Coffee accounts for 75 percent of the caffeine consumption in the U.S., with tea, chocolate and soda as the other major sources of caffeine. Caffeine causes blood vessels to constrict, and a caffeine-withdrawal headache is caused by the rebound dilation of those blood vessels. Ironically, most headache medications contain caffeine, which according to the Cleveland Clinic, makes pain relievers 40 percent more effective and helps your body absorb the medication faster, bringing relief sooner. Curing a caffeine headache without using more caffeine means avoiding most over-the-counter pain relievers.
Step 1
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or peppermint tea. Peppermint tea is an antispasmodic, soothing muscle contractions and easing the pain of your headache. Ginger tea may also be effective. Most herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free.
Step 2
Take a nap. If you can't make the pain go away, try to sleep through the worst of it. A nap will also relax you, calming your nerves and helping you to feel better. Also, since you've eliminated caffeine, which is a stimulant, you may be more fatigued -- a nap will refresh and energize you.
Step 3
Use aromatherapy oils or have an aromatherapy massage. Certain scents may help stop your headache. Try peppermint, ginger, lavender or eucalyptus oils for pain relief.
Step 4
Wait it out. Caffeine headaches occur if you normally consume more than 500 mg of caffeine per day and then abruptly stop all caffeine consumption. The worst of the withdrawal symptoms -- headaches, lack of concentration, irritability and depression -- usually last less than 48 hours.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid a caffeine headache by weaning yourself off caffeine slowly. Try cutting 25 percent of your caffeine intake per week to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Try switching from regular coffee to a mix of half regular and half decaf.
- Decaffeinated beverages may contain small amount of caffeine, notes the Cleveland Clinic.
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