Headache treatment (Migraine)

How to get rid of a headache? Aspirin can be helpful as it can give quick pain relief (just like Ibuprofen or other pain relievers).

The recommended adult dose of aspirin is 325 to 650 mg, every three to four hours as needed, up to six times per day. Be careful not to overdose, because it may cause nausea and vomiting, or in extreme cases hallucinations, seizure, coma, and even death due to cardiac arrest.

What causes headaches? Many factors, including mental effort, illness, etc. In most cases a headache is nothing to worry about, however there are cases where visiting the doc is a good idea. Those include: 


- If your headache lasts longer than a day;
- If the pain you feel is especially strong;
- If you experience a new type of headache you never had before;
- If your headache is accompanied by other issues such as fever, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck or rash;
- If you cannot sleep because of your headache;
- If you recently had an accident;
- If you have frequent headaches (e.g. 3 times per week);
- If your headache started after taking medicine;

If your headache stays for weeks or months, you should consider going to a neurologist who may apply advanced treatments (e.g. botox).

Do you wonder how to get rid of a throbbing headache? Acetaminophen can be a good pain reliever for all types of headaches.

Dosage: Take 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms last, but do not take more than 12 tablets in 24 hours.

You can buy Acetaminophen on Amazon.

What is best cure for headache? Relaxing and stretching the muscles. Whenever you become aware of a tension headache (or migraine, or light headache), gently stretch your neck muscles. You may do this several times a day. Drop your shoulders down, let your arms fall loose by your side, slowly rotate your head from side to side, and gently bend your neck so that your head falls forward. Repeat until some of the tension is released. 

Watch this video to see how to stretch your neck muscles:

This technique is also useful to prevent headaches to happen in the first place. 

Do you have a sinus headache? Touch the upper part of the eye socket below the eyebrows. You will find a small groove in your skull around the center of the upper cavity. In this groove, there is a nerve which is very sensitive to pressure. If you press the nerve, you will feel intense pain. This pain will stimulate the pituitary to start to secrete endorphins. Endorphins are natural painkillers and are much stronger than morphine. To stimulate the nerve,  press it for about 10 seconds.

Note: This method may not always work. Also, if the pain you cause by this method is too strong to endure then stop it immediately. 

Do you wonder how to relieve tension headache or period headache? Ketoprofen treats pain caused by menstrual, migraine, and tension type headaches as well as other medical problems. 

Dosage: 25 to 50 mg orally, every 6 to 8 hours. Dose may be increased up to a maximum of 75 mg. It is important to read the prescription before taking the pill.

You can buy Ketoprofen here.

With the index finger and thumb of one hand, gently massage the muscles along the occipital bone - from the outside to the inside. Then, drag your fingers along the spine. Repeat this four times.

You can watch this video which shows how to massage the muscles along the occipital bone:

Place the index finger and the middle finger within the temples and gently massage them with circular movements. After a few minutes, you will have a feeling that the skin of the head is slightly lifted and you will feel relaxed.

Bear in mind that this part of the face is very sensitive and it should not be too much pressure. Massage your temples should last about half a minute.

You can watch this video which shows how to massage your temples:

What causes headaches? Many factors. Ginger is one of the home remedies for headache, due to the fact that it's a natural analgesic (painkiller) and reduces the pain caused by headaches, muscle aches, and migraines. Rub two to three drops of the ginger oil to the forehead and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Or you can apply two to three drops in a diffuser, or place on a cotton ball or your handkerchief, and then inhale.

You can buy ginger essential oil here.

One of the natural remedies for headaches includes rosemary essential oil. Rosemary essential oil relieves the pain for many types of headaches, but the most common are migraine, cluster and headache, caused by stress.

Add a drop to your hands, and cup over your mouth and nose for up to a minute. You may also apply a drop topically to the aching parts of your head.

You can buy rosemary oil here.

Lavender essential oil is good for every type of headaches, but it is most effective for a gastric headache.

