Headaches affect one in 20 adults every single day. The most common headaches are tension headaches. They impact one-third of men and half of women.
Head pain is one of the most common medical complaints. Headaches and migraines affect people of all ages, genders, and races.
While over-the-counter pain relievers ease discomfort, there are a variety of natural remedies available for headache relief. These range from cold showers and ginger tea to aromatherapy.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of a headache, keep reading.
How to Get Rid of a Headache Naturally
Don’t let a headache disrupt your day! These simple tricks can ease your pain and get your head feeling better than ever.
Refrain From Chewing
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ disorder occurs from a clenched jaw causing widespread pain, like headaches.
If TMJ is the culprit behind your headache, refrain from chewing to see if your head pain eases. Don’t eat anything and instead drink lots of water.
To prevent TMJ headaches, cut back on excessive chewing even when you aren’t suffering from head pain. Don’t chew gum, your fingernails, or even the occasional pen. Take small bites when you eat and get a mouth guard to avoid teeth grinding while you sleep.
Learn about temporomandibular joint disorders and how they could be causing your headaches.
Dim the Lights
Bright or flickering lights cause pain around your temples and eyes. Blue light, which is emitted through laptops, tablets, and phones, is notorious for straining your eyes and causing head pain.
Lower the light on your mobile device or computer if you’re suffering from a headache. Dim your room lights, and avoid rooms with flickering lights. If you’re outside, throw on a pair of sunglasses to prevent your headache from getting worse.
Apply Hot or Cold Pressure
Hot or cold elements ease pressure in your head and relieve discomfort.
For migraines and severe head pain, apply ice to your forehead. You can wrap ice cubes in a towel, use a bag of frozen vegetables, or apply a freezer pack. Sometimes a cold shower does the trick.
For tension headaches, apply hot pressure to the back of your head or neck. Use a hot rag or take a steamy shower to ease your pain.
Eat a Spoonful of Ginger
Ginger has been found to relieve headaches, similar to over-the-counter medicine. Ginger is very healthy and contains anti-inflammatory effects that reduce discomfort and pain.
You can take ginger supplements or a spoonful of ginger powder when you have head pain. There are also ginger teas available that are strong enough to provide migraine and headache relief.
Try Aromatherapy
Essential oils are ideal for easing anxiety, stress, and head pain. Aromatherapy uses essential oils to provide health benefits from your head to your toes.
Some of the best essential oils for headaches are:
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Peppermint
- Chamomile
- Eucalyptus
You can sniff essential oils straight from the bottle and some can be ingested for faster reactions. If you’re home, you can splash essential oils into a diffuser or sprinkle it in your bath.
Learn More Holistic Health Tips
Now that you know how to get rid of a headache, be sure to check out our other articles on holistic care. From eating the right foods for your bowel disease to preventing stained teeth, we have the health tips you’re looking for.
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