Herbal Remedies for Headaches

Herbal Remedies for Headaches

We all get a headache from time to time and aspirin usually does the trick. Sometimes we just don’t feel like using a traditional medication. What did people do before they invented pain relievers? I think more and more people are turning to alternative medicine because they worry about what they are putting into their bodies. There are a few herbal remedies for headaches that may provide some relief.

Probably 90% of all headaches are primary. This means they do not have an underlying cause such as a sinus infection. They may be tension headaches, cluster headaches, or migraine headaches. Cluster headaches usually occur in clusters of several headaches in a short period of time. Melatonin is a nutritional supplement that may help reduce the severity and frequency of this type of headache.

Migraine headaches are extremely painful and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and altered vision. Magnesium, Vitamin B2, and 5HTP may reduce the severity and frequency of these headaches. The herbs feverfew and ginkgo biloba may also help.

Tension headaches are probably the most common type and may have several causes, including poor diet, stress, lack of sleep, and depression. Sometimes just being around annoying people or circumstances are enough to trigger one. My mother used to claim that my arguing with my siblings gave her a headache. She was probably right. I used to have a very stressful job and arguments between co-workers used to make me tense. I have to say I have not had a headache since I left there.

While lifestyle changes are not technically herbal remedies; they may keep you from getting a headache in the first place. Maintain a healthy diet and don’t let yourself get too hungry or thirsty. Caffeine, chocolate, and cheese can cause headaches. A good friend of mine was very upset to learn that her passion for dark chocolate was causing some of her headaches. Every time she indulged; she was rewarded with a blinding migraine. One thing that works for me is going to a quiet place, preferably dark when I feel a headache coming on. Just ten minutes without outside stimuli usually does the trick. A cool compress on the back of the neck is also helpful.

If you have severe headaches or migraines, it is wise to check with your doctor before trying herbal remedies for headaches. They may interfere with medications you are already taking. For the occasional headache, the nutritional supplements and herbal remedies are probably safe to use, but if you are at all unsure, check with a doctor.