Anyone who has experienced the pain of a headache knows how important getting relief is. With a plethora of medications, over-the-counter products, and even invasive medical procedures promising to nix the jackhammer inside your head, consider using a natural remedy as an alternative. Keep in mind, however, that headaches could be a symptom of a serious condition. Consult with a physician about your headaches and before using any alternative relief method.
Types of Headaches
Because there are various types of headaches, it is important to understand which kind you have in order to combat it. There are tension, cluster, and migraine headaches, with tension headaches being the most common, according to the American Medical Association.
Tension-type headaches generally occur one at a time, cause mild to moderate pain and have been described as a "tight band around the head." Cluster headache pain is more severe and develops in "bouts of frequent attacks," thus the "cluster" name.
Migraine headaches normally cause moderate to severe throbbing on one side of the head and can have such accompanying symptoms as nausea, vomiting, vision changes and light sensitivity.
Prevention
One of the first things to consider when a headache develops is that you might be dehydrated. "Mild dehydration can lead to headaches," according to the neuroscience researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dilated blood vessels cause pressure on the brain, an autonomic nervous system response that occurs when there is lack of hydration in the body. "For every 50 pounds of body weight you carry, drink one quart of bottled spring or filtered water per day" to steer clear of headaches, fatigue, and dry skin, suggests wellness expert, Dr. Joseph Mercola.
Herbal Remedies
Health and wellness authors James Balch, M.D., and Phyllis Balch, CNC, encourage the use of herbs such as brigham, burdock root, fenugreek, feverfew, goldenseal, lavender, marshmallow, mint, rosemary, skullcap and thyme to help relieve headache pain. Herbs should be used with the advice of a health care professional or an herbalist who understands proper dosages and potential risks.
Supplements
Dietary supplements may help to curb headache pain and frequency, according to the National Pain Foundation. Dr. Christina Sun-Edelstein and Dr. Alexander Mauskop propose that some migraine headaches may be caused by a magnesium deficiency, and they recommend supplementing your diet with the RDA of 400mg. In addition to magnesium, they recommend riboflavin, or vitamin B-12, co-enzyme Q10, and alpha lipoic acid to those who experience frequent and severe headaches. A report by the University of Maryland's Medical Center proposes that an essential amino acid called 5-Hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, may also help alleviate headaches.
Warnings
You should seek medical attention if you experience a sudden and severe headache or one accompanied by a fever, stiff neck, or uncontrollable vomiting. If you experience numbness, tingling, changes in vision and motor functions, seek medical advice immediately. A persistent headache is also cause for concern.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Chronic Daily Headaches
- MadSciNetwork: What Are the Pysiological Effects of Dehydration on the Brain?
- Mercola.com: Drink More Spring or Filtered Water to Improve Every Facet of Your Health
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 1997
- University of Maryland Medical Center: 5-Hydroxytryptophan 5-HTP
