About 90 percent of all headaches are caused by tension and stress, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Other factors may also contribute to headaches, such as caffeine consumption, allergies, viral infections and environmental pollutants. Some types of headaches, particularly migraines, are caused by rapid changes in blood pressure in your brain. Several common spices may help alleviate the pain of headaches. Check with your doctor before using any spice to treat a headache.
Cayenne
Cayenne is a hot pepper that grows in Jamaica, India and parts of Asia. This pepper features prominently in hot sauces, curries and stir fry dishes. Cayenne may also be useful for treating headache pain. It may help dilate blood vessels in your brain, which may relieve migraines and cluster headaches, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." It may also help block pain signals generated by nerves that surround your brain. Contact your doctor before using cayenne -- it may cause stomach upset.
Ginger
Ginger is a spice known for its spicy flavor and strong aroma. It is a common ingredient in Asian and Indian dishes. However, ginger may also offer medicinal benefits. This spice may help regulate blood pressure, which may alleviate cluster headache and migraine pain. This spice may also have anti-viral properties, which may help prevent headaches caused by viral infections such as influenza and the common cold, according to Castleman. Ginger may cause heartburn, so talk to your doctor before using this spice.
Garlic
Garlic is used as a spice in a variety of cuisines, including Mexican, Caribbean, Tex-Mex, Mediterranean, Chinese and Indian. The primary chemical compound in this spice, called allicin, may lower blood pressure by clearing excess cholesterol from your bloodstream, according to Balch. Garlic may also stimulate immune system function, which may prevent viral infections and illnesses that contribute to headaches. Consult your physician before using garlic to treat or prevent headaches -- the chemicals in garlic have blood-thinning properties, which may contribute to excess bleeding.
Clove
Centuries ago, the Chinese used cloves to mask bad breath, as well as to treat diarrhea, ringworm and indigestion, according to Castleman. However, cloves may also effectively prevent headaches caused by infection. Eugenol, the primary chemical compound in cloves, may help fight bacteria, fungi and virus that cause headache-producing illnesses. Eugenol also has a mild numbing effect that may help relieve headaches when applied externally. Check with your physician before treating headaches with cloves. In rare cases, it may cause stomach upset.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
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