Herbal Headache Remedies
Many herbal headache remedies can alleviate pain. Choosing herbs as home remedies for headache will require that you determine which type of headache is causing the pain. Tension, stress, lack of sleep, illness, allergies and sinus conditions are the main cause of primary headaches. Secondary headaches, such as migraines, have pain as well as additional symptoms.
Herbs for Headaches - Herbal Oils
Headaches that are the result of sinus conditions can be treated with Lavender, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree or Mint essential oils. Many types of herbal oil home remedies for headaches involve steam and aromatic essential oils.
- Lavender Put a touch of Lavender essential oil on each cheek below the eyes, and above each eyebrow. This will usually not only relieve the pain of a sinus headache, but will also alleviate sinus congestion and sinus drainage.
- Eucalyptus, Mint or Tea Tree Oil placed in a large bowl of very hot water will produce steam that when inhaled will help break up sinus congestion. The aromatic potency can also irritate the skin, eyes and the stomach so should not be applied directly to the skin.
Primary Headache Remedies
Many herbal headache remedies contain Skullcap and Willow, both of which are analgesics. Other remedies contain Meadowsweet, Ginger, Cayenne Pepper, or Chamomile.
- Willow bark contains salicylic acid, the main ingredient in aspirin. If you have an aspirin allergy avoid using Willow for any purpose.
- Skullcap especially when combined with Valerian will help reduce headache pain and tension.
- Taking Meadowsweet and Ginger reduce nausea and eliminate pain. When they are used as home remedies for headaches they will also relieve headache-related nausea.
- Cayenne pepper helps reduce headache pain in some people, however if you have a stomach issues, you should avoid this headache remedy.
- A cup of strong sage tea will often relieve a tension headache. See Benefits of Sage Tea.
- Adding Chamomile to mint, willow and other herbs will lessen the chance of an upset stomach while relieving tension. See Benefits of Chamomile.
Secondary Headache Herbs
The pain, nausea and sensitivity to noise and light caused by migraines are devastating. Triggers include some foods, beverages and allergies to substances like MSG. During a migraine attack, these vessels are constricted, resulting in oxygen deprivation; one reason migraine suffers yawn a lot in an unconscious effort to increase blood oxygen. Increasing circulation is a key element relieving migraine pain. Home remedies for headaches do not have the side affects associated with over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Gingko Biloba dilates blood vessels.
- Rose Otto or Rose essential oil, also known as Attar of Rose, although expensive relieves migraines by opening the blood vessels. It works fastest by placing about 10 drops of oil in a tub of hot water and then soaking.
- Feverfew - Taken daily for a few weeks, Feverfew can interrupt the migraine cycle, and can be taken by adding fresh Feverfew leaves to salads or sandwiches, or taken dried in capsule form. Scientific evidence confirms that taking Feverfew daily stops migraine from occurring.
Herbs From the Mint Family
Many herbal headache remedies contain some type of mint. Peppermint is the strongest and most aromatic, and works well for food-related migraines. Spearmint is less potent and is gentler on skin, eyes and nose. All mints are beneficial when used in a steam bath or inhaled. Although mint aids digestion, too much mint can be hard on the stomach, especially for those with elevated stomach acid or heartburn.
Herbal headache remedies are easy to make and use. The herbs for headaches used in most home remedies for headaches grow pretty much everywhere. If you suffer from persistent headaches, perhaps growing an herb garden would be beneficial.
Headaches caused by stress and tension can be relieved with Headache Soothe, a homeopathic remedy made by Native Remedies. It is in liquid form and is taken orally so it works faster and is easy to use no matter where you are even when you don't have any water available.
More Information:
Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper
