain. Picture rolling hills or waves lapping over sand, even just creating a landscape of soothing colors can be helpful. Try adding a quiet soundtrack to this exercise; be it sounds of nature or just a soft song that calms you down. Breathe and be patient. Also, be patient. And then be a little more patient. Don’t get worked up because your headache isn’t gone after you spent 30 seconds impatiently picturing a tree, this stuff takes practice and some dedication (and patience) but it’s worth it.
12. Munch on gingerroot
Prostaglandin synthesis is a process that takes place in some animals (including humans) that makes lipid (fat) compounds within their cells. Those fatty substances are like little chemical messengers that mediate biological processes, like inflammation, and alerting neurons to pain. Certain enzymes spark off the prostaglandin synthesis, while some drugs, such as aspirin, inhibit the synthesis. Gingerroot, a natural alternative, is thought to inhibit the synthesis as well. On top of that, if you’re getting knocked with a migraine, it can help quell your nausea. Simply sip a nice steaming cup of gingerroot tea and relax while you wait for your headache to ease up.
You will need…
-3 quarter size slices of gingerroot
-2 cups of water
Slice 3 slices off of a piece of raw gingerroot, with each being roughly the size of a quarter. Gently simmer the pieces of ginger in 2 cups of water, covered, for 30 minutes. Use something to remove the pieces of ginger and transfer to a mug, or if you prefer, leave them in. Sip slowly and breathe in the steam if you want. Relax!
13. Apply peppermint oil
Peppermint oil has a wonderfully soothing effect when you’re suffering from a headache, easing the discomfort and clearing your mind. It can be applied to various places, and people who use it find that it works quickly to relieve pain. If you have sensitive skin and find that it irritates it, try diluting it with a bit of olive oil or water.
You will need…
-Peppermint oil
Massage the peppermint oil onto your temples, the back of your jaw, and forehead. You will feel a cooling sensation upon applying it. Breathe deeply, and if possible, find a quiet place to relax and sip some cool water.
14. Butterbur for migraines
Butterbur refers to plants found in the daisy family. Long used by Native Americans as a remedy for headaches and inflammation, Butterbur has gained more and more credit lately in the world of western medicine, and the American Academy of Neurology and American Headache Society both endorse butterbur for preventing migraines based on at least two strong clinical trials. It is thought to be effective because some Butterbur species contain chemicals that work in two ways, one in which inflammatory effects of certain chemicals are lowered, and the other being that it functions as a natural beta blocker, which results in normal flow of blood to the brain. That in turn can help control blood pressure/the spasmodic capillary action that can cause migraines. The highest concentration of the plants helpful chemicals are found in Butterbur root.
Please Note: The usual adult dosage is 50-100 milligrams twice daily to help reduce severity of migraines/ prevent them, but check with a healthcare practitioner before using butterbur as a migraine treatment. Look for a brand of extract labeled PA-Free, which ensures that it was safely processed to remove potentially harmful, toxic, chemicals found naturally in the plant.
15. Eat less chocolate
Pretty straightforward-chocolate and the caffeine it contains make it a common trigger for headaches in many people.
16. Know your facts about B3
Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is a water-soluble B vitamin that may trigger vascular headaches, thanks to something called a “flush.” Niacin dilates (opens up) the body’s blood vessel, right down to the small capillaries, which increases blood flow. While it can be helpful in some cases, it may cause a headache triggered by the pounding blood flow and possible nerve pressure caused by it. It’s best to talk to a healthcare practitioner about B3 to know how you should properly take, or if it will be helpful.
17. Grab a pencil
Holding a pencil between your teeth (holding, not biting or clenching your jaw) can help a tension headache dissipate. The actual physical action of holding the pencil between your teeth activates your “smile” muscles, relaxing your jaw. We often times clench our teeth when stressed and this in turn strains the muscle connecting the jaw to the temples and causes a tension headache. Again, make sure your jaw is relaxed and the pencil is held lightly between your teeth.
18. Drink up
On average we don’t drink enough water daily, and that alone is cause for a headache. Coffee, alcohol, sugary drinks-all can dehydrate you (hence the pounding headache that comes along with a hangover) and should be avoided. As soon as your head starts to hurt, drink a tall glass of water, and then sip throughout the day. Gradually the pain will start to ease up, and you’ll be hurting less and well-hydrated to boot. Simply drinking water may seem too obvious or simple to actually work as a headache remedy but it can, and often time’s does. We humans often just seem to feel the need to make things more complicated than they are.
You use your head for a lot of things, maybe not all things, but hopefully for a lot of them, and a throbbing pain in your noggin can really make it hard to function. While over-the-counter pain killers may temporarily relieve the discomfort, they’re not going to prevent headaches from returning full force-or worse- in the future. Give some headache home remedies a shot, and you’ll end up saving yourself a headache (probably lots of headaches) in the future.
Tips for food-related headaches
Food, especially nowadays with all the extra synthetic/chemical stuff we add to it, can be a major trigger for some people’s migraines or other types of headaches. To pinpoint what may set you off, try the following.
Keep a food diary: Record the foods you eat and track your headache patterns. See if you can spot a link.
Always read food labels: While the FDA requires companies to list many things on their labels, some things can also be hidden as a component of other ingredients. Do you research on words to look out for that may disguise or make it difficult to avoid the things you want to.
