Headaches are a common ailment with various causes, but their symptoms can be equally debilitating.
From pulsating sensations to constant or sporadic throbbing, headaches can affect one side of the head or the entire cranium.
If you’re seeking relief, consider natural remedies alongside traditional allopathic treatments to regain control of your life.
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Learn how to relieve and manage headaches naturally. Discover effective remedies and lifestyle adjustments for headache relief.
Migraines with aura: A common struggle
Migraines, often affecting one side of the head or behind the eyes, are prevalent, with about seven out of 10 individuals experiencing intense migraines regularly.
These migraines often come with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light.
During migraine attacks, individuals tend to seek refuge in dark rooms to escape the painful effects of light.
Dietary factors and stress: Hidden culprits
Digestive issues can also trigger headaches, and recent studies have revealed a strong connection between migraines and digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease.
Exploring specialized diets like the FODMAP diet can help calm the digestive system and potentially reduce migraine frequency.
Stress, a common modern-day adversary, can exacerbate migraine tendencies.
Consider relaxation therapies and meditation, which focus on breathing techniques to alleviate anxiety-induced breathing blockages.
Hormonal headaches: Taming estrogen dominance
Hormonal imbalances, particularly estrogen dominance, can contribute to headaches.
To address this, try incorporating progesterone-rich foods into your diet, including tofu, sesame seeds, flaxseed, soy, garlic, and egg yolk.
Neck health: A critical factor
Don’t overlook the role of neck and cervical spine issues in triggering headaches, especially in our screen-dominated lives.
Prolonged screen time can strain the neck and lead to poor posture.
Chiropractic sessions can help reposition your back, strengthen your shoulders, and counteract the tension responsible for migraines.
Natural remedies for migraine relief
A few supplements can help counteract these virulent migraines.
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Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
Some studies tend to show that vitamin B2 helps to space migraine attacks.
Involved in the manufacture of enzymes, it is involved in the breakdown of fatty acids, proteins, and amino acids.
The causes of certain migraines are attributed to the dysfunction of the mitochondria of neurons.
In this context, vitamin B2 is essential for the proper functioning of these same mitochondria.
A study shows that a dose of 400mg of vitamin B2 (ad) per day has reduced the frequency of migraines.
This is the recommended dose by Canadian and U.S. health authorities.
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Ginger: Nature’s pain reliever
We know that severe headaches can lead to nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
Ginger is a food known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and pain-relieving effects.
Considering ginger supplementation (ad) of 100mg per day can also relieve migraine attacks.
Natural anti-inflammatories
While allopathic medicine often prescribes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for migraine pain, consider these natural alternatives:
– Turmeric
Studies agree that turmeric relieves recurrent headaches.
Acting on the production of the tumor necrosis factor, a substance produced by the immune system and directly responsible for the pain characteristic of migraine, it delivers its anti-inflammatory effects.
However, it is preferable to turn to a turmeric dietary supplement (ad) rather than to the spice itself because the anti-migraine action is mainly provided by curcumin.
The recommended dose is 100 to 250mg per day.
– Omega 3 (EPA-DHA)
Fish oil is a source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that participate in many biochemical processes in the body, thus regulating blood pressure, protecting blood vessels, and the brain, etc.
Studies appear to show that Omega 3 supplementation significantly reduces the frequency of migraine attacks.
The recommended dose is 100 to 200mg per day.
Omega 3 EPA DHA (ad)
– Magnesium
Recent studies agree that magnesium has a place in the treatment of migraine.
Known for its anti-inflammatory effects, it is also a muscle relaxant and plays a leading role in controlling vasomotricity and the release of neurotransmitters.
Given its mechanism of action, it blocks the production of neurogenic inflammation causing a migraine attack.
A dose of 600mg magnesium (ad) is recommended for a significant effect.
Peppermint oil: A soothing option
Peppermint essential oil (ad) antispasmodic, stimulating, and tonic effects can provide support against stubborn headaches.
Dilute 1 to 2 drops in a carrier oil and apply to your temples and neck at the onset of migraine symptoms or up to four times a day.
You can also try a topical solution combining homeopathy and essential oils like this one: Headache Treatment by Amoils (ad)
Covid-19 headache relief
Covid-19 can lead to distinct headaches that present as diffuse and not localized in a specific area.
To alleviate these headaches, consider paracetamol, but also explore natural remedies like lavender essential oil and thyme herbal tea for their potential pressure-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.
Embrace natural solutions for headache relief
In your journey to conquer those relentless headaches, it’s clear that natural remedies and lifestyle modifications can be invaluable allies.
From addressing the root causes, such as hormonal imbalances and neck strain, to supplementing your diet with headache-busting nutrients like vitamin B2 and ginger, these approaches offer hope for relief.
By embracing these natural solutions, you can take control of your headaches and reduce their frequency and intensity.
Related: Managing tension headaches