Just place a few drops of lavender oil into boiling water and inhale the vapors. Lavender oil can also be rubbed into the skin for pain relief. But, keep it away from your mouth and eyes — it’s toxic if ingested.

You can buy lavender oil here.

A cold compress with ice (or anything else which is frozen, e.g. frozen vegetables) applied to the forehead can quickly relieve headaches. Put it on your head and temples for 10 minutes and repeat the process later if needed. 

Why it works: Coldness causes blood vessels to narrow, which improves blood circulation, which reduces the headache.

This technique works really well if the headache is caused by stress or sinuses. 

The heat may be of great help, especially when it comes to headaches caused by tense muscles. 

Put warm compresses to the neck and back of the head or try showering with hot water so that the jet will target the area of the neck. Make sure that the water is not too hot.

Lemon is very effective and powerful ingredient in the treatment of headaches and tension headache treatment and is said to be more effective if the headache is caused by stomach gas.

Consume lemon when it's mixed in warm water. Another way to use lemon is to paste the lemon peel on the forehead. It can also give you an immediate relief from headache.

The reflexology method is said to be a good migraine headache treatment. With the thumb and forefinger of one hand, massage the thumb of the foot and place between thumb and forefinger. Keep it for one or two minutes.

This method does not help everyone, but some people do feel immediate relief. The sense of relief may be temporary or not, depending on the person.

You can watch this video which shows the reflexology method in action:

If you are looking for a natural migraine headache treatment try tightening something around the forehead, like a scarf, tie or shawl, very firmly, until you feel the pressure. This reduces blood flow to the scalp and reduces pain caused by swollen blood vessels, which trigger migraine. It is very easy to do, even when you're on the go.

Ibuprofen can be useful for a migraine, menstrual headache and headache during excercise.

Dosage: Take 1 caplet every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms persist. If pain does not respond to 1 caplet, 2 caplets may be used, but do not exceed 6 caplets in 24 hours.

You can buy Ibuprofen here.

Almonds contain a chemical release that can alleviate the symptoms of headaches, and they are a good tension headache remedy.

The nutrients in lime aid are reducing inflammation and may give you an immediate relief. Take half a lime and rub it on your forehead.

Apple cider vinegar can help you reduce migraines, throbbing and tension headaches. Try getting some ACV (apple cider vinegar) in the form of a steam-style treatment. 

You will need:

• 60 milliliters of ACV or 4 tablespoons
• 3 cups of boiling water
• Fresh cool water (1 cup)

Instructions:

Put 60 ml of apple cider vinegar into a 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. Don't get close that it gets burned by the steam. Deeply inhale and excale for 5-10 minutes or until the water starts to cool down. Dry your face with a towel when you are done, and drink a glass of water.

Naproxen is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by menstrual headache and cramps as well as other medical conditions.

Dosage: 1 tablet of 85/500 mg a day, or if you still have a headache, take one more tablet of naproxen 85/500 mg in a 24-hour period, taken at least 2 hours apart.

You can buy Naproxen here.

Stimulation of certain acupuncture points is said to affect areas of the brain that are known to reduce sensitivity to pain.

Read this article for a detailed explanation of acupressure points.

You can also watch the video which shows how to practise this method: 

Applying peppermint oil to the skin helps with relieving tension headaches. Also, it can be used for other types of headache.

What you need:

• 0.15ml of peppermint essential oil (3 drops);
• 1 tablespoon of water or coconut oil;
• Bowl or cup to mix them in;
• Cotton ball or cloth to apply it to your forehead.

Instructions:

1. Add the peppermint essential oil and water to a container or a glass cup and mix them.
2. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and rub it across the top of your forehead.
3. Dip again the cotton ball back in the mixture and do it 2 or 3 times in the same way.

You should feel relief in about 30 minutes, but if your headache still persists, do the same process again.

