Herbal Remedies for Headache

13 Remedies that Work Effectively

Headaches can afflict almost everyone at some time or the other. Headaches are caused by temporary upsets, and are not related to any organic changes in the brain. The most common symptoms of headache are aches and tightness around head, behind the eyes, and neck, depression or excitation and blurring of visions.

There are two general types of headache: primary and secondary. Primary headaches include tension, migraine, and cluster headaches, which are not caused by any underlying medical condition. Nearly 90% of all headaches that occur are primary. Secondary headaches usually occur because of an underlying disease or illness like brain tumor. These account for a very small percentage of all headaches.

Fortunately, there are a variety of herbal remedies to treat headache. In many cases herbal remedies can provide a safe and gentle alternative to prescription medication. However, it is advised to consult with your doctor before trying any natural remedies or herbs. Here are some herbal remedies can be very effective for relief of headches:

1.Rosemary

The herb rosemary has been found precious in headaches resulting from cold. Rosemary helps keep blood vessels dilated. Boil a handful of rosemary herbs in 2 litres of water and put in a mug. Put a towel over your head and breathe the rosemary vapors as long as you can. This should be continued till the headache is relieved. One of the well liked home remedies for headache.

2. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is useful in headaches caused by exposure to cold air. a fine paste of cinnamon with a few drops of cold water acts very well to cure headache. Apply the paste on the forehead and temples to obtain relief. This gives a very soothing effect and cures headache instantly.

3. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is used to treat many conditions including asthma, hay fever, sinusitis, gastrointestinal disturbances, menstrual and menopausal problems, nervous tension, insomnia and tension and migraine headaches. Take in 2 Tablespoons of some fresh or dried chamomile flowers in a pint of water, boil the water for about 40 minutes. After removing the pot, cool down the broth and strain the liquid, it can then be sweetened using some pure maple syrup and this herbal tea can be drunk in doses of 1-2 cups at a time on a regular basis for long term treatment of headaches. No significant adverse effects from Chamomile tea have been reported.

4. Ginkgo Biloba

The use of this herb is a good option in the treatment of circulation headaches. It will repair circulatory problems and alleviate headaches in individuals affected by headaches of this type. Ginkgo biloba has also been shown to help with inflammation and may block the generation of platelet-activating factor, which has been indicated in migraines. Take 120-160 mg of ginkgo biloba extract, two to three times per day. Ginkgo biloba extractmay need to be taken for six to eight weeks before desired effects are noticed. Ginkgo may also be taken as a tincture of 0.5 ml three times daily. Very large doses may cause restlessness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and other unpleasant effects, usually of a relatively mild nature. If these occur, cease taking the medication or reduce the dosage.

5. Ginger

Herbal ginger remedy is its ability to stimulate the circulatory system. Ginger is also effective in the treatment of fevers, all kind cold, headaches,alleviate the pain and discomfort of aching muscles in the body. Doses of an herbal ginger tincture taken at single doses of 1.5 – 3 ml thrice every day during the treatment period. When used in the recommended doses, the side effects of ginger are rarely felt. Some individuals may be very sensitive to the taste of the herb or they may experience symptoms such as heartburn when using the ginger.

6. Valerian Root

The herb Valerian used to treat many conditions including asthma, hay fever, sinusitis, gastrointestinal disturbances, irritable bowel syndrome, menstrual and menopausal problems, nervous tension, insomnia and tension. Valerian root may also be helpful for migraine patients with anxiety, since it doesn’t have the “hangover effect” caused by some prescription sedatives. The suggested dose for insomnia is 300 to 600 mg, which is equivalent to 2 to 3 grams of dried herbal valerian root soaked in one cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. At higher doses, valerian root is associated with headaches and muscle spasm.

7. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis [Latin]), also called bee balm, Melissa, sweet balm. Lemons balm have been found to be a great natural cure for headaches. Lemons balm is also effective in the treatment of menstrual and menopausal problems, nervous tension, indigestion, insomnia, anxiety hyperthyroidism, upset stomach, herpes simplex virus, cold sores, vertigo and buzzing in the ears. Lemon balm is also available in tablets, capsules, teas, tinctures, and extracts.

