HOME REMEDIES FOR HEADACHE RELIEF - Well-Being Wednesday

Headaches, including migraines, are extremely common.

Because headaches can stem from a variety of causes, fortunately, there are several home-remedy treatments that can help alleviate migraine pain and other types of headaches.

Read on to discover which headache remedies you may already have at home.

10 SECRET WEAPONS FOR STOPPING A HEADACHE

• 1. CAYENNE + WATER

One of the biggest headache remedies is simply drinking water, because oftentimes a headache is just letting you know that you’re dehydrated. A recent remedy I learned recommends adding a bit of cayenne to your water, which blocks nerve pain signals. Cayenne pepper is also said to equalize blood pressure in the body, which relieves pressure in your head. You can add 1/2 teaspoon to water, give it a stir to mix well, and dab a tiny bit on the inside of your nose. Then drink the rest! Feel free to add some lemon or honey if needed. You can also buy capsaicin cream, which has the same active ingredient.

• 2. PEPPERMINT + MASSAGE

Peppermint essential oil is great for a tension headache. I find that these headaches usually happen when I’m stressed or have been staring at the computer for too long. So take a break from the screens and massage 5-10 drops of peppermint oil into the temples and the base of your neck. Not only is the smell relaxing, but peppermint is anti-inflammatory and will help dilate blood vessels to improve blood flow. If I feel like sinus issues are causing the headache, then I’ll add eucalyptus oil to help with congestion. You can mix both with a bit of oil and give yourself a head massage.

• 3. MAGNESIUM + BATH

Turns out, the mineral magnesium helps relax nerves that transmit pain impulses to the brain and also soothes internal inflammation. One of the easiest ways I’ve found to boost my magnesium is with an Epsom salts bath. You’ll absorb a significant amount of magnesium through your skin with a nightly bath of 2 cups Epsom salts, 1/2 cup baking soda along with soothing lavender essential oil.

• 4. FOOT SOAK + MUSTARD POWDER

Another hydrotherapy option is a hot foot bath. Putting your feet in hot water dilates the blood vessels in your feet and constricts the blood flow to the head. Adding a tablespoon or two of mustard powder will help remove toxins through the feet. Soak for 20 minutes, adding new water to keep it hot. You can also put an ice pack behind your head while you soak.

• 5. LAVANDER OIL

Not only does lavender smell great — it’s also a useful home remedy for headaches and migraine pain. Lavender oil can be either inhaled or applied topically. Two to four drops for every two to three cups of boiling water are recommended when inhaling lavender-oil vapors as a headache treatment. Unlike many medicinal oils, this home remedy can also be safely applied externally without the need to dilute it. Lavender oil should not be taken orally.

• 6. DIET FIXES

One of the most useful home remedies for reducing headaches and migraine pain involves making changes to your diet. Certain foods have been shown to affect the frequency and severity of headaches and migraine pain, including dairy; chocolate; peanut butter; certain fruits, such as avocado, banana, and citrus; onions; meats with nitrates, such as bacon and hot dogs; foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG); foods containing tyramine, an amino acid found in red wine; and foods that are fermented or pickled. Keep track of these trigger foods and your reaction to them with a food diary.

• 7. DIY SCALP MASSAGE

Do-it-yourself scalp massages can be an effective way to alleviate migraine pain, and they feel great. Researchers in Brazil showed that massaging the greater occipital nerve — the area in the back of the head, at the base of the skull — reduces migraine pain. Massage in general has been identified as a useful home remedy for headaches, especially reflexology (massaging reflex points on the hands and feet).

• 8. FLAXSEED:

Some headaches are caused by inflammation, which can be reduced by consuming omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed can help provide headache relief because it’s rich in omega-3s. Flaxseed can be used as a home remedy in several forms, including as an oil and ground or whole seeds.

• 9. BUCKWEAT:

Buckwheat’s usefulness as a home remedy for headaches and migraine pain comes from a flavonoid known as rutin. Flavonoids are phytochemicals, which are found in plants, and have been shown to contain antioxidant properties, which counteract damage to cells. In addition, researchers in Taiwan have demonstrated the effects of flavonoids on inflammation, a common cause of headaches.

• 10. GINGER TEA + COFFEE

I’ll admit that one of the first things I try when I feel a headache coming on is a bit of caffeine. In fact, clinical trials have shown that caffeine can reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. But don’t go overboard, because coffee will dehydrate you, leading you back to tip #1! If a bit off caffeine doesn’t help, try a cup of ginger tea. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory that’s long been used to fight headaches and nausea. It’s easy to make a tea with a bit of fresh ginger. Here’s a lemon ginger tea recipe that also includes magnesium.

Natural Lemon Ginger Tea

Ingredients: -2 cups water -1-inch piece ginger, peeled and sliced into rounds -1 to 2 lemon sliced -5 cloves

Instructions: Combine water, ginger, cloves and lemon slices in small saucepan; bring to boil over high heat. Once mixture has come to boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Pour tea into mug, discarding lemon and ginger. Add a tablespoon of Honey if desired.

This is my favorite tea before bed time. Enjoy! Sources:

http://www.henryhappened.com/natural-headache-remedies.html

http://www.everydayhealth.com/headache-migraine-pictures/8-home-remedies-for-headaches-and-migraines.aspx#/slide-1

#eatclean #wellbeingwednesday #healthy #lifestyle #getfit #photo #slimher