Listen to your body: You should always listen to your body, but sometimes it’s hard…like when there’s a plate of double-chocolate chunk cookies sitting in front of you, or you’re craving a mug of steaming hot fresh coffee. Of course we’ll indulge at times, but if your body protests (like with a migraine) respect it. It’s your body, you two live together, and you simply can’t have all the things you want in life all the time (which is probably a very good thing.)
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I am so scared of the Cayenne drink but really want to try to use it for headaches! Has anyone tried it? How spicy is it?
I haven’t tried this as a drink.for a headache but I’ve tried it with Apple cider vinegar for colds and.this stuff is awesome I wouldn’t be scared. The dose I tried was 1/4 c of water to a tbsp of cayenne…..yea HOT. even.a full tsp is hot so 4oz of water to 1/2tsp of cayenne shouldn’t.be too hot. It’s not really spicy it’s more of a heat. I wouldn’t be scared at all. Plus drinking cayenne is good for blood flow and so much more.
Whoops! Looks like I was mixing up the cayenne remedy for headaches with the one for sore throats. Looks like you just apply this one for a headache. Thanks so much for the tips though Brandi! I will definitely try that next time I get a sore throat.
I really hope some of these work :/ I get seriously horrible headaches and want to try something new. What remedies works best for anyone else that uses them for headaches? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Alex-
Being a headache sufferer for years the 2 things that have helped me the most have been drinking enough water and working on my posture. I sit in an office all day and used to slump which made my shoulders tense and gave me constant headaches. Hope this helped.
Hi Alex,
One of the things that helped me with the headaches that I was experiencing was to pay close attention to when they happened. I learned that when certain people/situations entered my personal space (on what ever level) the headache would begin. Once I started weeding out these thoughts and peoples the headaches drastically decreased. It had gotten so bad that my eye would even start twitching. (a funny and dramatic response from my body!) Anyhow hope you the best with your headaches.
I have been taking Feverfew capsules for over 8 years. I was having 2-3 migraines a month until I started taking it. Now, I only get them a couple times a year, and they are at least bearable.
What dose do you take? I am getting on an average a migraine a week and they are getting resistant to the medications. I will have no kidney function left if I keep this medicating up.
Do u take the feverfew with your other medicines? Do they interact? I have 2-3 week also
A good way is just to go take a shower if you feel very weak in your migraine just first awaken your muscles by using cold water. Go from warm water and go cooler and cooler until it is cold. After that use warm water and let it run down your face until you can not feel the pain anymore ( relaxes the membrane). Then when you are done before you get out use cold water to awaken your muscles again ( DO NOT PUT YOUR HEAD IN THE COLD WATER JUST YOUR BODY). Then if it is still there which is highly unlikely because this really works go sleep. It will be gone. 😀
I swear by peppermint oil and have successfully used feverfew. Peppermint oil is my favorite and now I have many friends who use it, as well!
I do it every day; you get used to and even enjoy the heat, after a while.
have a glass of milk handy to quell the burn!
I have used a cayenne pepper mix several times for migraine relief and it works quite well. I just sprinkle some cayenne pepper into a small cup and add a few drops of warm water to make a “paste”. Use a cotton swab to stir and soak it in the solution. Rub the swab into each nostril. It burns a little, but it does ease your migraine!
i tried the same thing you did. It burn ALOT!!! I didnt have a cotten swab so I had to use my finger. I still have it in my nose and it burns sooooo much!!!
Hello, although it was a few years ago, a coworker from Vietnam used an acupressure type approach on my migraines that were so bad at the time I couldn’t sleep. She had me sit down and she pulled on the roots of my hair all over the crown and top of my scalp. Phong then suggested peppermint candies to suck on since we didn’t sell peppermint oil. She thought the artificial sweeteners in the gum I was chewing also played a roll in my pain. I still rely on it –
I have used Cayenne (Red Pepper) on a tooth ache just rub a very itsy bitsy amount and it helped me make it till I could see the dentist. I also had a headache and I noticed it subsided as well. You can get them at the Herb Shop as Capsicum in tablet. But your tummy will burn from the heat…but that just means its working and it will go away.
I have tried it and it works. I had a terrible headache and doctor wanted me to come in but it was so bad I couldn’t drive. I tried this and felt better in about 5 minutes. You don’t drink it. You rub it around your nostrils.
I am at the start of my second pregnancy (hooray!) but during my first I got the WORST hormone headaches (not-hooray.) I was spared morning sickness for the most part, but I think I would have taken that over the awful headaches.
I am really excited to have found this list because I want to be as healthy as I can for my baby, and never liked taking tylenol or other medications even though they were considered safe during pregnancy. Will always be checking with my Ob/Gyn, but looking forward to trying some of these!
Also, if you could do something on natural remedies that are safe for children, that’d be great 🙂
It seems strange to me that you say avoid MSG, yet don’t even mention Aspartame, for many, especially those who react badly to MSG, Aspartame (both Nutra-Sweet and AminoSweet) is every bit as bad, and nearly as difficult to avoid.
Hi Bear,
Aspartame hadn’t crossed my mind actually, but thank you for bringing it up! I suppose as a rule of thumb I steer clear of artificial sweeteners no matter what, but Aspartame certainly seems a topic of hot debate for a lot of people. From the research that I had done on it, I had trouble finding conclusive studies that solidly linked its use to the controversy and criticism surrounding its potential health risks. However, it’s certainly a cloudy subject, and one that seems to have many people still concerned.
