Last Updated on November 27, 2023 by Cathy
Dealing with a headache is no fun. But… what can you do to treat a headache naturally? You should definitely avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs work like steroids and tear at the gut lining.
NSAIDs to avoid:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
- Acetaminophen and caffeine (Excedrin)
Tylenol isn’t an NSAID, it’s a pain reliever and fever reducer, not an anti-inflammatory.
Types of Headaches
There are different types of headaches. Such as tension headaches, sinus headaches, cluster headaches, and migraines. A headache can also happen from a trigger, something that’s going on inside of your body. Such as an allergic or sensitivity reaction.
Tension headaches are the most common headache. Usually caused by stress and muscle tightness in the back of your neck. The pain is usually on your forehead, temples, or the back of your head. Cluster headaches are rare but they can cause severe headaches. The pain is usually on one side of the head and can cause nausea.
Sinus headaches are due to inflammation from allergies, colds, or the flu. You may feel pain in your sinuses, forehead, and in your teeth. Bending over may cause the pain to increase. If you do have a sinus headache it could be a sign that you have a sinus infection. It’s very important to visit your doctor right away if you have a sinus headache that won’t go away.
If left untreated the bacteria from a sinus infection can move into your eyes and even your brain. I had a friend whose child’s sinus infection moved into his brain (he’s okay now). This leads to a life-threatening situation. Without antibiotics, the patient would most likely die.
Oftentimes migraines are misdiagnosed as sinus headaches. Migraines are intense pain and are often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Migraines usually last the entire day.
The Trigger to My Headache
I rarely get a headache and when I do it doesn’t normally last a long time. Until the other day when I had a doozie of a headache that lasted for hours. My husband uses store-bought body spray when he’s heading to work. Unfortunately, it causes a reaction to my sinus so I stay in the other room so I don’t breathe it in. He’s really good about shutting the bathroom door and turning on the vent to suck the fumes out.
However, I entered the bathroom too soon. As soon as I opened the door the fumes hit me. I felt my sinuses fill up but this time something was different. My sinuses also started to tingle and I immediately got a headache.
I went and laid down for a while but the pain was getting worse. Then I started getting pain in my neck, and the back of my eyes, and my teeth hurt like a sinus infection. After a while, I got up to get a drink of water but before I could – I started feeling nauseous. Fortunately, I knew some natural ways to help elevate my symptoms. After several hours I started feeling well enough to go back to my daily routine. I still had a slight headache but slight is better than painful.
How to Rid a Headache Naturally
There are many things you can try. You may even need to do more than one like I had to for my horrible headache. Here are five effective, natural treatments you can try at home.
1. Drink Water
Being dehydrated can cause you to get a headache. Studies show that dehydration is a common trigger of migraines and tension headaches. Thankfully, this is an easy fix and can relieve a headache within 30 minutes.
Being dehydrated not only triggers a headache but can also lead to other health issues. Such as dry eyes, dry mouth, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). To avoid dehydration drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
2. Willow Bark
Willow bark is nature’s aspirin it comes from willow trees that are grown all over the world. People have used willow bark as a pain reliever for thousands of years. It’s great for backaches, headaches or menstrual cramps.
Willow bark comes in different forms such as tea, topical, or supplements. You can buy it at your local health food store or online.
If you have an allergy to aspirin don’t take willow bark. Also, children under the age of 16 should avoid taking willow bark due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
3. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils are 100% pure natural oils. They are heavily concentrated oils found in and extracted from plants. You can use them for many different reasons. Including muscle soreness, sleep aids, and headaches.
Peppermint and lavender are great for relieving headaches. You can use one or the other or both. I like to use a blend called Head Relief. It includes both lavender, peppermint, and other healing essential oils.
It’s best to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil to prevent them from feeling ‘hot.’ Plus, the carrier oil will help to prevent the essential oil from evaporating too quickly. Which means you are getting more of the essential oil absorbed into your skin.
Carrier oils:
You can also use a diffuser instead of putting the essential oil directly on your skin. As I was stuffing from my headache I didn’t feel like getting up. Since I keep my essential oils near my bed I just opened the bottle and smelled it.
It’s best to always test a small patch before putting the essential oil all over your body.
4. Massage
Oftentimes a headache comes with neck pain. Poor posture or looking down a lot, like looking at you’re a smartphone, can contribute to neck pain. Many people with multiple sclerosis watch the ground as they walk so they are always looking down.
Massaging your neck and the base of your skull can relieve a lot of stiffness and tension. Move your fingers around in circles and back and forth. Massaging your temples and face also helps to relieve tension. Since my teeth were hurting I massaged my face where my teeth were. I also brushed my teeth and gums using my electric toothbrush, to help massage my mouth.
5. Use a Warm or Cold Compress
Depending on what type of headache you have a warm or cold compress would feel good. If you have a headache with a fever it’s best to use a cold compress to help bring down your fever. It’s also very soothing if you have eye pain. A warm compress would feel good on your neck or shoulders. Especially if you are also experiencing stiffness or pain. Use whichever compress makes you feel better.
Check out this YouTube video by Bob & Dave, they are physical therapists:
5. Take a Warm Shower
A warm shower can help relieve the tension in your neck, shoulders, scalp, and back. If you have a sinus headache the steam from the shower can break up mucus so you can breathe easier. A warm shower also helps to relieve stress which is toxic to your health.
Quick Links To Information In This Post:
10 Warning Signs That You’re Dehydrated
Relief From Stress With Exercise
In the End
As my headache was getting worse I started feeling nauseous. I drank a cup of herbal ginger tea, to help soothe my stomach. Camomile and peppermint teas also help to soothe your stomach. Plus, it’s keeping you hydrated. I know what triggered my headache. If you keep experiencing headaches you may want to keep a headache diary. This will help you to figure out what is causing your headaches.
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