Headaches are common and can have a variety of causes, from stress and poor posture to Illness. Tension headaches are the most common and usually go away after sufficient rest or sleep. according to Dr. Linda White, author of "The Herbal Drug Store." Over-the-counter remedies, such as aspirin, are effective for treating most headaches but may also contribute to headaches, a condition known as rebound headache. There are several alternatives that can relieve headache pain with a lower risk of rebound.
Ginger and Ginger Tea
Make ginger tea by chopping or grating a thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger root into a heat-safe cup and adding 8 oz. of boiling water. Or try taking up to eight 500 to 600-mg capsules per day. Ginger contains a substance called 6-shogaol and, according to Dr. White, acts like capsaicin to relieve pain.
Cayenne Pepper
Add a dose of cayenne pepper to your food or try cayenne pepper supplements. Cayenne pepper contains two pain-relieving chemicals: capsaicin, which blocks a pain-transmitting chemical, and aspirin-like compounds called salicylates. If you don't like hot food, try massaging capsaicin cream into your temples or over the affected area. Capsaicin cream and cayenne pepper juice can both burn, so avoid getting them into your eyes.
Peppermint 'Triple Whammy'
Brew a cup of peppermint tea and massage your temples, neck and forehead with two drops of peppermint essential oil mixed with a teaspoon of grapeseed oil. Avoid getting the peppermint in your eyes. Sip the tea while sitting in a hot bath with 10 drops of peppermint essential oil. Peppermint contains menthol, a natural pain reliever. The menthol will also clear up any sinus congestion that may be contributing to your headache.
Caffeine
Drink a 12-oz. cup of coffee or caffeinated tea. Caffeine is also available in pill form, but the dosage may be much higher than a standard cup of coffee. The higher doses of caffeine may cause anxiety and even gastrointestinal upset. Caffeine constricts the blood vessels and can help boost the effects of other headache medicines. Use sparingly--too much caffeine can actually cause headaches.
Homeopathic Medicines
Try a remedy formulated specifically for headaches, such as HeadOn, or use one designed to treat a headache-related condition, such as Sinusalia. Companies including Miralus Healthcare and Boiron both make reliable homeopathic products that are available in most major drugstores. The Food and Drug Administration regulates homeopathic medicines.
Other Alternatives
If stress or tension are the cause, something as simple as adjusting your posture, taking a short walk and resting your eyes can relieve the headache. Practice stretches to relieve the tension in your neck and shoulders. Practice eye strain exercises, such as staring at distant objects or eye cupping. Adjust your work station to ensure that you are using proper posture and have adequate lighting. Pinch the area between your thumb and index finger--an effective acupressure point.
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