Headaches are one of the most common complaints and symptoms. Almost all infections, nutritional deficiencies, and neurological conditions involve headaches in their symptomology.

The most common causes of headaches are:

-Stress & Tension
-Congestion
-Allergies
-Alcohol (Hangover)
-Infections
-High Blood Pressure
-Low Sodium
-Low Blood Sugar
-Eye Strain
-Lack of sleep
-Dehydration
-Improper Sleeping Positions
-Vitamin & Mineral deficiencies

Remedies

Before going into specifics about how to manage each of the above-mentioned causes, it is important to note that there are also clinically-proven natural alternatives to common pain killers like Acetaminophen and Aspirin.

Acetaminophen & Paracetamol Alternative

A clinical-proven natural alternative to Acetaminophen and Paracetamol is a lecithinized formulation of Curcumin called “Meriva”. In a comparative clinical trial, Meriva, Acetaminophen and Nimesulide were tested against each other. The patients taking Meriva at a dose of 2000mg experienced similar analgesic effects as those taking Acetaminophen at a standard dose of 1000mg (see study). It is important to note that 2000mg of Meriva is a pretty high dose and while it had no significant side-effects, it should still only be used under the supervision of a doctor.

Aspirin Alternative

A natural alternative for Asprin is White Willow Bark. This herb has been used for all kinds of pain including headaches/migraines. The key ingredient in White Willow Bark is “Salicin” which functions a lot like Aspirin. Just like Aspirin, White Willow Bark must be used with caution as it slows down blood clotting. In clinical research, White willow bark has been used for treating back pain as well as migraines (when combined with Feverfew – another analgesic herb) (see study).

Specific Remedies

– If the cause is dehydration, then the consumption of water with a little salt and sugar may help. Coconut water is a better solution. Most electrolyte-rich drinks will help in this case.

– Low sodium is corrected by simply eating a salted meal and avoiding too many fluids and excessive potassium.

– In the case of a High blood pressure headache, an easy solution for this is to keep your legs knee deep in a bucket of hot water. Sit there for about 25 minutes. This helps to reduce intracranial pressure, thus relieving pain.

– Low blood sugar is corrected by eating a carbohydrate-rich meal and avoiding lemon, cinnamon, bitter foods, and vinegar.

– In the case of eye strain, it is best to sleep or take a nap. If you are a person that constantly works in front of a computer screen, it is advised to use Ghee as eye drops. Simply putting 2 drops of ghee into your eyes at night, just before bed will help relieve eye strain (see study)

– Improper Sleeping Positions usually involve pillow height. Sometimes, sleeping with too many pillows under your head can cause a headache from the upper neck muscles. Try sleeping with fewer pillows.

– Stress and tension can be resolved through massage, preferably deep tissue massage. Acupressure on the back of the neck is extremely beneficial and can give immediate results. If stress cannot be avoided, try using adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha, Tinospora Cordifolia, or Holy Basil (with medical supervision).

– Vitamins and Minerals: B-vitamin deficiencies can cause headaches and can be corrected with the consumption of chicken, liver, salmon, brewers yeast, etc. An Iron deficiency can cause a reduction in hemoglobin which prevents proper oxygenation and causes a variety of symptoms including headaches. Supplement iron with red meat, liver, and green leafy vegetables.

– Alcohol-related hangovers can be treated effectively by taking a teaspoon or two of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. Hangovers can be prevented with the use of a herbal formula called “PartySmart” which is manufactured by the Himalaya Drug Company (see study).

– In the case of allergies, the popular east Indian drink known as “golden milk” or “turmeric milk” is the most effective remedy. If you don’t have access to A2 milk, you can use almond milk instead. Turmeric is a powerful anti-histamine, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic. It can reduce both the allergies and the headache.

(Always use medicinal herbs under the supervision of a doctor)

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By Dr. Nishal R.
Copyright © 2017