Almost everyone suffers from a headache at one point or another. At times, the pain is so severe that you may be tempted to try anything to alleviate this agony. There are many home remedies available for headaches; however, it would be unwise to say that one particular type of remedy would work for all. You may have to resort to a trial and error method to pinpoint what works best for you.
Aromatherapy
Peppermint, lavender, sandalwood and eucalyptus oils are believed to be effective in tackling headaches. These oils can either be applied or massaged directly on the forehead and neck region to thwart headaches naturally. Mixing one or more of the above mentioned oils and then using them for alleviating headaches is recommended if they fail to act individually. At times, just placing scented aromatherapy candles around you will also do the trick.
Kathi Kaville mentions a recipe of aromatherapy for headaches in her book "Aromatherapy for Dummies". Add 5 drops of lavender oil in warm or cold water. Dip a clean cloth in this solution and apply it on the neck and head region to get relief from nagging and persistent headaches.
Ice
A migraine is mainly characterized by bouts of severe headaches. To reduce the severity of the headache, ice wraps can be applied on your forehead. If you do not have ice wraps, then frozen wet towels can also be used around the neck and head region. Doing exercises in a relaxed manner can also considerably reduce the aggravation caused by a migraine.
Massage
One of the best home remedies for headaches is a massage. You have to sit in a relaxed manner and allow someone to massage your forehead gently. This gives the best results when performed in a room that is dimly lit and has soothing music playing in the background. The massage should be given by applying pressure with the thumb on your temples. Aromatic oils can also be used for enhancing the effectiveness of such massages.
Using Herbs
Basil, lemon verbena, lemon balm, lavender, dill, rose, sage, peppermint, spearmint or fennel leaves are known to be effective in alleviating headaches. Take a few scented leaves, crush them between your fingers and inhale them deeply. TotalHealthCare.com illustrates that swallowing a sugar cube with 3 drops of lavender oil reduces the headache. Another home remedy for severe headaches is to chew some basil leaves.
Heat and Cold Packs
Alternatively applying hot and cold packs on forehead can mitigate headaches to some extent. But ensure your head does not become too hot or cold as this will only add to the agony that you are feeling. Few people simply feel relieved of a headache by placing their hands in the hot water.
Ayurvedic Paste
Ayurveda, a branch of medicine from India, encourages use of herbs, roots, spices and other naturally occurring substances to cure various body ailments. One of the treatments for headaches in Ayurveda is application of a paste of spices. Take a few cloves, almonds and cinnamon in equal measures, and grind them into a paste by adding a little warm water. This paste then has to be applied to the forehead to reduce the headache. Even sandalwood powder can be applied on the forehead to help mitigate the pain.
