Headaches can be painful and annoying. The common headache, known as a tension headache, can come on suddenly and be hard to get to rid of. The American College of Physicians (ACP) says seven out of 10 people have at least one headache annually. Though the exact triggers of a tension headache are unknown, the National Institutes of Health says they may be linked to depression, anxiety or stress. A number of home remedy options are available to relieve the mild to moderate pain associated with headaches, including some herbal remedies.
Gentle Massage
Gently massaging the muscles of your head with your fingertips can loosen tense muscles and may help to diminish headache pain. When possible have someone give you a massage that includes your head, neck and shoulders.
Relaxation & Sleep
You may be able to relieve tension headaches through the use of a number of relaxation techniques including mediation, yoga, and slow, deep breathing. Sitting quietly with your eyes closed and imagining a peaceful setting may help to ease headache pain. The Mayo Clinic recommends taking slow, deep breaths for approximately 10 minutes. Sit still for a few minutes before returning to your normal activities.
Also make sure you are not skimping on sleep. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says getting an adequate amount of sleep, approximately seven to eight hours a night for most adults, can lessen headache pain.
Essential Oils
Rubbing rosemary oil on your temples may treat headache pain. Inhaling steam from 2 to 3 cups of boiling water with 2 to 4 drops of lavender oil may help to relieve the pain of headaches, according to the UMMC.
At least one study has found peppermint oil may decrease tension headache pain. As reported in the April 2007 journal "American Family Physician," researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York found that, when applied to the temples, peppermint oil relieved pain about as well as acetaminophen.
Heat & Ice
Applying heat or ice to sore muscles may decrease the pain of a tension headache. Whether you choose hot or cold is really a matter of what you find works best. When using heat, a hot towel, hot-water bottle or setting a heating pad on low can all be effective. A hot bath or shower also may help. If you prefer cold therapy, wrap an ice pack in a cloth before use to protect your skin.
