Headaches can occur for a variety of reasons. Whether the result of stress, lack of sleep, hormone fluctuations, illness or a medical condition---they can be painful and debilitating. In fact, the NYU Pain Management Center states that up to 40 million people in America experience chronic headaches. Fortunately, most headaches do not require medical intervention and can be treated right from home.
Massage
According to the Mayo Clinic, headaches can be remedied naturally via massage. Not only does massage help reduce stress and pain, but it encourages relaxation. Massage can be especially beneficial if you are prone to tight muscles in the back of the head, shoulders and neck.
Magnesium
According to FoxNews.com, take a magnesium supplement to help ease headaches---especially those caused by the menstruation cycle. To be most effective, take between 400 and 600 mg a day. Be careful not to exceed the recommended dosage because too much magnesium can cause diarrhea.
Relaxation Exercises
To reduce the pain and stress associated with headaches, the Mayo Clinic suggests learning meditation. Or try yoga or deep breathing exercises. Relaxation exercises not only induce a calm mental state, they slow the breathing and discourage muscle tension. All of these effects help make pain more manageable.
Dietary Changes
Because certain foods can trigger headaches, the NYU Pain Management Center says adjusting the diet can help combat them. Avoid foods such as bananas, beans, yogurt, aged cheese, buttermilk, and marinated or pickled foods. In addition, some types of alcohol, like beer and red wine, can contribute to headaches.
Hot Water
The website HealthCommunities.com explains that headaches can be remedied by placing your feet in very hot water. Simultaneously, apply a cold compress or ice packet to the back of the neck. This process pulls blood away from the head and down to the feet, helping to reduce pain.
Butterbur
FoxNews.com reports that that butterbur, a plant that comes from Germany, is an effective natural headache reliever. Butterbur comes in a pill and can be ordered via the Internet. Not only does it treat a headache, it also treats the symptoms that come along with it---such as nausea.