I personally have found MSG can trigger headaches, and simply have more knowledge of it than Aspartame.
Thank you for your input! 🙂
-Claire
I have to agree with Bear. I have suffered with migraines since i was a kid. I can not have ANYTHING with an artificial sweetener in it, be around fluorescent lights….. ALL of them are triggers for me. (This makes it exceedingly difficult to lose weight.) I am definitely going to try some of the remedies the next time I get one.
Gin, Aspartame will not help you lose weight anyway. There is a lot of evidence out there that artificial sweeteners trigger weight gain, rather than helping you lose weight. Try just increasing the amount of savory foods you eat, especially vegetables, good fats, and proteins. At the same time, decrease the amount of sweets, regardless of the type of sweetener, and your weight loss should be easier.
As a migraine sufferer for many years I have learned that you have to be very careful about MSG and Aspartame. They can be hidden in many different food items even medications. Watch your chewable and liquid medications for the aspartame especially the children’s medications. I bought an adult chewable vitamin recently and had the worse headache I have had in years. The vitamins were full of aspartame, not very healthy in my opinion.
Ugh…one tiny sip touched my lips yesterday. BAM! Instant migraine. That is all it takes when it comes to aspartame. Wish I had known it was in the drink I sampled before I let it almost kill me.
Very interesting comment regarding aspartame. As a junior Pharmacist, my dissertation many years ago had been written about additives and preservatives to foods. Due tot he carcinogenic properties of saccharin, it was always banned from my home. About 6 years ago I had the misfortune to have a Brain Haemorrhage and was informed that there was quite a bit of scarring from previous bleeds too. My headaches continued for the next five years until I lived abroad and buying ‘diet’ drinks proved difficult so I ended up drinking ‘fullfat’ soda. The headaches minimised. I have since learned that Aspartame is a dangerous ‘drug’ and as well as causing serious headaches, it is also a depressant. Governments know about its properties but because it quells the masses, they are not prepared to do anything about it. For me… no government is going to give me depressants so a good reason not to use A. The governments are also in the pockets of the A manufacturers so that is another reason that the govs do nowt. Rise up and give A the push. Seize the headache.
Try the water first. It’s sometimes just dehydration that causes headaches, body aches and, if severe, fever. I used to get up in the morning aching all over. My feet were so sore I could barely get out of bed. I started drinking more plain water in the evening and have had no a. m. pain since.
I suffer from chronic severe migraine headaches and am under the care of a neurologist. I have been taking Butterbur for several months but have been recently instructed by my neurologist to stop. There has been a recent study released linking Butterbur to cancer with prolonged use. Be sure to discuss the use of Butterbur with your physician!
im selaping wrong thats why
peppermint oil helped my headaches
My Dr. has me using Oxygen and it’s been a “life-saver” for me. I awoke at 4 a.m. with a horrible head ache and witihin 15 min. I was able to go back to sleep; hope this helps someone!!!
I have suffered from Migraines all my life…most severe & hindering; I learned over many years that the use of FEVERFEW daily is INDEED a terrific preventitive. I also have been on RX meds for many many years…ice to the back of my neck & every circumference of my head is the ONLY comfort once the migraine has set in. Also, when a headache is approaching, I have used the manipulation/massage of pressure points…primarily the area of the thumb/palm applied pressure to help redistribute the head pain to the induced pressure discomfort in the hand thumb palm manipulation..it helps~
Yes! Feverfew! I take it daily as well, as I used to be a migraine sufferer.
Question: for Cayenne Pepper Formula, is it 1/4 or 1/2 tsp per 4 oz. of water? Ingredient list & instructions conflicting. Thanks.
I was completely debilitated by migraine for close 6 years. Now, I may have one every few months, but even that is better, not even OTC drugs. Next time though, I’m going to give the cayenne pepper therapy a try. Thanks! What do you think about using Cayenne Oil?
Drinking lots of water and recieving fresh air whenever i have headache has truly helped me.
One thing not mentioned here that works to ease tension headaches (most ANY type of muscle tension, also) is MAGNESIUM. That is, applying topical magnesium in liquid form — as an “oil” or “oil lotion” — to both the soles of the feet as well as to areas of the body that hold tension.
Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxer and is vital to over 300 functions within the body. Magnesium CHLORIDE (this form ONLY) flakes mixed with purified water makes a brine of sorts, although it has the viscosity of oil; thus, it’s called “magnesium oil”. I apply a small amount of this solution on areas all over my body to relax the muscles, including my calves to relieve cramping. For headaches, I apply it to the base of my head, temples, neck, and shoulders, but WHEREVER the tension is, magnesium is MOST bio-absorbable when applied to the soles of the feet FIRST.
There are several natural remedy sites from which EASY recipes can be obtained for making homemade versions of both MAGNESIUM OIL and MAGNESIUM OIL LOTION. Ingredients are SIMPLE, AFFORDABLE, and available online and in grocery stores. I have made both the oil and the lotion and love to give it to friends and family. Who DOESN’T have a need and desire at some time in their life to relieve muscle tension and pain, including HEADACHES?
