Health

10 home remedies for headache

By Sreya Basu

Posted on June 27, 2016

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In a world running against time, where you have to work late night, handle maniac bosses, be equally efficient with family responsibilities, deal with peer pressure and more, that too at the cost of skimpy sleep and days sans morning coffee, proper breakfast and frequently skipped lunch sessions, it’s not surprising to have headaches every now and then.

Common factors that trigger headaches include acidity, gastric, stress, hypertension, restlessness, sinusitis, migraine, lack of sleep and dehydration.

It’s very easy to pop in a painkiller and wait for the pain to subside. But beware of the number of side effects painkillers like aspirin and paracetamol have, including nausea, diarrhoea, indigestion and abdominal pain.

Here are 10 home remedies for headache that will help you deal with the menace in a natural way:

1. Ginger:

Ginger has the quality to reduce inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain, giving relief from headache.

Granny’s tip: Drink equal parts of ginger and lemon juice twice a day. It will restore the acid-alkaline balance in the body.

2. Mint:

Mint has menthol and menthone that help cure headaches.

Granny’s tip: Extract juice from mint leaves and put on forehead and temples.

3. Almond:

Instead of a painkiller pill, chew on some almonds. These nuts contain salicin, a natural pain reliever.

Granny’s tip: Prevention is better than cure. So munch on a handful of almonds when you first get the hint of an on-coming headache.

4. Water:

Most headaches are due to dehydration. When you see the first signs of headache, drink a glass of water and keep taking small sips throughout the day.

Granny’s tip: You may also try sports drinks as they contain electrolytes that help you get rid of tension and dehydration. Stay away from alcohol that dehydrates the body more.

5. Basil:

Basil is a natural muscle relaxant and has analgesic effects. It can cure mild headaches caused due to tensed muscles.

Granny’s tip: Boil water. Put some freshly-picked basil leaves in it and let it simmer for s few minutes. Add a teaspoon of honey and drink the mix.

6. Ice pack:

Applying ice on your forehead and temples will not only reduce inflammation but will also numb the pain.

Granny’s tip: If you are having a headache due to migraine, apply the ice pack to the back of your neck. It will be more effective.

7. Cinnamon:

Cinnamon is a miracle spice when it comes to relieve headache.

Granny’s tip: Grind some cinnamon. Make a thick paste by adding appropriate amount of water. Apply on affected areas and lie down for 30 minutes. Wash your face with lukewarm water.

8. Clove:

Clove is another spice that effectively help ease throbbing headaches.

Granny’s tip: Crush some cloves and put them on a clean handkerchief. Keep inhaling till the pain subsides.

9. Apple:

Apple helps ward off headaches by restoring the acid-alkaline balance of the body.

Granny’s tip: Having a heavy head just when you wake up? Eat a piece of apple sprinkled with salt. Afterwards, drink some lukewarm water.

10. Eucalyptus oil:

Eucalyptus oil has a calming effect on headache.

Granny’s tip: Massage your forehead and temples with eucalyptus oil for 15-20 minutes. You may add coconut or almond oil for better results.

(Sources: NDTV, Top 10 Home Remedies, Everyday Roots)