If you have a more severe headache, use peppermint as described above, but follow with a damp cool compress using a clean hand towel. Place the compress to the forehead with your eyes closed and you laying down for a few minutes. Also apply on the back of neck for a few minutes. Be sure to keep the oils away from the eyes. Repeat this process as often as needed.

You can buy pure peppermint oil here.

Fish oil helps reduce migraines and chronic headaches because of its omega-3 fatty acids.

What you will need:

• 1 tablespoon (15ml) of fish oil or fish oil oral supplements (see the required dose on the bottle);
• 1 cup of orange juice.

Orange juice is important because of vitamin C and also can get rid of toxins in the body that cause headaches. You can use water instead of orange juice, but it may not be effective at all.

Instructions:

If you use the oil, mix a tablespoon into a cup of cold orange juice and drink it. If you use fish-oil oral supplements just swallow them with the orange juice. 

According to a research published in the Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism in 2007, henna possesses anti-microbial and anti-analgesic properties that can help you relieve migraine pains and headaches. 

What to do:

1. Take some henna powder obtained from henna leaves, not the chemicals used for colors.
2. Mix the powder with some water so as to make a paste.
3. Apply it to the head and let it sit there for 30 minutes.
4. Wash the hair thoroughly with a shampoo.Keep in mind that henna will turn your hair color into red bright, therefore, be careful with it.

Triptans can effectively eliminate a migraine once it's starting by promoting constriction of blood vessels and blocking pain pathways in the brain. Among Triptan medications are Imitrex, Maxalt, Axert, Amerge, Zomig, Frova, and Relpax. There are also Triptans in the form of nasal sprays and injections.

However, beware serious side effects. Do not use Triptans if you are at risk of strokes or heart attacks.

Basil, among its other properties, can work as a muscle relaxant, which is especially helpful for headaches caused by tension or tight muscles. All you need to do during a mild headache indicating migraine, chew some fresh basil leaves. You can alternatively massage your forehead and temples with 3-4 drops of basil oil.

 Additionally, drink some basil tea. Simply steep 5-8 basil leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes and drink it.

Basil is known to work as a muscle relaxant, which is helpful for headaches caused by tension or tight muscles. Combining it with witch hazel can give an even better effect.

What to do:

1. Boil 2-3 cups of water and add 1-2 tea spoons of dried ground basil.
2. Let it steep until it's cool.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of witch hazel.
4. Take a cloth and soak it in this mixture.
5. Wring out all excessive water and place this cool compress on your forehead so that it covers your temples too.
6. Stay in this position for 15-20 minutes or until you feel better.

According to a few studies, taking feverfew regularly can seriously decrease intensity and frequency of migraine pain. You can take prepared tablets which are found at health stores and chemists'. Keep the dosage as directed.

Another option is using natural leaves. All you need to do is  pick the leaves and then eat them in any way you want (in a salad, sandwich, by themselves). Since feverfew leaves may taste bitter, you can add a bit of sugar or honey.

Consuming foods or supplements with omega-3 fats can reduce the severity and frequency  of pain as well as prevent migraines and headaches from occurring. Therefore, try to eat more ground flaxseed, Coldwater fish, olive oil, fish oil, seafood, dark green vegetables, walnuts, soybean. 

Mint tea prepared with can be an effective means of getting a relief from a migraine headache. All of the mint's main components, menthol and menthone are able to alleviate pain from headaches. 

What to do:

1. Boil 2-3 cups of water and add the mint leaves (2-3 table spoons of fresh leaves or 2-3 teaspoons of dried leaves).
2. Let it steep it for about 5-10 minutes until it cools down.
3. Soak a clean cloth in the tea and wring out all excess water.
4. Put the cloth on your forehead and temples.
5. Stay in such position for 15-20 minutes or until you feel better.

Mint tea prepared with can be an effective means of getting a relief from a headache. All of the mint's main components, menthol and menthone are able to alleviate pain from headaches. 