I really like this post! I actually use 2 cups of semi-hot water to 1 cup of Epsom salt and by isolating it to area it hurts and it stops backaches instantly so why not use it for headache! Awesome idea! I never consume anything with MSG or aspartame or other fake sugars, my headaches are due to bulging in my neck and right & left rotators injury! I refuse to use prescription drugs-too many side effect. I was doing research lately and deficiency on magnesium is very popular here in United States. I love acupressure and use it daily! Acupressure is something anyone can do to himself or herself, by putting pressure where it hurts and then release. I also found out drinking vitamins in powder form such as OPC-3, B-Complex & multi-vitamin significantly reduced how many migraines I have! I also practice daily that if I’m in pain stop what I’m doing immediately and rest. I am a firm believer that if you’re in pain and you continue to move, you do more harm than good! Usually I find when you have pain it’s due to swelling-(Muscle is tightened up and putting pressure against nerve causing the pain.) So getting the swelling down should be utmost importance first. I was exercising my shoulders on my own and thought I was ready for PT! Big mistake: I was always taught never exercise an area until it hurt! But I listened to PT trainer and now I injured myself and feel as though I must start all over again. So I say – listen to your body only you know how you feel-don’t push yourself-it never pays. I will get back my full strength without any operations, 98% of all operations are unsuccessful here, so I will do it my way and at my pace! I chalk this up as lesson well learned. When my shoulder or neck is swollen I use heat, menthol at least 10%, Capzasin, Epsom salt and I immediately lay down go to complete resting state. Sometimes I do use Advil as well. Another thought is where is the migraine; in front –sinus or eyes. I actually noticed wearing glasses and having them press against my temples can cause headaches as well. If it’s my sinus I use warm towel soaks and bring it to bridge of my nose, several times and then gentle blow one side of my nose to a time above toilet! Hope this helps!
Love the 18 ways to treat migraines……I have also found therapy with a counselor and journaling to help identify the emotional triggers. It is my belief that it takes a combination of remedies of ward off the multiple triggers.
After suffering with migraines for forty-something years I finally found something that works amazingly! I mentioned at my yearly check up with my gynecologist that I felt tired all the time and she suggested a series of vitamin B 12 injections. We started with 1000mg. weekly for 4 weeks then the plan was once a month after the 1st month. After week two I realized I had not had a migraine in several days. I had transformed migraines which were occuring almost daily. Week three I was headache free and week four also. I called to my doctor to see if there was any reason I should not continue the weekly injection. she suggested we stick to our plan and see when the headaches returned. After 3 weeks I had a migraine so now I take the injections every 2 weeks and have been headache free for three years. What an amazing 3 years it has been! The best of my life.
I’m looking for something to releive pain so I can stay asleep threw the night
Fill a old sock with rice,tie the end of the sock in a knot,warm in the microwave for one minute,then place on where you have a headache and it will release your pain,an old remedy but it works.
My daughter is literally bed ridden five days out of seven with migraine/cluster headaches. She has suffered with migraines since age nine and is now 42 and on disability. I take care of her daily needs because she is unable. We have tried everything, including most everything on this list. I even took her to a witch doctor once – anything to put an end to her suffering. She recently had her second botox injection and is finally getting some relief. Good luck to all of you who suffer with these terrible headaches.
I am so sorry for your daughter. I hope the botox works. I’ve had migraines for 16 years and have been on disability for 4 years. Currently I’m taking Topamax and Depo-provera, but I’m not liking the side effects, and hopefully I can get approved for botox. But I’m willing to try some of these, and some I’ve already tried. The cayenne sounds painful, but I’ll do it! Feverfew didn’t work for me. Fish oil didn’t help either. Cold compress and peppermint oil does offer a little relief. But I do have to take Imitrex or Zomig. Good luck to your daughter and she’s so lucky to have you! I wish there were support groups for chronic migraine sufferers on disability.
Hi! I’ve suffered daily chronic migraines for about 10 years now and about about a year and a half ago they got so bad that I barely leave my house anymore. As a result of that I lost my job and applied for disability. I was denied twice and am now waiting for my appeal hearing. Can you please tell me the process you went through to be granted disability? Thank you!
Sue
Hi, I am a cluster headache sufferer and have found that oxygen therapy works, as does a cold compress on the head and hands and feet in warm water(draws blood away from the head). Also, I find that vervain works. I hope your daughter finds something that works. Perhaps one of the Triptan medicines. Also, try the OUCH website for support and message boards for what other people have found helpful.
I also had injections in my head, waste of time. The only doctor related treatment that worked was a lumbar puncture and I have wished for one on at least a dozen other occasions. Try going without Aspartame. Now looking for a cure for back pain. I was also on Topiramate and Amitriptyline as both meds have side effects as a pain reliever… neither worked and the Topiramate left me with the most awful pins and needles from my nose down to my toes. Also very susceptible to burning. Doctors treatment for computer burn on my tummy and a hot water bottle burn (tepid) on my hand.
Be careful, the only good thing that came of it was that being on 175mg Ami meant I could sleep at night.
Well, If you feel like you have a lot of pressure on your head. I always think to eat fish or tuna. I open a can of tuna up and eat the whole thing and my headache goes away. It works for me.
I was having lots of trouble with headaches, not actually migraines. I went to see a chiropractor which helped but I realised that one of my problems with my neck was being caused by wearing bifocals and tipping my head back to look through the glasses when using the computer. I have had a lot less headaches since getting glasses specifically designed for the computer which helped improve my posture.
