How To Get Rid Of A Headache Naturally

So, recently I moved to Houston. I got here just before the Hurricane which, anyone in North America knows, created the worst rainfall on record and ruined billions of structures in the city, which shut down for days. The only way to get around for awhile was by small boats or canoes- and of course all of the debris and trash left behind from the flood waters has been floating in the air and wreaking havoc on us poor folks that suffer with allergies. The hot, brutal temperature suddenly lost all humidity and I thought my head was going to pound right off of my shoulders. I took a fresh piece of ginger (after trying every pain killer known to mankind), and I cut off three quarter size pieces and put in hot water. I put a squeeze of lemon in it and about 20 minutes later, my headache was completely gone! It is a sure fire way to relieve inflammation and make a person in pain feel better.

Hope it works for you!

At some point in your life, you've probably had a headache. It may have been caused by stress, allergies, too much alcohol, a virus or flu, another illness, or maybe you simply have no reason and your head just pounds. There is nothing worse to disrupt your day than having a horrible, aching headache.

People with migraines may have prescribed medication to take when a migraine sets in. Most people will reach for some 'headache' medicine like Tylenol, Motrin, Aleve or Excedrin. However, some people prefer not to take pharmaceutical drugs for a headache. Some people prefer natural remedies for their aches and pains. Surprisingly, there are a few all natural remedies that really do work in the event of a terrible headache. Read on and see more.

Over the counter drugs can give you fast (and sometimes temporary) relief from headaches and migraines. The problem of course, with over-the-counter medications are side effects. Liver damage, stomach upset, allergic reactions and more can be caused by many over the counter pain medication. Ginger is all natural and works wonders for a horrible headache.

Before the days of synthetic drugs, ginger root was historically used for relief of pain and inflammation. Many studies show that ginger root helps back pain, migraines, headaches, arthritis and relieves more pain symptoms. Ginger has also been shown, in several studies to have anti-inflammatory effects.

One study showed that ginger root was just as effective in treating migraine headaches as one of the leading migraine headache medications.

Ginger root does not only lessen headache pain, but it also soothes an upset stomach. The active compound 'gingerol' has been used by 'healers' for centuries to soothe pain and discomfort.

The best way to consume ginger root if you have a headache is to simply cut a few thin slices of it (it really doesn't take much), and put it in boiled water. The water will turn into a ginger tea and simply drink it. Headaches should be gone or at least feeling much better in thirty minutes. It may take up to ninety minutes for a migraine to feel better.

If you have a horrible headache and you aren't keen on taking over the counter medication, a cold compress on the back of the neck can provide significant relief. You can purchase a cold compress that you can throw in the freezer (there are several kinds), and use it when you get a headache flare up. Some people prefer putting the cold compress directly on the part of the head where the ache is worst, however many people like to put the compress on the back of the neck because it seems to provide the most relief.

On the other hand, (or foot), soaking your feet in hot water can help reduce a headache. The idea of course, is that many headaches are related directly to stress. The stress relief from the foot soaking can deter a headache because it relaxes your body and makes you feel better. You can purchase foot massage baths for around $40, which are very inexpensive and can be used anywhere. If you want to watch television you could be sitting with your feet dipped in warm water, getting a semi massage and relieving your tension so that your headache becomes a thing of the past!

There are all kinds of lavender sprays for sheets, oils, and other things made from lavender (not to mention lavender all by itself). While lavender should never ever be consumed, the smell has a very calming and soothing effect. This is a great way to get rid of a headache at night time. In fact, lavender has been clinically proven to help ease migraine symptoms. Symptoms actually dissipate far quicker than if a person suffering from Migraines were to take Ibuprofen or Tylenol.

Essential oils can be strong, so one idea is to put a small drop on your wrists and rub them together. You can also put a couple of drops in a humidifier (cool mist) and let it run.

Another essential oil that has been proven effective is peppermint oil. It's known to open up your blood flow to your brain, as poor blood flow is one of the most common causes of headaches and migraines.

Because many headaches are caused by inflammation, flaxseed and flaxseed oil is rich in Omega 3, which has natural anti-inflammation properties. Flaxseeds can be eaten plain, on a salad, juiced, and several other ways. Another Omega 3 which is known to help headaches is fish oil supplements. Not only are they great for your heart and skin, but they are also a good remedy for headaches. Taking Fish Oil each day can decrease the amount of headaches a person will get. A ounce of prevention is worth so much in the long run!

Most headaches are tension headaches. Blood vessels become 'squeezed' and the flow of blood and energy doesn't work. We have nerves all over our head, including behind our eyes, above our eyes, in the sides and back of our head. Sometimes rubbing the areas that are sensitive to the touch can help. 'Self Massage' can feel good- or it can also make things worse if you press too much.

Getting rid of your tension headaches involves having to find a quiet space where you can lower the light. You should make yourself as comfortable as possible and close your eyes to take a few deep breaths. Begin your scalp massage with small circles around the ears and around the base of the scull. Don't push so it's worse- massaging in circles is the best bet.

You can repeat this in a dark quiet place about four times. You should also massage the facial pressure points- over the eyebrows, the centre of the eyebrows and below the eyes. Apply pressure but don't just push. It's much better to massage in circles. This is the same for the sides of the temples. People can make themselves feel better by massaging their 'pressure points' if it's done correctly- or better yet get your partner to become well versed on this technique to help your headaches.

Many people suffer from headaches because of their diets. People who eat diets that are abundant in chemicals, sugar and caffeine can end up suffering unnecessary headaches because of the food they eat. It's statistically proven that if you eat a diet rich in fibre and vegetables, your headaches will feel much better. Changing your diet and losing weight does so much for the body as it's all connected, and switching your diet to more natural foods will definitely give you some relief from stressful headaches. Remember- your brain needs relief for your headache to go away.

Remember- before you reach for over-the-counter headache remedies like Tylenol and Aspirin, there are natural ways to heal your body instead of taking synthetic drugs. Sometimes headaches get so out of hand that medications should be taken- but headaches can also be prevented.

1) Cut down on processed food

2) Drink less caffeine

3) When you do get a headache try to get to a dark room and relax, and do some self massage to see if it will help.

4) Drink ginger tea- which really does help!

Headaches can be prevented as well as cured by just taking care of our bodies and minds. Remember some of the side effects that medications like Tylenol, Aleve and Advil can cause, including stomach issues, liver damage, and the overall toll on your body.