What to do:

1. Boil 1 cup of water and add the mint leaves (1 table spoon of fresh leaves or 1 teaspoon of dried leaves).
2. Let it steep it for about 5-10 minutes.
3. Strain it and drink.
4. You can add some honey if you feel like it.

Peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender oils can be extremely helpful in alleviating headache. Lavender oil is known to reduce muscle spasms and nervousness while peppermint and eucalyptus oils can relax mind by having a calming effect.

What to do:

1. Add 2 drops of lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint essential oils into a cup of water.
2. Soak a clean washcloth in this mixture and wring out excessive water.
3. Put this compress over your forehead. You may cover your eyes for soothing effect, too.

It is believed that carrot juice promotes efficient blood flow towards the brain. Spinach is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, especially that concerns Vitamin B group, and magnesium, which enables it to relieve a migraine headache. Finally, ginger is often used as a home treatment for migraines. 

Simply put 4-5 carrots, 1-2 celery stalks, 10-12 leaves of spinach, 1 inch piece of ginger into a juicer and make a juice to drink it during a day.

 According to some researchers, Dong Quai's active ingredients coumarins are effective for migraine relief because they can dilate blood vessels, stimulate the central nervous system, and promote blood flow throughout the body. 

What to do:

1. Rinse 3 slices of Dong Quai properly.
2. Put some water and dong quai to the pot (it's advisable to use a clay pot or stoneware as metal pot won't preserve the herb's healing qualities). 
3. Cover the pot and put it on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the moment when it is boiling.
4. When it is, let it simmer for 20 more minutes and remove when only a half of the tea's original quantity remains.  
5. Drink the tea. You can add some honey if you want.

However, do not use this herb if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or during a menstrual cycle.

White willow's components, salicin and flavonoids make this herb a highly effective pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drug. The only issue here is that it works slowly, but as soon as it kicks in, the effect will also last for long. 

What to do:

1. Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried white willow bark to 1-1,5 cups of water.
2. Boil it.
3. In a couple of minutes, reduce the flame and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Let it cool down and steep for about 30 minutes more.
5. Drink 3-4 cups of the tea a day.

Butterbur contains such components as petasin and isopetasin which are able to reduce spasms and inflammation to provide you with a pain relief. All you need to do is take a butterbur supplement (about 50-75 mg twice a day). 

However, do not use butterbur if you are pregnant or nursing.

Honey is a simple and natural remedy for headaches and migraine. It can ease the tension on the nerves by supplying fructose. 

You can simply eat two tablespoons of honey before each meal. Additionally, make honey tea or mix it in a glass of warm water. Drink the water several times a day. 

A mixture of peanut butter with grated ginger is often recommended by holistic therapists. Your body will absorb Magnesium and Arginine and promote pressure release by blood vessels.

What you need to do is make a mixture of peanut butter and ginger and put it on your temples. Let it sit there for about three hours.  

It is well known that valerian helps with sleeping disorders. However, it can also be effective in relieving migraines and stress. Simply mix valerian tea with honey in a cup and drink it a couple of times a day.

Banana contains potassium and the ice will make a good cold compression. All you need to do is put the banana peeling on the forehead and then place ice over the peeling. Let it sit there for about 10-15 minutes or until you feel better.

Buckwheat possesses antioxidant properties which can counter the damage to cells as well as reduce the inflammation that is causing migraine headache. Therefore,  take buckwheat regularly in any of form you like it.

Dandelion root tea contains vitamins A, B, C and D as well as iron and nutrients which can help you alleviate the pain. 

What to do:

1. Put 1/2 tablespoon of dandelion root powder or dried root, 1/4 piece of a cinnamon stick, 8 oz. of water into a saucepan over high heat.
2. Let it boil it for several minutes.
3. Strain the tea and add a bit of honey if you want to sweeten the taste.
4. Drink a cup daily.

Hydrogen peroxide can detoxify your body and, thus, give you a relief from a migraine. Therefore, take a hydrogen peroxide bath, soak in it until you feel better.