I’ve been trying to find home remedies for my nonstop migraines, I have had 11 teeth pulled and need one that would work for me
I can’t believe the Sniff A Lemon remedy isn’t here. When I get my half head migraines I cut open a lemon or open the lemon juice bottle and smell it for about 5 minutes. Within about 20 minutes my migraine is GONE. Heard about it on “The Dr’s”. This works for me at least 90% of the time.
Try an allergy test you know the ones that stick your back with a variety of things ……maybe your allergic to something you eat alot of I was alleric to chicken and pork…cold shower on the face then warm on the body may help also sounds crazy but push ups
WhAT sadism is this ? i did the cayenne pepper thing my nose is is on fire its like i lit my nose hair on fire …it works though 🙂
I know Jordan! My nose was on fire to! It worked but I did it about five mins ago and my nose is still on fire!!!
I suffer from chronic migraines and I just want to comment on feverfew. I used it for a long time, and it made a HUGE difference. However, I took a supplement of it because I didn’t have the plant available to me in college. The results for me, while MANY less migraines, I also have worse skin because of it.
My skin has always been sensitive (I am a red head), however while taking it, I found that I could be sunburned in under 10 minutes of exposure. Several times I was burnt through my clothes (thin shirts, however that had never happened before). It is known to cause skin sensitivity.
Also, if you do use it, bringing the water to a full boil may destroy some of the chemicals in the plant. Whenever I do an herbal tea I heat the water to just shy of boiling. It may need to steep for a moment longer, but is in theory healthier. I found this recommendation from “The Green Pharmacy” by James Duke. If you are not familiar with his book, I highly recommend it.
Actually, my neurologist (certified headache specialist) says to take B2 not B3 in addition to Magnesium. This has helped me reduce both the amount of migraines I usally get as well as the severity of them.
Hi! I have a brain tomor in my left head,I was have a head ache in a coup of days or a week. I was been already in the hospital last night and they make’s me the scanner but they said its a normal . And I take medecine dafalgan or doleprane but until now I feel bad and I feel dizzy . could you help me PLS! some tips what I can do .. Thank you and. God bless us all .
I get really bad migraines and I have found this is the best natural way to get rid of them:
Make a HOT foot bath. The water needs to be so hot that it hurts at first ( not hot enough to burn your skin though). Fill the bucket and sit with your feet in the hot water. You can also put a cold facecloth on your forehead.
It usually takes about 10 minutes and you might need to keep topping up the hot water but it definitely works!
Hi! I am 27 years old. I have always headache problem one time in a week. Could you tell me how can remedies this problem. reply plz!
Cut open a lemon, or open up a bottle of lemon juice and sniff it for about 5 minutes. In about 20 minutes my half head migraines are GONE at least 90% of the time. I heard about it on “The Dr’s” and am just amazed how well it works for me.
I found out I was anemic, and that was why I got a lot of migraines!! I take iron, B12, folic acid .
An orgasm can be really good for headaches too :O
At the age of 16, i suffered Migraine headache for a year and some months and indeed was a critical one. It was so overwhelming, it took a lot of medication but seem not working.
I discovered few thing i applied every day till the migraine headache finally stopped.
-i took ibuprofen for one week
-Reduce too much of studying, stress and taking enough rest.
-Take fruits in the morning with a lot of water.
Sleep is the number one! Get plenty of sleep at night and drink plenty of water in the day time. Secondly, your posture – sit , walk and stand straight so the blood can flow properly. Thirdly, watch your food and the ingredients of food that you eat. Mostly junky stuff it trigger your headaches. MSG it tastes good but not good for your body. Chocolate and all caffeinated food has to be minimized. Fourthly, think positive and be happy all the time because your body response in positive way especially your (cpu) brain. That also comes back to number 1 SLEEP. You can’t be happy if you don’t have enough good sleep. Negative thinking always trigger headaches.
what you don’t seem to understand is that I wake up with a headache. sleep may be needed, but with my headaches its impossible
I just did the cayenne pepper and all it’s done is make me sneeze constantly….
If one’s body is chronically dehydrated on a cellular level, just drinking a lot of water (IME) doesn’t do it. But, finding out about that dehydration via a computerized bio-energetic test and finding a supplement to add to water changed everything. In my case, Dr. Flanagan’s Crystal Energy and Megahydrate have dramatically reduced them, and even if one begins to come on I can 9 times out of 10 get rid of it. Mg is important too. And if one’s body has trouble detoxing, homeopathic drainage formula(s) are also important. Try Qigong to detox as well. These additions have entirely changed my headache frequency, intensity and length in the last 3 months. My headaches start at the back of the neck, and travel over the ear to the temple(s).
Vitamin C also may resolve one, even eating oranges. Sucking on frozen blueberries has helped me reduce pain, though the resulting blue lips, teeth and tongue are Halloween-worthy. Peppermint oil is a go-to for symptomatic relief.
Water therapy, stretches, and proper posture work for me. I also massage my temples, nape and the space between my thumb and index finger with a minty massage oil.
Where is the tip for making the hot compress?
I used to be a migraine sufferer,one once a week in fact. I found that quitting sugar, gluten and pretty much all the carbohydrates has helped and since 1 year on the diet I have not had one since! I recommend cutting the sugar out of you are a migraine sufferer – and even if you dont suffer fro them, try cutting it out anyway! Sugar is a bad bad substance that is not good for your helth. Hope this helps.
