Ways to Relieve Headaches

Ways to Relieve Headaches

In these times of stress, headaches are common. My husband and I have suffered from migraines for many years. Stressful times, such as these, seem to bring them on more and more. We have spent a lot of money and time seeking ways to relieve all our headaches (migraine, tension, and cluster). We have tried many different remedies to help with the pain and discomfort as well as ways to ward off headaches, especially migraines. I have compiled a list of ways to help relieve and prevent headaches. Whether you suffer from migraines, tension or cluster headaches, or a simple headache from time to time, these remedies can help.

To help prevent headaches

Reduce your intake or avoid headache triggers such as alcohol, dairy, caffeine, sugar, chocolate, wheat, and MSG.

Eat turkey, almonds, dark green veggies, pineapple, and cherries. I also discovered peanut butter helps stop a headache once it starts. Be sure and eat it at the early onset of your headache for best results.

Get adequate sleep and find time during the day for some R & R (rest and relaxation).

Feverfew and gingko biloba (herbal remedies) help prevent migraines. Feverfew is also good for pain and muscle tension. Gingko biloba improves blood circulation and oxygen flow to the brain.

Exercise is a great preventative. It keeps the circulation flowing and the tension down.

To relieve headache pain

Kava (herbal remedy)- can relieve tension headaches

Feverfew (herbal remedy)- can help with pain and muscle tension

Drink a cup of black coffee. Some people put a few drops of lemon juice in the coffee to help.

Acupressure is one of my favorites. It is simple and convenient. One acupressure is to use your thumb and index finger to press against the bridge of your nose between your eyes. Another acupressure is to rub the fleshy area between your thumb and index finger.

Use a compress. There are several different ways that work. The simplest method is to apply either a cold or warm compress to the back or the neck.

Another cold compress idea is to dampen a cloth with cool water and pour two drops of peppermint oil on the cloth and apply to the painful spot for about fifteen minutes. Another warm compress idea is to cut two potatoes (do not peel) into fourths and boil until soft. Mash the potatoes and wrap them in a cloth. Apply to the back of the neck for about fifteen minutes.

Take a warm shower or bath. Therapeutic baths are very relaxing. Add different oils to help alleviate tension and relax your blood vessels. One common combination is chamomile, lavender and rosemary. Another common one is sea salt, baking soda and lavender. I use chamomile, lavender and a little baby oil with aloe vera and vitamin E (to keep my skin soft).

Give yourself a footbath-fill bath half way with hot water and soak your feet adding a little more hot water every 5 minutes for about twenty minutes, then add cold water until water is lukewarm. Dry your feet and put on warm socks. Sit back or lie down and relax for about twenty minutes.

Use a relaxation technique. Find a dark cool room with no noise and plenty of ventilation. Then do a deep breathing exercise, muscle relaxing technique, visual imagery, or just rest. Some people also find yoga relaxing.

Get a massage. These can be a great preventative too. Massages improve blood flow and relieve tension.

Exercise. A brisk walk in the fresh air is good for a headache especially tension headaches.

Do not ignore unexplained headaches.

If your headache comes on suddenly and intensely, accompanies a fever, you develop a stiff neck or rash, have a seizure, have double vision, numbness or you have trouble speaking, seek medical attention immediately. These are signs of more serious conditions.

When all else fails, many physicians and pharmacists recommend low doses of acetaminophen or ibuprophen.