There are two basic types of head pain: tension headaches and migraines. Although the names are sometimes interchanged, migraines are characterized for a series of other symptoms, such as nausea or blurred vision, besides head pain. If you're suffering from a plain old headache, there are a number of home remedies you can use to get rid of it.
Step 1
Start with over-the-counter analgesics like ibuprofen or aspirin. Take the amount suggested on the label, which can vary depending on the brand or the strength of the pills you choose. Analgesics are better for tension migraines that feel like a throbbing dull pain on the sides of your head.
Step 2
Take your pills with a cup of coffee instead of water. A study at the Diamond Headache Clinic in Illinois showed that caffeine helps reduce headaches faster because it constricts blood vessels, reducing pain. Caffeine can act the opposite way and increase the intensity of migraines, so use only for tension headaches.
Step 3
Get a massage. If you can't enlist the help of somebody, do it yourself. Simply rub the back of your neck, your temples and the top of your shoulders. Use a combination of a circular motion followed by a simple pressing of the most sore points. Press and hold in place for about 10 seconds. Release, take a deep breath and repeat.
Step 4
Do a light workout or take a short walk or bike ride. Exercising releases endorphins, which control pain. Avoid exercising if you're suffering from a strong migraine or are feeling dizzy or weak. Otherwise, a 20-minute walk at the local park can do wonders for your headache.
Step 5
Fill a bowl with water and add lots of ice. Dip a rag or small towel in it and let sit for a few seconds. Squeeze the excess water away and then place over your forehead and eyes. Relax with your head on a pillow in a dark room and keep your eyes closed. Repeat as the rag gets warm.
Step 6
Talk to an ophthalmologist. If you suffer from frequent headaches, you might need glasses or you might need new glasses made. This is true even if you seem to see perfectly well, as you might be suffering from eye strain or tiredness, especially if you work with computers or spend long hours writing and reading.
Step 7
Take 150 to 300 mg of valerian in the form of caplets or tablets. Even a single dose can help. If your headache is particularly strong, try adding 100 to 150 mg of passion flower or hops.
References
- Kona Joe: How A Cup Of Coffee Could Ease Your Headache
- Family Circle: Smart Ways to Stop a Headache
- "Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Journal"; Seymour Diamond; September 2000