A simple tea, made from 2 tablespoons of the herb steeped for ten to fifteen minutes in 150 ml of boiling water, is often used. A tincture can also be used at 2-3 ml three times per day. Concentrated extracts, 160 to 200 mg 30 minutes to one hour before bed, are sometimes recommended for insomnia. You can also add dried lemon balm leaves to the bath—lemon balm essential oils smell wonderful, and are used in aromatherapy to relieve tension and anxiety.

8. Feverfew

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a traditional medicinal herb. It was used to treat headache, inflammation, and fever several centuries ago. Feverfew has anti-inflammatory, stimulant, relaxant, decongestant and anti-coagulant properties. Feverfew is mainly used for the treatment and prevention of frequent and serious migraine headaches. It can be taken in the form of fresh herb leaves, capsule, tablets, or liquid extract.

To provide migraine relief, feverfew extract need to be taken at a dose of 6.25 mg 3 times daily. Medical research indicates that a period of four to six weeks is required before any results will be noted. Potential side effects include stomach upset, mouth ulcers, and a “post-feverfew syndrome” of joint aches. The side effects when taking the recommended standardized feverfew herbal remedy is minimal and there are no major problems associated with the remedy. Some of the more prominent and minor side effects can include problems with the gastrointestinal tract and sudden nervousness or irritability in the patient. Feverfew is not recommended during pregnancy or breast-feeding and should not be used by children under the age of two years.

9. Butterbur

Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) has been used to treat allergies, bronchial asthma, headache, pain, and muscle and urinary tract spasms. Leaf and root extracts of Butterbur have been shown to be effective in clinical trials for migraines and asthma, and showed mixed results in the treatment of allergies. Butterbur is being used as an alternative to feverfew in the botanical treatment of migraines. Butterbur extracts has anti-inflammatory effects that could prevent the blood vessels from constricting and initiating a migraine. Butterbur extract is taken at a dose of 50-75 mg two times per day.

10. Peppermint – is an effective herb that is good for treat rritable bowel syndrome, nausea, morning sickness, menstrual cramps, poor appetite, gas, diarrhea, headache (and migraine), and skin irritations. Peppermint also fights viruses that cause cold sores, genital sores (herpes), sore throats, sinusitis, and colds/flu. Rub on the forehead and temples every 15 to 30 minutes (avoiding the eyes) after the beginning of a headache. Put a drop or two of straight essential oil of peppermint can also be dabbed under the nose to help relieve the pressure and congestion which can cause sinus headaches. Peppermint tea Drink one or two cups of tea if you have a headache.

11. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

It is among the safest and most widely used of all aromatherapy oils. Is an herb that can be used to treat anxiety, depression, mental exhaustion, insomnia, scrapes and wounds, inflammation, nerves, tension, digestive problems, headaches, migraines, skin problems and women’s health problems. It is also one of the most antiseptic, natural antibiotic, sedative, detoxifier. For headaches, add two drops of lavender essential oil to a bowl of cold water and soak a cloth to make a compress to place across the forehead. Relax and allow the aroma of the lavender to carry away your headache.

12. Eucalyptus

It is one of the most popular essential oils all over the world. It has various benefits. It helps get rid of a number of problems like that of the body muscular pain, infections, fevers, poor blood circulation, sinus, headache, cold, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, other congestion problems and the list is endless. Eucalyptus oil massages is pain reliever and good for curing headache. Put a few drops of this essential oil in a carrier oil and massage your forehead. Also, try sniffing the oil – put a few drops on a handkerchief and sniff. This may be beneficial for tension headaches.

13. Chamomile

It is effective herbal remedies for the treatment of a variety of illnesses. The herb has a great relaxant action to the nervous system of the individual suffering from the tension headache.

To prepare the tea, two tablespoons of of some fresh or dried chamomile flowers in a pint of water, boil the water for about 40 minutes. After removing the pot, cool down the broth and strain the liquid, it can then be sweetened using some pure maple syrup and this herbal tea can be drunk in doses of 1-2 cups at a time on a regular basis for long term treatment of headaches.

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