20 Natural Remedies for Relieving Headache Pain

Most people do not think of headaches as a major problem. They come and they go, without requiring any treatments. Unfortunately, this not always the case. Sometimes, the pain from a headache can be so severe that you have difficulty handling your daily chores and commitments.

When you are unable to get relief from your headache pain by using an over-the-counter painkiller, you may need to find an alternative remedy. This is where natural home remedies become useful. Using everyday items and ingredients that may already have laying around the house, you can get the relief that you need.

Here are 20 natural remedies for relieving headache pain:

Avoid Chocolate

The first trick to dealing with headache pain is to try and avoid the headaches to begin with. Chocolate contains caffeine, which is a common cause of headaches for millions of people. Cut down on your consumption of chocolate, as well as other sources of caffeine, such as coffee, soft drinks, and energy drinks.

Eat More Almonds

When a headache hits, you do not want to wait for relief. Studies show that consuming almonds can help cure headache pain faster than most over-the-counter painkillers. Almonds contain a substance called salicin. This substance is also used in most commercially available painkillers.

Instead of spending money on expensive pills, purchase a bag of almonds. With that being said, if you suffer from migraines, there is a chance that almonds are a potential trigger. You should also avoid this method if you are allergic to nuts.

Use an Apple Cider Vinegar Compress

Apple cider vinegar has a variety of uses, including acting as a pain reliever. By inhaling the steam from apple cider vinegar, you can seek quick relief. Try this simple method of using apple cider vinegar to relieve headache pain.

Start by pouring 3 cups of water into a large pot. Begin boiling the water. Pour one-quarter cup of apple cider vinegar into a large heat-resistant bowl. Once the water boils, pour the boiling water into the bowl with the apple cider vinegar.

As soon as you pour the boiling water in, set the pot of water back on the stove and place a towel over your head. Position your face above the bowl of apple cider vinegar and boiling water. Drape the towel down over the bowl so that all the steam reaches your face. When do this, keep your face far enough away to avoid burning yourself.

Keep your head above the steam for five to ten minutes. Afterwards, rinse your face with cool water and pat your face dry. Drink a glass of cold water and relax. Your headache pain should go away quickly.

Make Your Own Feverfew Tea

The feverfew plant can be used to make a tea that will relieve headache pain. This will actually work for either headaches or migraines. Consuming feverfew can help relax tension and prevent the constriction of blood vessels, which is one of the causes of migraines. It also helps to reduce inflammation and pain, thanks to a compound called parthenolide. This compound can provide the same results as taking an aspirin – without any of the risks of side effects associated with taking aspirin.

To make your own feverfew tea, you will need to gather 1 ounce of dried feverfew. Steep the dried plant in 16 ounces of boiling water. Continue steeping for 10 minutes and then strain. Allow the drink to cool slightly and then drink.

Get Your Blood Flowing

It can be hard to imagine wanting to get up and exercise when you have a headache, but getting your blood flowing can actually relieve tension and promote the release of endorphins. Endorphins will help you feel better, reducing the tension you feel from your headache.

If you decide to exercise to get your blood flowing, do not just jump right into an intense workout. Take it slow, start with a gentle warmup.

Straighten Your Back

If you suffer from tension related headaches, then your posture may play a part. Millions of people spend their workday sitting at a desk. When you sit all day, posture is important – to prevent straining muscles which may cause headaches. Place a post-it note or memo on your desk, reminding you to sit up straight. Whenever you notice the memo, remind yourself to straighten your posture. You should also take regular breaks from sitting in front of the computer. For every 20 minutes that you spend in front of the screen, take a 20 second break.

Consume More Fish Oil

Several studies have shown that ingesting fish oil can help to relieve pain from migraines and headaches. This is thought to be due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and blood clotting, as well as reduce your blood pressure. These results may alleviate any pain that you are experiencing from your headache or migraine.

If you want fast relief from your headache or migraine pain, consider taking one fish oil supplement with a glass of orange juice.

Use Visualization Meditation

Using visualization meditation can help relax your mind and relieve tension. This is a simple technique that does not require any equipment or ingredients. Find a comfortable place to sit or lay down. Close your eyes and picture yourself in a tranquil setting, such as a beach or a field.

