This time of the year I find myself dealing with more headaches that usual. Maybe it is the changing weather, busy schedules, stressful family situations, growing to-do lists or bad eating habits. Either way, they hurt and really interrupt the holiday season. Below are some Headache Remedies that can help you relieve pain and tension and get back to enjoying the holidays with family and friends.
Headache Remedies – Relieve Pain & Tension
- Drink Water – most headaches are caused by dehydration. Drink some water the moment you feel that headache coming on.
- Stretch – simple neck stretches could relieve some of the tension built up in your neck muscles.
- Peppermint Oil – rub in peppermint oil on your temples, wrists and forehead. Peppermint oil has been proven to promote blood flow which in turn could get your headache moving.
- Breathe Deep – deep breaths will help you relax and could ease some of the tension.
- Coffee – headaches can be caused by the expanding of blood vessels. Caffeine in coffee constricts these blood vessels, bringing them back down to normal size.
- Ice – rub ice cubes onto your temples. The artery that supplies blood to the lining of the brain sits behind the thin bone at the temple. The lining gets inflamed when you experience a headache, so lowering the temperature of the blood passing through that area could relieve some of the throbbing and pain.
- Bring on the Spice – add some Cayenne pepper to your food. Cayenne contains an ingredient called capsaicin, which has some control over our pain perception.
- Quite time – find some time to yourself and escape from the world around you. Quieting the mind and focusing your attention away from the pain you’re experiencing could work in distracting yourself from a headache until it goes away. Meditation would also be a good idea.
- Hot Shower – the hot water will relax your neck and shoulder muscles resulting in less tension.
- Drink Ginger Tea – Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that could alleviate some pain.
- Nap/Rest – reset. Similar to quieting the mind but actually falling asleep may help your pain subside and your body almost reset when you wake up.
- Massage – scalp massage. Research has shown that massaging the back of your head at the base of your skull can relieve headache pain.
I have used all of these remedies and they really do help relieve tension and pain. I hope that this holiday season you remember how important self-care is and use these remedies if needed.
What additional headache remedies would you add to this list?
I definitely agree with dehydration being a key factor with headaches. I reach for a bottle of water as soon as I feel a headache start to throb. Next time I'll reach for some cayenne pepper also!
PEppermint oil is actually my first defense when I have a migraine. I really really love the smell so it kind of relaxes me and then I realize that my migraine has gone down! Great tips and water is key!
I'm finding myself with more and more headaches, as well. Unfortunately mine tend to go to migraine status. Peppermint oil and a blend called Panaway are my go tos. Seriously, I would be lost without them, they're the only think that gives me relief.
Taking medication never helps rid me of my headaches. Sleeping and ice packs do tend to help. I will try these other suggestions, as well.
I don't suffer much from headaches but when I do it's a reminder to me that I need to drink more water!! I know a lot of people who never drink water, and I honestly don't know how they get through their days!