Headache remedies vary nearly as much as the types and causes of headache itself. Although pain medications, whether over-the-counter or prescription, are at the center of most headache treatments, natural remedies from foods and plants can supplement treatment regimens to reduce pain and possibly prevent continued headache occurrence. A doctor should be consulted prior to taking naturopathic remedies as they can sometimes interact with medications and affect existing medical conditions.
Willow Bark
Willow bark, also known as white willow bark, contains salicylate and a chemical called tremulacin. Salicylate in willow bark was the pre-19th century precursor to acetylsalicylic acid, otherwise known as aspirin; therefore, willow bark provides pain relief similar to that of known aspirin products in the 21st century. Tremulacin provides anti-inflammatory actions to supplement pain relief and reduce swelling. Willow bark is short-acting, with a half-life in the body of less than three hours; willow bark may cause upset stomach related to its salicylate content.
Butterbur
The petasin and isopetasin chemicals found in butterbur are responsible for many health benefits, including sedation and reduced swelling and reactivity associated with asthma and allergies. In addition, butterbur provides analgesic, or pain-relieving, effects that have been studied for the treatment of migraine and other headaches. Approximately 50mg of standardized butterbur extract used twice daily is the recommended dosage for migraine treatment. Butterbur use for other types of headache was considered in the 1980s and 1990s, but studies in the 21st century that support use for tension or stress headaches are lacking.
Tiger Balm
Tiger balm, a non-prescription skin product marketed to treat muscle pain, may be beneficial for treatment of different types of headache as well. Tiger balm contains menthol and camphor, which provide the sensation of tightened blood vessels and improved breathing when inhaled--a beneficial effect for sinus headache relief. In addition, tiger balm contains clove oil; cloves have cleansing and stress-relieving properties and can reduce swelling and pain. Clove oil, camphor and menthol are concentrated products that can irritate the skin when used undiluted; prepared products with less-concentrated ingredients are best to reduce skin redness and rash side effects.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Tension Headache
- Guide to Popular Natural Products, Facts and Comparisons, A. DerMarderosian, 2001: Willow Bark
- Organic Facts: Essential Oils: Health Benefits of Clove Oil
