8 Best Home Remedies For Headache: Tips for Headache Treatment at Home

Headaches are very common, and can happen anytime. You might be at work, or maybe just chilling at home on a holiday, and out of nowhere you might feel some tension building in your head. It's not always a good idea to pop a pill every time something minor like this happens, as it can do more harm than good. Headaches, unless too severe, are no reason to go to the physician. Instead, there are several home remedies one can use for seeking relief and treating headaches. Here are some of the smartest natural home remedies you can use to cure that headache medicine-free: 

1. Aromatherapy 

When used in the right way, aromatherapy can really provide relief from headaches. You can use lavender oil or peppermint oil to sniff your headache away. These oils are not to be used orally; these fragrances relax and relieve tension, thus, in turn, helping with headaches. You can gently sprinkle a few drops on your pillow before sleeping, or pour some oil into your warm bath and soak it right in as you relax into your bathtub. It is a simple yet effective way to treat those headaches, especially after a long stressful day. 

2. Simple Yoga Stretches 

When ailing from a headache, a few simple and basic yoga stretches can really help. Just take a few deep breaths as you get in tune with your body, sense the knots and tensions which you might be unconsciously holding in your body, and make a conscious yet gentle effort to release all these knots and tensions. The body carries stress sometimes without us knowing about it, which can lead to minor and sometimes moderate headaches if we don't make the effort to release the stress. Yoga stretches are very relaxing in nature and are designed to relieve tension and stress while helping you to get in touch with how your body feels. 

3. Going the Chai way

Tea is an excellent stress reliever, as most of us who happily sip a cup every morning would know. Not only is tea a relaxant, but it also has many benefits for the body, and is a great solution for headaches. And I'm not just talking about our standard Indian masala chai, but different varieties for tea can prove to be very useful to alleviate headaches. For instance, chamomile tea is calming and relaxing, which you can drink with warm water and a dash of lemon. So is ginger tea, which is a very common preparation in Indian homes. Just grate some ginger as you boil your tea leaves with milk and water, and add sugar to taste. This healing brew is a definite stress-reliever and headache buster! 

4. Sleep 

We cannot stress the importance of sleep and the perils of its lack thereof. Sleep deprivation is one of the most common causes of headaches, and getting sufficient sleep, its most common solutions. In our day to day busy lives, we sometimes forget the role that a good night's sleep can play in the quality of our lives. To be stress-free and of course, headache free, getting a full 7-8 hours of sleep is the way to go. If you are suffering from a headache and you have the time or liberty to get a quick nap, you should totally do that. Dim your lights, pull down the curtains and make sure you're not disturbed. And get that soothing hour of sleep before you do anything else. 

5. Hydration 

Sometimes, the lack of proper hydration can also cause headaches. When you're feeling a headache coming on, it is always better to first get a glass of water. 
Not only can it help alleviate headaches, but it can also boost your overall health. 

6. Oriental Healing Techniques 

It sounds all heavy, but don't worry it is not. These oriental, ancient Chinese techniques involve acupressure and acupuncture. Now unless you're with a practiced acupuncturist, it is not advisable to use this method on your own. However, you can use Acupressure to relieve your headaches, and this method is surprisingly effective. There are certain pressure points which you can learn about to cure your pain. 
- Pressure Point LI-4, also known as ‘Hegu’, is the point located between the base of your thumb and index finger. Apply pressure on this point, but not too hard. Keep it pressed for a few minutes (maximum 5 minutes) and then gently release. It will reduce or alleviate your headache, depending on the intensity. You can perform this technique several times a day, or as many times required to soothe the symptoms. 
- The Third Eye Pressure Point can be located between the two eyebrows and where the bridge of your nose meets the forehead. Apply firm, but not too hard, pressure on this point for about one minute, and gently release. Repeat the process a few times to alleviate headaches. 

7. Cinnamon Rubs 

Cinnamon is a healing spice and a very effective headache remedy. Cinnamon not only boosts the immune system but also relaxes the tensions in and around the head. Just take a few cinnamon sticks and grind them into a powder. Add some water to make a thick paste. Then apply this mixture on your forehead and temples, and preferably lie down for about thirty minutes. After the process is done, you can watch your forehead and temples with room temperature or lukewarm water. 

8. Ice Packs 

Applying a cold damp cloth on the forehead is common for fevers in Indian homes. However, the cooling method is not just limited to fevers but can be used for reducing headaches as well. Instead of applying just a damp cloth, you can use the cloth to make a homemade ice pack and apply it on your forehead and temples for some time to relax the muscles and ease a headache, especially if the headache is a moderate throbbing one in nature. 

These are tried and tested methods that can be used as effective home remedies for mild to moderate headaches. However, if the headache persists or becomes severe or unbearable, it is advisable to consult the nearest physician.  

Consult your doctor before taking these remedies.

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