Headaches can be treated in various ways, from taking pain relievers to using natural headache remedies that you can easily find at home. Apart from medication, you can also try some simple steps to relieve headaches, such as yoga and aromatherapy.
Headaches usually go away on their own. However, this complaint can sometimes make people who experience it difficult to move. Not surprisingly, many people choose to directly take over-the-counter headache relievers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.
However, apart from taking medical drugs, headaches can also be treated with natural headache medications.
Several Choices of Natural Headache Remedies
There are several kinds of natural headache remedies that are considered effective for relieving or overcoming headaches, namely:
Ginger
One of the benefits of ginger is to overcome tension headaches and migraines. Some studies say that this kitchen spice has properties that are comparable to sumatriptan, which is a type of migraine headache medication.
Caffeine
Caffeine contained in coffee and tea drinks can also be consumed as a natural remedy to relieve headaches. However, you need to be careful when using caffeine as a natural headache remedy because consuming too much caffeine can actually cause headaches.
In addition, consuming caffeine too often and then stopping consuming it can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, caffeine can also cause headaches.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known to have a high potassium content, so it can prevent and relieve migraine headaches.
To use apple cider vinegar as a natural headache remedy, you can consume a glass of water mixed with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of honey.
Herbal tea
Herbal teas consisting of various types of plants have been used since ancient times to treat several complaints, including headaches. Several kinds of herbal teas can also provide a relaxing effect and make you sleep better.
Some types of herbal teas that are believed to treat headaches naturally are chamomile tea, ginger tea, peppermint tea, lavender tea, and chrysanthemum tea.
Simple Handling Steps to Overcome Headaches
In addition to taking natural headache remedies, you can also relieve headaches naturally with a variety of simple treatments at home, such as:
1. Relaxation
Stress and fatigue can trigger headaches. Therefore, you can try relaxation to deal with headaches naturally.
One way to relax is to do breathing exercises or take deep breaths on a regular basis. In addition, you can also try to meditate and listen to music that is slow and soft to help your body and mind relax.
2. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is known to have a relaxing effect and also relieve headaches naturally.
In addition to using it by inhalation, you can use aromatherapy by applying aromatherapy oils, such as lavender oil, peppermint, or eucalyptus, in the forehead, neck, or shoulder that is stiff and painful.
3. Take a warm bath
A warm bath can reduce muscle tension in the head and body, thereby relieving the headache you are experiencing.
When taking a warm bath, you can also add a few drops of essential oils that have a relaxing effect, such as lavender, chamomile, and fruit oils, such as oranges or apples.
Lavender essential oil is believed to help regulate serotonin levels, thereby reducing the sensation of pain you feel.
4. Muscle stretching (stretching)
Muscle stretching exercises can reduce headaches caused by muscle tension in the body, for example when you are stressed or when you are tired from work.
Muscle stretching exercises to relieve headaches can be done by moving the head up, down, and sideways. You can also shrug your shoulders and move them up and down.
Do the movement for 5 seconds, then relax while taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly, then continue for another 5 seconds. Repeat the movement 3-5 times, 2 times a day.
5. Yoga
Yoga is one of the sports options that apply relaxation techniques through stretching, breathing, and meditation. Besides being able to relieve headaches, yoga can also relieve stress, lose weight, and increase flexibility or body flexibility.
6. Massage
When you have a headache, try giving a gentle massage to your temples, neck, back, shoulders, or head. Research shows that a gentle 30-minute massage can help relieve headaches.
To maximize this effect, you can use a mixture of essential oils and the type of oil used to massage the body.
7. Rest
Fatigue or lack of sleep can be the cause of headaches. Therefore, when you feel a headache, try to rest or take a nap. While resting, you can also apply hot or cold compresses to your forehead, temples, neck, or areas of pain.
Almost everyone has experienced headaches. Generally, headaches can be relieved by using natural headache remedies or pain relievers. However, there are symptoms that should not be taken lightly as a regular headache.
You should immediately consult a doctor if you experience a headache that is severe enough to interfere with daily activities or if the headache occurs along with other symptoms, such as fever, nausea and vomiting, fainting, and difficulty speaking, swallowing, or moving your body.
If you experience headaches that do not subside with natural headache remedies or pain relievers or if they appear accompanied by the above symptoms, you should consult a doctor for an examination and get the right treatment.