Natural Headache Remedies
I have been trying to cut out paracetamol for some time.
I have been trying lots of different natural headache remedies and I think I have cracked it.
Even though it’s an over the counter drug, paracetamol used long term can result in liver and kidney damage. Overdosing can be fatal. It can also be hard on the gut and nervous systems.
Of course, you have to try different things to see what will work for you, but here are some things you can try:
♥ Homeopathy. What really made the difference for me (and the decision not to hang onto that spare pack just in case) was Puraforce Headache drops. They work brilliantly!! You can also use them in conjunction with any other medication. They are easy to take and easy to keep in your handbag.
♥ Aromatherapy. Peppermint or lavender oil will both help a headache. Kim at Like Chocolate for Women says:
“Compresses on the back of the neck or across the forehead can be very helpful. Simply place 2 drops of Lavender and 2 drops of Peppermint into a stainless steel bowl or sink of warm water, then using a cloth simply immerse and squeeze until excess water is removed. Compress onto most effected areas. A massage will always help to relieve tight neck muscles again using oils like lavender and peppermint – 1-2 drops of each into 10mls Carrier Oil. Or 2 drops of Instant Calm would be ideal too.”
Using a quality aromatherapy oil like Twenty 8 will have better results. You can get them here.
♥ Hydrate. Often headaches are caused from your body being dehydrated. Drink some water – not just one glass, several glasses. If you find water a bit hard to drink, jazz it up or drink some peppermint tea.
♥ Rest. A headache is your body’s way of telling you something is up. You might be stressed or getting sick. If you can, lie down in a dark,cool room and try to have a nap.
♥ Reflexology. There are several acupressure points on your body that you can apply pressure to, to ease a headache. Take a look here for more information.
♥ Adjustments. Persistent headaches might mean you need an adjustment from a chiropractor, osetopath or bowen therapist.
♥ Yoga. There are several yoga poses that can help relieve a headache. Take a look at these.
♥ Acupuncture. Needles can freak some people out, but acupuncture is well known as a cure for migraines. For some more information go here.
♥ Techno detox. One thing that sets me off is too much screen time and too much exposure to electro-magnetic radiation. Go outside and go for a walk in the fresh air. Allow your body to rebalance.
♥ Herbs. Herbs such as feverfew and willow bark may help. Consult a herbalist or naturopath to get a remedy and check if they are suitable for you. There are some conditions they are not recommended for.
♥ Apple Cider Vinegar. Have a glass of water with a tablespoon of raw honey and a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Is there anything ACV can’t do?
♥ Ginger. Slice up some fresh ginger and make a tea. Ginger seems to help prevent blood vessels from getting inflamed.
♥ Magnesium. I was surprised at how quick this worked! You can take magnesium tablets or hop in a magnesium chloride bath.
Do you have any natural headache remedies?
I needed this yesterday! It was too bad by the time i got up to avoid it and its been so long since i have taken one i had to search out my hubbies private stash!! I usually use the puraforce pain relief and tons of herbal tea and water as remedies for normal headaches. Thanks for the info!
I know – you have to catch it early – just like colds!
This is great information Sonia.
I get eye strain headaches (short sighted), lack of water headaches and stress headaches and sometimes migraines where I just want to put my head through a wall to knock myself out and am ill afterwards for 2 days! They don’t happen all that happen often thank goodness.
I have tried a few of these but not the acupuncture, chiropractor or the homeopathic drops – they sound great! So will be looking into these! Thank you XXX
let me know how you go !! migraines suck!
I will! I always hate to think of the damage my pain killers could be doing to me – really love this post! XX
I use tapping for minor headaches and I always try and maintain hydration levels but I do take 2 paracetamol once every few months. I looked at getting some headache drops but they were $20 a bottle, which is pretty steep. As someone who uses them – how long would a bottle last?
depends on how often you get headaches and how many people in the family use them. I have had mine for about three months and about 2/3 bottle left. 🙂
It would just be me and the man using them. Thanks Son!
