Beyond being disruptive, headaches can be extremely painful. Over-the-counter medications may be helpful in treating headaches, but it's good to know there are other alternatives, too. Natural remedies, which can be every bit as effective, deserve consideration---especially when headaches are a reoccurring problem.
Diet
Headaches can be triggered by eating certain foods. Among the leading culprits are those foods with citric acid, alcohol, dairy and foods containing nitrites and sulfites, the latter of which dilate capillaries in the brain. Processed lunch meat can lead to headaches, as can red wine and foods and beverages containing caffeine, such as chocolate. Consuming yeast-based or sugary foods also can bring on headaches.
Acupressure
Like acupuncture, acupressure can be used as a means to reduce headaches or eliminate them entirely. Using two hands, apply pressure in the shallow indentation at the base of the skull. With the thumb and forefinger of the other hand, softly---and then firmly---press the hollow indentations of your eye sockets. Do this for three to five minutes as often as needed. Alternatively, natural health food stores often sell bands, which are worn on the hand to relieve both regular and migraine headaches.
Scents
Calming smells, such as lavender, chamomile and rosemary can help relieve headaches when applied directly on areas of pain in the form of essential oils. By contrast, strong smells---such as perfume and strong foods---can cause headaches and should be avoided by certain headache sufferers.
Herbs and Nutrients
Taking herbal and nutritional supplements may relieve headaches and remove the need for medicine. Coenzyme Q10 improves blood oxygenation, while evening primrose---when taken as a daily supplement---can benefit those with chronic headaches. Drinking peppermint or chamomile tea may relieve headache symptoms as well. The same is true of herbs like feverfew, bay, fennel, gingko and lemon balm.
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