Headache is a very common medical condition that affects millions of people all over the world. It could affect children as well as adults and can be quite discomforting.
It is characterized by a mild or severe pain in the head which could last for between few minutes to several weeks.
Headaches can be classified into two different types; Primary headaches and secondary headaches. As for primary headaches, they occur as a result of chemical activities in the brain or other activities which may affect the blood vessels, nerves and muscles in the head or around the neck region.
Secondary headache on the other hand are headaches that arise due to an underlying condition that stimulates the pain-sensitive nerves of the head. A typical example is whena person suffers a concussion or Glaucoma.
Headaches can also be classified according to the area of the head which they affect;
*.Tension Headaches: This is a form ofprimary headache that affects bothsides of the head. They feel like a tight band around the head and usually start around the neck region before spreading to other parts of the head.
Tension headaches can be either chronic or episodic. Tension headaches are episodic when they last continuously for several days in a month, at least three months a year while chronic tension headaches may only last for a few hours a day.
*.Migraine Headaches: This is another form of primary headache. It is a form of headache that is characterized by a throbbing pain oneither or both sides of the head. Sometimes it could come with other symptoms like sensory disturbances, lightheadedness, blurred vision and nausea.
*.Rebound Headaches: Rebound headaches occur as a result of an overuse of medications used to treatheadaches. Symptoms include neck pain, nose stuffiness and sometimes,restlessness.
*.Cluster Headaches: This type of headache is uncommon and only affects a few people. It begins at a specific time of the day and last a cluster period, usually a month or two. Cluster headaches are characterized by a burning or sharp pain around the eye.
Headaches can be treated at home using any of the following natural remedies:
1. Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper isvery effective for treating inflammation due to an ingredient which it contains. Cayenne pepper contains Capsaicin, a chemical substance that helps to inhibit the pain receptors in the body.
To use Cayenne pepper as a remedy for headache, you should do the following:
*.Get some cotton swabs, four ounces of warm water and a quarter of a teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper.
*.Mix the pepper in the water and soakthe cotton swab in the mixture and apply it on the insides of your nostrils. It’s going to hurt a little butyou would feel some relief from the headache after a short time.
2.Almonds: Although this may sound really silly but almonds are very effective for curing headaches. Almonds contain Salicin, a substance contained in many pain killers. Almond is a really good alternative for people who suffer from headaches regularly but do not want to continue popping painkillers.
All you need to do is to chew on some almonds daily or when you feel headache.
3. Feverfew Plant: Feverfew plants are effective for curing migraine headaches as they help to relax the constricted blood vessels which are sometimes responsible for causing migraines.
To cure migraine headaches with feverfew plant, you should do thefollowing:
*.Mix an ounce of dried feverfew flowers in a pint of boiling water andleave to strain for about 10 minutes before drinking. You can drink twice daily for a better result.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple Cider Vinegar can be used as a compress to relieve headaches.
Simply mix a quarter of a cup of applecider vinegar in three cups of boiling water. Pour this mixture in a large bowl then get a large towel which is bigenough to cover your head and the bowl. Drape the towel over your head and bend over the bowl just as close enough to breathe in some steam (be careful so you don’t get burned by steam). Continue to breathe in and out for about ten minutes after whichyou can get up and wipe off your face.
Drink a glass of cold water immediately after.
5. Fish Oil: According to the American Heart Society, studies have revealed that fish oil may be very effective for reducing inflammation and blood clotting and relieve headaches. If you have a bottle of fish oil at home, you can drink it with some orange juice butif you don’t, fish oil supplements woulddo.
6.Gingerroot: Gingerroot is another natural remedy for headache, think of gingerroot as a natural aspirin. It isalso very effective for curing nausea that sometimes comes along with migraines.
To use gingerroot as a cure for headache, get some raw gingerroot and slice it (about three slices should do). Then bring to boil two cups of water, and add in the gingerroots and allow it to simmer for about 30 minutes before drinking up.
7. Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil can be rubbed directly on the head to soothe headaches and relieve the pain.
However, this might not be such a goodidea for people who have dry or sensitive skin as it may cause irritation.
To use peppermint oil as a cure for headache, simply massage the temples, forehead and the back of the jaw with the oil then drink some cold water afterwards.
8. Pencil:Yea, you read that right; a pencil can help you relieve that tension headache. What you need to dois to hold the pencil between your teeth without clenching or biting your jaw. This little experiment is meant to help activate the same muscles that are activated when you smile which helps to relax the jaw and relieve tension headaches.
9. Water: Dehydration is one of the common causes of headache. A lot of people experience headache when they don’t drink enough water daily orwhen they substitute fizzy drinks for water. Hence, you should drink a lot ofwater when you are experiencing a headache and you just might feel better immediately.
10. Rosemary Tea: Rosemary tea is believed to help keep a headache fromgetting worse. All you need is a cup of rosemary tea made with dried rosemary herbs.
It may also help to identify some of the triggers of your headache and tryto avoid or eliminate them to avoidconstant headaches.