8 Home Remedies for Headaches
|8 Home Remedies for Headaches
Headaches can be caused by many things and are painful to deal with. They can inhibit your ability to do work and may make it difficult to continue with normal tasks. We’ve taken a look at a few ways you can reduce and treat headaches at home that don’t involve painkillers. See below to find out more.
What Causes a Headache?
Headaches have many causes. In fact, we’re not entirely certain what actually causes some of them, but generally, headaches are triggered by a few things, including:
- Not getting enough sleep
- Not drinking enough water
- Withdrawal from caffeine
- Too much alcohol
- Not eating enough
- Nutrient deficiencies
Below, we’ve gathered 8 ways that you can treat headaches easily.
Get Hydrated
Being dehydrated can cause headaches. It can also cause lack of concentration and irritability. Drinking more water can help to reduce headache frequency, treat a headache, and make you feel more energised.
Try a Magnesium Supplement
Magnesium is used in the body in a number of ways, including for blood sugar regulation and in nerve function. A magnesium supplement can help you to sleep better and is actually considered a good remedy for headaches.
In people with migraine headaches, magnesium supplementation has been found to reduce the frequency and severity of headaches and is sometimes used as a treatment.
If you’re taking supplements, always check with a doctor first, ensure the supplement you’re taking is of good quality, always follow recommend dosage guidelines, and stop taking it if you experience any negative side effects.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is essential for the body. It is when the body has a chance to recharge, reset, and heal. Poor sleep quality has been associated with more frequent headaches and more severe headaches. For this reason, if you’re getting constant headaches, try adjusting your sleep pattern.
If you struggle to sleep, you could try switching screens off a few hours before bed, drinking chamomile tea, and diffusing lavender oil to make sleep easier. If you continue to struggle, speak with a doctor about possible sleep problems.
Try Essential Oils
Many essential oils are known to be good for headaches and have been used for centuries in complementary medicine practice. Peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and lavender oil are all thought to be good for headaches. Try diffusing them into the room and inhaling their scents. If you’re applying topically, always mix essential oils with a carrier oil to avoid irritation. You can shop Revive essential oil products online.
Use a Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress or cold eye mask to your neck, face or head is an easy way to decrease the inflammation that can cause headache pain. If you’re using anything frozen, always cover it with a towel and protect your skin properly.
Try Caffeine
Though caffeine withdrawal can cause headaches, caffeine can also be a remedy for them. Caffeine is known to constrict blood vessels which can relieve headache pain and it boosts the efficacy of over-the-counter medications, like ibuprofen.
If you get frequent headaches and you drink lots of caffeine, it may be useful to ease up on the caffeine consumption as excessive caffeination can lead to headaches too.
Reduce Stress
Stress headaches are incredibly common and can be relieved by addressing their root cause. Good remedies for stress include getting more exercise, trying soothing practices like yoga, practicing mindfulness, and meditating.
If you are suffering from chronic stress and don’t know what to do, reach out to a healthcare professional. Mental health is incredibly important and there is no shame in asking for help.
See a Chiropractor
If you are suffering from frequent headaches and don’t know what to do, you could reach out to a chiropractor like those at Richmond Chiropractor. Some headaches can be caused by a misalignment of the spine and neck, which a chiropractor can help to treat.
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