Having a pounding headache isn’t a lot of fun and I don’t like taking ibuprofen when I can take something natural. Headaches are triggered by stress, fatigue, allergies, eyestrain, poor posture, alcohol or drugs, low blood sugar, hormones, constipation, and nutritional deficiencies.
Your body is telling you that something needs to change so begin to heed those signals to overcome headaches in a natural and healthy way.
Herbs For Headaches
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-fungal, and antibacterial. A 2014 study published in the Phytotherapy Research showed that ginger powder’s benefits were comparable to sumatriptan’s, a common prescription migraine drug, but with fewer side effects.
Ginger Tea
Ingredients
- 1 inch piece of ginger root
- 4 cups boiling water
Directions
- Use a zester to grate 1/2 teaspoon of ginger root
- Bring to a boil 4 cups of water
- Add the ginger once the water is boiling
- Remove the ginger water from the heat and let the ginger steep, covered in the water for 10 minutes
- Strain the ginger pieces from the water and compost the ginger
- Drink ginger water hot or cold
This homemade tea reduces inflammation in about the same amount of time as it would take an aspirin to work.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) belongs to the sunflower family. A strong tea is effective for treating migraines and dizziness. It reduces inflammation, which takes pressure off the nerves and can help prevent migraines. This herb relaxes the tension and constriction of blood vessels easing painful pressure. Nibbling a few fresh leaves also has a similar effect on headaches as the tea.
Feverfew Tea
Ingredients
- 1 oz dried feverfew
- 1 pint of boiling water
Directions
- Add 1 oz of dried feverfew to 1 pint of boiling water
- Cover and steep for 10 minutes
- Strain the leaves from the water and compost the leaves
- Drink half a cup twice a day as needed
Pregnant women, people taking blood thinning medications, and people with allergies to the daisy family should avoid the use of feverfew.
Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) is a spicy powder which is wonderful for decreasing the pain and severity of migraines. Cayenne contains capsaicin which inhibits pain receptors.
Cayenne Water
Ingredients
- 1/4 tsp cayenne powder
- 4 oz warm water
- cotton swabs
Directions
- Dilute a 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne powder in 4 ounces of warm water.
- Soak a cotton swab in the solution and stir it around to make sure it’s covered-the powder can sometimes sink to the bottom.
- Apply the moist cotton swab to the inside of your nostrils, lightly gliding it over the inside. Stop when you can really smell and feel the heat being given off by the cayenne.
It may be a bit unpleasant at first but the burning sensation is a sign that it’s working.
When it subsides, your headache will hopefully be gone or at the very least better than before.
Coriander seed (Coriandrum sativum) has been used for thousands of years by people for healing and seasoning. The seeds are used to relieve sinus pressure and headaches by pouring hot water over the fresh seeds and inhaling the steam. Coriander seeds can be chewed and used in food or teas.
A Mineral For Headaches
Magnesium helps to calm nerves that get overexcited during a migraine. Some studies have found that migraine sufferers tend to be deficient in magnesium. You can increase your magnesium by eating foods like broccoli, beans, nuts, and spinach.
Spraying a magnesium spray on your skin and massaging it in is another way to increase your magnesium levels.
Magnesium Spray
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup boiling distilled water
- 1/2 cup magnesium flakes
- a glass bowl or glass measuring cup
- spray bottle
Directions
- To make the spray bring 1/2c of distilled water to a boil
- Place the magnesium chloride flakes in the glass bowl or measuring cup and the pour the boiling water over it.
- Stir well until completely dissolved. Let cool completely and store in the spray bottle.
- Can be stored at room temperature for at least six months.
- Apply to your skin daily after your bath or shower
It is important to use distilled to extend the shelf life of the mixture.
Listen to what your body is saying to you. It is letting you know something is wrong. These natural remedies are healthier for you and that’s a win-win situation.
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