On the slight chance that this might help someone else, I just have to share my story. I experienced horrible migraines from age 9 until around 50. I was tested by many types of doctors and tried most every prescription on the market, but nothing really helped. Then, by accident, I discovered that STRAWBERRIES and BANANAS were my triggers. Those foods were never on any list of triggers provided by my doctors. Since I elimated those two fruits, I have not had a single migraine! I have never found an explanation for this, but I hope it helps someone find their triggers.
Many cases of headaches are from the consumption of aspartame. I recommend the avoidance of any artificial sweeteners at all costs.
I have daily pain & pressure in my behind my eyes & in my temples everyday. It never goes away. I have seen every doctor on the planet just about. Any ideas of what could be causing this?
I have no idea what could be causing your pain but I certainly feel for you because I suffer daily pain as well. Every day I wake up and it’s there all day. I get kidney stones as well from all the meds. I’m seeing a neurologist & taking Topamax & Imitrix along with other prescribed meds with various side effects. Not working either!!! Since January 2013 I have had 320 headaches, not really fair !! I’m VERY FRUSTRATED and even scared!! I don’t know what else to do or where to turn. I have suffered with them since I was about 8, not so bad when I was young but now I’m 41 and they have gotten to be totally unbearable. I don’t believe food is a concern with me. I know it sounds odd but, I love chinese food and I actually feel better and my headache decreases when I eat it. I don’t have any known allergies at all. I guess I will try some of these natural remedies and maybe talk to my Dr. about Botox injections but I’m concerned about their effectiveness. I don’t have anything to loose accept the headaches though. Life is pretty miserable.
The joy to have 320 headaches… that implies that there were times in between that you were headache free. In six years I have had one headache and only in the last year has it began to ease. Waking up in the night with a headache is so wrong, painful and sad/bad/mad!!!
I am amazed that food causes have not been explored or addressed here more. It is often a trigger that may not be connected to migraines due to the delay of 24-48 hours. Try avoiding all gluten (start with cutting carbohydrates completely for 2-4 weeks.) Then challenge yourself with one at a time. If you are sensitive to gluten, as in wheat, rye or barley, your body will tell you so! If going without bread products seems IMPOSSIBLE, then you have a high degree of probability it is the culprit, as it is addicting. Gluten is very close in chemical structure as morphine. Have faith, after you get it out of your system you don’t have the same craving, and when you look at that scrumptious bread you see yourself sick with a migraine, fighting acid reflux, not sleeping, joints aching, whatever symptoms that improved while you were off of it. Take heed, for as a nurse there are serious conditions as you age if you ignore it!
I suffer from chronic, tension, something else cannot think of the word, migraines. Right now I am doing Botox, well do my second round in January….I might just try some of these…its worth a try…
Hi Claire, Thank you for sharing your knowledge 🙂
I was wondering if any of these remedies would help with period cramps? Mine are really bad I feel like I need to take painkillers even if it’s to help psychologically. Do you have any tips for menstrual cramps? Thanks so much!!
This has really helped. But, I’m still gonna eat chocolate with a headache or without.
I suffer badly at times and when it happens I go mad. I wash my face with cold water and slightly wet my hair. Then all is well.
Thanks for sharing your remedy-that does sound wonderfully soothing, I’ll be giving it a try in the future 🙂
With me I get headaches everyday cause I had an concussionm the doctors gave me medicine but I doesn’t seem to help. I get them a least twice a day now. What can ido?
Hi Claire
Great advice thanks. I also think eating fresh fruit especially melons and strawberries and anything with high water content really re-hydrates you very quickly.
All the best Gerry
I get migraines several times a week so tired of them, please let me know which one is best? I’m so mrisable!
Warm shower first then slowly turn it to the cold wile on your face the water should as cold as you can handle let run down you for maybe 3 minutes then return to warm on your body to relax you not your face…..i know it sounds weird but though the worst migraines I’d do any ware from 25 to 100 push UPS good luck
Beware of almagram or mercury use to fixed your teeth. At root canal could be the cause of your migraine or tension headaches. Do some research. I am convince this have contribute to the decline of my health. I thank the author of this page for sharing so many home remedies. I will try a few. Vitamin D3 I believe trigger my headaches too. Thank you for mentioning this here. Stay away from Vitamin D3. Not good. I stop taking it. I still don’t feel well. But at least now I know not to take it ever again. Blessings to you all!
I am a 29 year old, I have a VP shunt for 22 years. I was alright till about 8 years ago. I started getting these terrible headaches that are none stop even when i take pain medication. I had numerous scans done and everytime their come out with nothing showing everything was normal. My GP said it was migrain then he said it was my sinus but all medications has failed to relief any of my painful experiences. These headaches have gotten so worse that i started having double vision.
Im currently on Diamox and the headaches are not so frequent as their were but just once a week i will have a episode of headache, nausea, shoulder and neck pain, which last up to 14 hours. Someone please help me.
Well I have tried a lime and if you just put it on the side that your headache is on and leave it there for a few minutes then you headache should be gone in no time! Hope it works for you! 🙂
when i study after 5 minutes my mind is went pain. please advice me that which medicine i can take.
I have bad migraine headaches and i use icy hot or any kind of muscle rub.all I do is rub the muscle rub on where it is hurting and lay down it goes away in no time
My pharmacist told me to apply heat to my feet and ice packs to my head at the very beginning of a migraine. This really helps. My migraine triggers are msg and aspartame. It really helps to avoid those.
