Natural Relief for Headaches

Tired of popping an aspirin or your usual meds when that headache kicks in? Below are some tips for natural relief from headache:

• Peppermint oil. Aromatherapy is in, and not only for calming or relaxation. It is also one of the safest – not to mention soothing – ways to give you natural relief from headache. Los Angeles aromatherapist Michael Scholes claims that inhaling the peppermint scent directly from the bottle can ease headache pain. A drop of this oil can also be added to your facial lotion and patted under your nose and behind your ears. To get natural relief from the more severe headaches like migraine, however, rosemary oil, a more potent essential oil, is recommended.
• Head massage. This is especially helpful for headaches caused by tension. Massage your scalp using your fingertips, moving your scalp back and forth by around half an inch. Do this for the entire scalp area. Afterwards, gently pull your hair, one clump at a time, to stimulate your scalp. Then massage your forehead and temples. This head massage will not only give you natural relief – it will also make your head feel deliciously relaxed afterwards!
• Meditation. Headaches are often caused by tension and stress. Meditation can help you reduce your tension and stress levels, and thus give you natural relief. There are many kinds of meditation, but one simple meditation technique is to simply breathe in and out deeply for at least ten minutes every day. Feel and be aware of each breath going in and out of your body. In addition to this technique or as a separate technique, you can also regularly visualize and imagine that you are in a place that relaxes you, like a pristine beach on a summer day or a deep blue mountain lake surrounded by evergreen trees.
• Eat right. This is a long-term but wise solution, especially if you have a recurring headache. With this method, though, your natural relief will not be temporary but will definitely last. First, avoid foods with monosodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartame (like Nutrasweet) as these are usually triggers for headaches. Then, start eating more foods with omega-3 fatty acids like sardines, mackerel, salmon and anchovies as these inhibit blood clotting, which reduces headache and its intensity. Fruits and vegetables that also help are carrots, garlic, ginger, parsley and cantaloupe.

With these methods for natural relief, trust that your headache will be a thing of the past.

Did you know that according to researchers from Peninsula Medical School, magnetic bracelets provide natural pain relief? Read about how magnets provide relief.

And feel free to post your comments!