Know These Home Remedies To Keep Headaches At Bay
Headaches are super annoying pain conditions that most of us experience many times during our lives. There are more than one-fifty headache types, and headache due to mental tension and stress ranks at the top. Other common headaches are migraine, cluster headaches, headaches due to medication overuse, and sinus. Popping a pill might look easier when having pain, but it can cause headaches and other side effects when taken continuously. Here are the seven simple and effective home remedies for headaches. Some headache remedies can help reduce pain immediately, and some remedies might help manage it.
7 Home Remedies For Headaches
1. Make Water Your Best Friend
Even mild dehydration can cause headaches. The fluid loss can shrink the brain, cause unbearable headaches, and affect how a person thinks or feels. Dehydration can also prolong or worsen any headache, such as a migraine.
Adequate hydration can help reduce the severity of headaches as well as prevent headaches. Drink a glass of water as soon as you feel the pain, and try to stay adequately hydrated always.
2. Use Cold Or Hot Packs/ Showers
Ice and heat can be used to lessen the pain and are one of the best home remedies for headaches. Placing a cold pack such as (ice cubes wrapped in a towel or frozen vegetables) can help constrict the blood vessels and relieve pain temporarily. Placing a heating pad or heated towel can help relax muscles and relieve pain. Keep your warm packs on the posterior part of the head and neck and cold packs on the temples and forehead.
Make sure while using a hot pack or taking a shower it is not excessively hot, as it may worsen the pain. While putting the ice pack, place it for fifteen minutes, take a fifteen-minute break, and place it again.
3. Drink A Caffeinated Beverage
Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, and sodas. Blood vessels are usually enlarged in the headaches, and drinking a caffeinated beverage can constrict the blood vessels, control the blood flow and provide pain relief. However, drinking caffeinated drinks excessively (more than two or three cups) or late at night can worsen the headaches.
4. Ginger Tea
Ginger is a well-known remedy for nausea and indigestion. But it can be one of the good headache remedies too. The active compounds present in ginger, such as shogaols and gingerols, have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving potential. Ginger drinks can also increase the chemical substance called serotonin that helps stop migraine.
Chop a half-inch of ginger and boil with a cup of water for five minutes (or up to ten minutes if you need extra-strong tea). Strain and your ginger drink is ready. You can also add sugar or honey for taste. It is a good option for migraine since it can also help reduce additional symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
5. Get Good Sleep
Migraine headaches are often triggered by poor night's sleep, and behavioral changes that promote good sleep can help prevent many headache types, particularly tension-type headaches. Develop a habit of getting into bed and waking up at the same time each day.
Avoid daytime naps; even if you have to, make it short, less than 20 minutes. Avoid caffeine intake, alcohol, heavy exercise, or using electronic devices before bed. Do not work or watch television in the bedroom. Use it only for sleeping.
6. Exercise Regularly
Exercise produces chemicals called endorphins which are natural pain killers. Endorphins can reduce the negative effects of stress and improve your mood. Exercise can help you fall asleep quicker and get relaxed sleep. Good sleep and reduced stress levels can play a larger role in managing and preventing headaches.
Exercise can decrease the risk of obesity, the risk factor of chronic headaches. Start with mild exercise, choose activities that you enjoy and be consistent. Cycling, walking, and swimming are usually good choices. Be careful that vigorous exercise may trigger migraines.
7. Activities That Help
Stress is the most common headache trigger, and some activities can help reduce stress and headaches associated with it. Pick a relaxation technique such as breath focus, meditation, yoga, or tai chi and practice regularly. Migraine headaches often increase the person’s sensitivity to light. Bright light from any source may make the symptoms worse. Try to rest in a dark and quiet room until you feel better.
Wearing a tight ponytail or hat for a long time can cause headaches. In such cases, you will usually get instant relief by removing your band or hat. Some people have the habit of chewing gum, fingernails or lips or items like pen caps. Avoid them as they can hurt your head.
The Bottom Line
Sometimes headaches can be a symptom of brain tumors, sleep disorders, withdrawal from certain medications, etc. It is very essential to visit a doctor if you have severe or frequent headaches. Knowing the cause can help you get effective treatment.