Aspartame is a neurotoxin its a posibility its the reason you get headaches
I wonder if red peppers can be used instead of cayenne pepper. I just drank about a half teaspoon in about a quarter cup of water. Hope it works, I’ve had a migraine for about 3 days or so now.
Ive been getting migraines and tension headaches since grade school. I often go into chronic episodes. Jaw clenching is a huge issue… my whole face hurts, swells and triggers the migraine. The position I sleep in also triggers migraines… smells, lights, foods, stress, hormonal. I can avoid most things, but the hormonal aspect. For a week of month im floored.
I wont take prns unless its really bad, as they trigger rebounds. Even then i will use asprin… never opiate or barbituate meds. Horrbile stuff, that make the cycle worse. Preventive meds have decreased them substancially.
Warm compress is great for tension and anti inflammitories. Something not mentioned here, is routine. Eating, sleeping and medications at same time are very important. If you drink caffine, limit it. Limit eye strain… which stinks then youre a book worm. Raw foods, non processed, while difficult… are great…
Im sorry for those who suffer with this.
Beware. Do not try the Apple Cider Vinegar inhalation. I tried it last night and have been experiencing an acute attack of coughing since then. The cough first had this wheezing sound, that eventually started to sound like whooping cough. Sore lungs. Finally, mucus started coming out. It has now been about 12 hours since, and the cough is still as bad. I believe the inhalation has caused dangerous amounts of acid to accumulate in my lungs, and I can only hope that the effect of this will not last.
I have been having headaches every day for about 3 years what do i do?
I just stumbled across these remedies a couple of days ago and boy am I glad I did. My family and I have tried several different medications to relieve headaches, stress, and numerous other ailments. None have effectively worked. ( not without other side effects anyways) This page has truly been a blessing to us over the last few days. My dad suffers from several diseases and ailments and I have talked him into trying some of these and he is feeling much better. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and advice with us. You are helping more people than you realize. You are a blessing to people you don’t even know! 🙂
Butterbur is dangerous if not taken as you said, certified without the harmful components, I believe the only approved formula is Petadolex. The feverfew, riboflavin, magnesium, Co Q10, & melatonin work well together as I have a dtr who suddenly developed complex migraines 2 weeks after a mandatory meningitis vaccine, 🙁
I have suffered from migraines for 15 yrs. they originally started with my period but have progressively gotten worse through the years. I have seen hormone specialist at the mayo clinic as well as a neurologist, I’ve also been to the diamond headache clinic in Chicago, these are the two best clinic to go to in the U.S., I’ve also done an experimental treatment at a clinic as well. I have had no relief. I’m on my 4th round of Botox, I’m taking the highest dose of topamax daily plus multiple pain medications and injections. I’ve been hospitalized 6 times in the last 2 years and had over 20 ER visits. I’ve been on disability now for a year through work. I’ve tried home remedies and oils and cut gluten, sugars, literally everything! I just switched to my 4th neuro in my home town and she suggested migrelief, it’s b2, magnesium (which I’ve tried both) plus feverfew. I will get it in the mail Wednesday. Seeing so many of you have luck with feverfew gives me hope and also makes me feel I’m not alone in this struggle. I’m 28, and had 5 Drs now tell me I’m hopeless and they can’t do anything for me! You give me hope! So thank you for your post Claire and for the rest of you, your comments! God bless!
Hi Claire,
I suffered from migraines for more than 10 years and I don’t really know the stressors. I can only guess stress and anxiety. 5 years ago my migraine attack was so bad i couldn’t walk and threw up froth. Couldn’t eat or drink, not even plain water. I was immediately admitted to the hospital and had to undergo MRI. The doctors found nothing and i was put on migraine treatment for 2 months with side effects of course – weight gain. I was fine for 2 years. Then it came back. I couldn’t put myself through medication just to get better. I tried so many remedies, some helped a bit but mostly didnt work. Perhaps i was being impatient but if a migraine puts you through the agony of having to throw up froth, you’d give anything to stop it instantly. I thought i should just detoxify my body so I planned to go on a one week fruit diet. Had all sorts of fruits and banana was always part of the menu. By day 3, I was feeling good and migraine was completely gone. A month later migraine attacked again but this time i had only bananas. To my surprise, within 24 hours migraine just stopped. I have been eating bananas regularly now and am a happy person too. Some say its potassium, some say its the magnesium but i believe its the combination of all contained in bananas. I share this hoping it works for some as it does for me. God Bless!
-Jess (Malaysia)
I have been experiencing headaches/migraines from the age of 8 and now I’m 24 not a goes by where I don’t suffer with pain. I recently tried something and it helped drinking a glass of ice cold water and than just sitting up straight within a few seconds my pain would simmer down and then go away. It’s a temporary pain relief but way better than taking any medication. Hope this can help
I always get a headache if I have any aspertame, even just from gum. I knew a lady who would into work every night with a headache. She took her pain killers with some sugar free flavored water I think it was aquafina, but she didn’t believe me when I told her. A lot of times I sleep wrong so my neck is tense, then iget a headache and it even starts hurting my eye. I didn’t think of using a hot pad but I can see that working for that situation. Thanks for the tips.
Hi Claire, I’ve been reading your articles for sometime now. I wanted to share my tips for managing headaches. Prevention is better than cure is something we have often heard and it holds true for headaches too. Pls see below for changes that I made for eliminating by headaches.