I can recognise a dehydrated headache from a sugar-hit headache and a tension headache, eye-strain headache. I will remedy them each differently. Sometimes I need a drink, sometimes some salt, sometimes some protein or almonds and sometimes a rest!!
I would only have about 2 paracetamol tablets in a whole year and its usually cos I’m out or unable to do these fixes early enough.
I teach my clients to recognise their different symptoms and acknowledge their body’s communication.
great tips thanks Robyn 🙂
Magnesium! Blackmores Celloids MP 65 are chewable (just taste a bit chalky). I chew on a couple if I get a headache. Magnesium helps to relaxes blood vessels and helps them to dilate and relieve tension
wow that’s a great tip Carlie! thank you
Perfect timing for me Sonia being preggy!! 🙂
yes! oh you need to get into these drops – they are amazing and can treat all things from hormone imbalance, mastitis, baby health issues – all naturally! brilliant stuff and Nicole is a SA mum who I trust – it’s win/win!
Great tips Sonia, thank you. I’ve just started on the Puraforce Headache drops and as my headaches are often muscle related, I’ve been using the anti-inflam drops too. I know my back needs some treatment but I just haven’t prioritised it lately 🙁 Magnesium powder also seems to help relax my stiff muscles. If nothing else is helping and I can’t rest, I’ll sometimes resort to an expresso coffee. One little shot can give me some relief… Not strictly natural but a bit better than a pharmaceutical fix??
One doesn’t hurt! I love my epsom baths to relax muscles. Have you tried bowen therapy? I swear by it.
9 times out oof 10, a headache for me is caused by dehydration or not enough to eat. I often find a good drink of water and something to eat helps a lot.
more self care needed for us mums! I get bad with the water in winter time!
I was advised by Acupuncturist Sydney to stay away from anxieties , drink plenty water and do regular exercise. I found their advices very helpful. I have got rid of habit of taking paracetamols for headache.
that’s fabulous Anna!
Great list … I use oils and definitely have regular techno detoxes 🙂
oils are good for everything – could not be without them 🙂
Do some Googling on Dr Anne Marie Colbin too. She has some great stuff on getting rid of headaches naturally.
will do thanks Jo
Great list, I’m so lucky not to be the headache type, some people are really prone to them, treating liver in headache people is always so important too, thanks for this Sonia x
ok that’s interesting! thanks Alisha 🙂
The good old fashioned ice pack (wrapped in teatowel) on both the area aching and the back of the neck often helps for that bad headache you wake up with; the coldness dulls the pulsing/thumping.
So happy I found this one. I have an appointment with the doctor on Thursday about my persistent headaches and migraines and I know they will simply prescribe more medication which I really want to avoid!
Thank you!
I suffered terribly with migraines since I was pregnant with my son who is now 4. They never went after he was born. I have tried what I think is absolutely EVERYTHING in pure desperation, even a neurologist! and the only thing that works is acupuncture and Chinese medicine/herbs. It’s had such an affect on me I am planning to study it to be able to share it’s great qualities with others 🙂
ooh forgot to mention that I also use a magnesium oil spray – it is wonderful for all headaches but then has some other cool uses too!
As a massage therapist, I always look at people’s posture. It’s amazing how our everyday activities can result in chronic headaches.
We’ve become a society that looks down at cell phones throughout the day. Even computer work and reading can initiate a headache.
When the muscles in the front of the neck are shortened, pain starting at the base of the skull and going all the way into the forehead is usually the result.
Correcting posture and doing some stretching can be very beneficial. For some people, stretching under a hot shower is most effective.
great tips April!
I will be trying the apple cider vinegar remedy this morning. Great post. Thanks! 🙂
Thanks FPM! Let me know how it goes 🙂
I have so many of these ingredients at home…..hubby had a headache on wed, but I only thought to give him peppermint oil on the temples…..GONE!!! Yippee, but will keep the others in mind 🙂
Excellent! Good to know it works 😀