Keeping Your Headaches Under Control
Throbbing, aching, pounding headaches can interrupt our lives at the most inconvenient times imaginable. When a headache strikes, it is important to most people to relieve the symptoms as soon as possible, so that normal tasks can resume.
Relieving headache pain quickly is something which seems almost magical, and the desire to pop an ibuprofen or aspirin tablet can be strong. Before you do take any medications, however, you should consider the possible harmful side-effects to your body and your overall health that many tablets can have. Ibuprofen and aspirin are highly acidic substances which can strip the walls of your stomach and intestinal lining after regular use. For this reason, the medical establishment usually puts dosage restrictions on the packets.
Other, mild headache medications such as paracetemol and codeine may also have undesirable effects to your health and although the damage may not be instant or severe, it is probably enough to consider how you might go about taking more natural, safer solutions to your headaches, especially if you suffer frequently.
Some natural, safe headache remedies which you can probably find in your kitchen cupboard include;
- Peppermint - Peppermint tea can be an effective remedy for headaches. Up to 6 cups per day may be taken.
- Almond - A single almond is thought to act with similar constituents as aspirin.
- Lavender - Some lavender essential oil rubbed into the temples can be very relaxing and may relieve a headache.
- Evodia - Evodia fruit may be used against headache, although it should only be used under appropriate supervision.
- Betony - This herb has great value as a remedy for headaches. It should not be used during pregnancy.
- Lime - The common lime may provide great relief, especially for tension and sinus headaches. Take it as a tea, with one heaped teaspoon of lime per cup of water. Alternatively you can use lime tea bags. Drink up to 5 cups per day.
- Valerian - This is also a useful herb to help with headaches.
In general, however, it is important to practice a balanced lifestyle with good nutrition, integrated exercise and stretch routines and plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated.