1. Wearing sunglasses.
I live in a place where it is quite hot and I need to travel every day in the noon when the sun is at its peak. I have realised that on the days when I wear a uv protection shades, I don’t suffer from headaches as opposed to the days I don’t.
2. Posture.
You have mentioned this and I can’t emphasise enough on this. I am a person who is dependent on my phone, so I realised I tend to stoop down to look at my phone. Holding the phone up and keeping it at eye level and at little distance away from my body has helped relieve tension on my neck muscles, which in turn resulted in lower headaches.
3. Cutting off blue light from your gadget screens.
I am using an app called Twilight (there are others too with the same function), which cuts out the blue light from the phone and gives a reddish tinge to the screen. This red hue helps in reading at night and relieved eye related irritation and headaches caused by staring at the screen for a long time.
I hope my experience will benefit other readers of your blog too.
I used to have so called menstrual migraines but since I take agnus castus they are gone.Recently however I wasn’t taking it regularly so the migraines came back.I mixed lavender and peppermint oil with a carrier oil and apply to my head and neck I also had them in my diffuser.I gave myself some foot reflexology and listen to hypnotherapy app.it was gone after an hour
I developed a neurological disorder from a cruise several years ago called Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS). One of the things that comes along with this lovely package are migraine headaches. I found out a while back that taking magnesium (I take 2 magnesium oxides and one magnesium L-threonates), which seems to have headache-proofed me. My husband had frequent headaches, too, and he started taking this combination of magnesiums, and his headaches have also stopped for several years now. The magnesium L-threonate is particularly good, because it crosses the blood-brain barrier.
I have suffered with migraines since I was in my teens (now nearly 50 … they were coming on 2-4 times a week). I have recently discovered the link between PFO (hole in the heart) and migraines. After many months and much expense with neurologists and cardiologist I have had the PFO Closure and over the past 4 months, I am down to almost 0 migraines, maybe 1-2 onsets a month at most … and no where near the severity as they used to be.
Im 50 this year and si9nce I was a babe in my mommas arms I have had crippling migraines to the point of blacking out and falling. Ive spoken to my medical team about trying home remedies and they suggested t o me that I locate OTC natural remedies such as a natural form of 3 items. Thew first is a natural form of benadryl, second is a natural form of caffiene, and last is the natural form of pain reliever like tylenol. I don’t know where I would get these other than my coffee and tylenol and benedryl i keep at home. But this is how th ER’s across the country are treating migraines now days. Works well for me as well as giving me a good bag of saling/glucose wdrip to rehydrate me.
Hope thid id useful to someone.
The trigger for me to get a migraine headache is often perfumes. Scented candles, smelly soaps etc. When I get the vision disturbance that comes before the pain I take Migraleve and Ibuprofen which I always have with me – just incase.
Thanks for these suggestions! I will have to try these with my next headache.
Although I don’t agree with diluting peppermint oil with water. Water intensifies and drives essential oils deeper into the skin. With peppermint, that could burn pretty good. Carrier oils should always be used to dilute EOs.
Otherwise, I appreciate your research and help!
My favorite “cure” for a headache is to rub a drop of lavender essential oil on each temple, and one across the forehead, and two drops on either side of the back of the neck. I have yet to have any headache survive that treatment. I always rest for about 10 minutes after doing so — mainly because the scent of the lavender is so strong it requires I close my eyes anyway, so resting is a natural result — then I go about my business and the headache is gone within that 10 minute rest.
Cured my migraine headaches with magnesium. Most women are lacking in magnesium. It took two weeks of supplementing with 600 mg of magnesium per day to rid them.
I had suffered for over twenty years and the hospital remedies made everything worse. The magnesium cured the migraines.
Hope this helps someone
Blessings.
During my premenopausal stage, migraine was a very common condition for me which lasts for days. That was when I discovered that I have hypertension which in the beginning I was in denial. What triggered it was stress but mostly it was due to dehydration and simply drinking water or Gatorade will not help. Prior to considering that I was just dehydrated, I would immediately take Tylenol and the pain is instantly gone in the beginning. When this pill didn’t work out anymore, I doubled the dose. It was an instant cure but I was told that Tylenol has an ingredient that causes hypertension. From then on, taking a pill was a very last option. I would first consider dehydration, and when I get migraine attacks I would diligently hydrate myself, first with Oresols and Pedialyte for adults. I also use lavender oil applied on my temples and back of my neck. When I ran out of lavender oil, I use mentholated paste-like cure for itch and pain called Katinko. It has eucalyptus and camphor and this is very common and cheap here in the Philippines. I rarely take pain relievers now, nor do I suffer from headaches at present, I always try to prevent getting dehydrated. Yoga meditation, exercise and working with nature are also integrated with my lifestyle now. It helps a lot to know the cause of headache to manage it effectively.
I used to get migraine all the time at least 2/3 a week until in 2003 I had a heart bypass since then I can count on one hand the amounts of headaches/migraines
I’ve had. Any idea way. Not that I want them back.
A few years ago I stopped my migraines when I found out I had Celiac Disease and went on a ‘no processed food’ diet. It took a few months, but I’ve not had a migraine in a couple years now. Not enough docs are trying to find a cause for the pain; if you have symptoms of CD, even just one, get tested. It could save you a lot of pain.