Once you visualize a setting, picture yourself in the environment. In your mind, walk around the setting. Slowly enjoy the scenery and allow your mind to drift off. Not only will this relieve tension and possibly your headache pain, it will also help with stress relief.

Use a Compress

Using a hot or cold compress can prevent blood vessels from contracting – a common cause of headaches. Whether you use a hot or cold compress is up to you. There is evidence to support that hot or cold compresses are both effective methods of getting rid of headache pain.

Take the Time to Breathe

When you are experiencing pain, it is perfectly natural to take shallow breathes, which limits the amount of oxygen you take in. This can cause your headache to last longer and increase the intensity of the pain. Practice your breathing. Sit somewhere quiet and slowly focus on your breathing. Take deep, full breathes.

Chew on Gingerroot

Gingerroot can inhibit the synthesis of certain enzymes which are known to cause headaches. By chewing on gingerroot, you can decrease the severity of your headaches. Unfortunately, not everyone will enjoy the taste of fresh gingerroot. If you are worried about the taste, sipping a cup of gingerroot tea can be just as effective.

To make your own gingerroot tea, steep several slices of fresh gingerroot in two cups of boiling water. After ten minutes, strain the tea. Slowly sip on the tea, as you allow the steam to enter your airways. This is a great option if your headache is related to sinus problems.

 Use Essential Oils

Peppermint oil and other essential oils are great at relieving headaches and general pain. Place several drops of peppermint oil on your palms. Gently massage the oil into your temples. As you massage, take full, deep breathes. Tea tree oil can provide the same benefits.

Remember to Smile

When you smile, you relax your jaw. If you are prone to grinding your teeth, you may notice more frequent headaches – relaxing your jaw muscles can help. When you notice a headache making its presence known, remember to smile. Smiling and laughing will relax your jaw muscle and eliminate tension.

Eliminate MSG from Your Diet

MSG is a food additive that is used to add flavor to certain foods. Some people notice that their headaches increase in severity when they consume food that contains MSG. MSG is created from an amino acid called glutamic acid. This amino acid can increase neuron activity, potentially causing a headache. Cut back on your consumption of MSG, to limit your chances of developing a headache or migraine.

Consume Butterbur to Treat Migraines

Butterbur is a plant similar to daisies. It has a long history of providing pain relief, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming butterbur can also work as a beta blocker, helping to regulate blood flow to the brain.

Get Up and Stretch Your Body

As mentioned earlier, getting your blood flowing can help to relieve pain from headaches. While you do not need to perform a strenuous workout, you may want to at least consider stretching. Get up and stretch your body, perform a yoga routine, or jog in place for a few minutes.

Get More Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3, which is also known as niacin, can open up blood vessels, increasing the flow of blood. While increasing blood circulation is usually a good way to relieve headache pain, consuming too much vitamin B3 can have the opposite effect. If you consume a large amount of vitamin B3, you may increase the blood flow to a point where you actually cause a headache. If you want to learn more about proper dosage, you should consult with your physician.

Keep Yourself Hydrated

One of the most common causes of headaches is dehydration. Not enough people keep themselves properly hydrated. It is recommended that you consume 64 ounces of water each day. This equates to eight, 8-ounce glasses of water every day. When you notice a headache, immediately drink a glass of cold water. This may help alleviate any pain that you are experiencing.

Use Cayenne Powder

Cayenne powder has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce your headache pain. Cayenne powder contains an ingredient called capsaicin, which can inhibit an enzyme known to be responsible for how you feel pain. For a quick pain relief technique using cayenne powder, follow these steps.

Place four ounces of warm water in a small bowl. Add a ½ a teaspoon of cayenne powder to the water. Slowly mix the water with the powder. Next, soak a couple cotton balls in the bowl. Place one cotton ball in each nostril. As you breathe in the mixture, the heat from the cayenne powder should work its way up your sinuses.

Get Instant Headache Relief

A throbbing pain in your head can severely impact your daily routine. When you have a headache, it is difficult to concentrate, focus, or enjoy just about anything. The dull pain can last for hours and over-the-counter painkillers do not always work.

When you are tired of dealing with headache pain, try one of the many home remedies described above.