Headaches can afflict almost everyone at some time or the other. Headaches are caused by temporary upsets, and are not related to any organic changes in the brain. The most common symptoms of headache are aches and tightness around head, behind the eyes, and neck, depression or excitation and blurring of visions.
Fortunately, there are a variety of herbal remedies to treat headache. In many cases herbal remedies can provide a safe and gentle alternative to prescription medication. However, it is advised to consult with your doctor before trying any natural remedies or herbs. Here are some herbal remedies can be very effective for relief of headches:
1.Rosemary
The herb rosemary has been found precious in headaches resulting from cold. Rosemary helps keep blood vessels dilated. Boil a handful of rosemary herbs in 2 litres of water and put in a mug. Put a towel over your head and breathe the rosemary vapors as long as you can. This should be continued till the headache is relieved. One of the well liked home remedies for headache.
2. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is useful in headaches caused by exposure to cold air. a fine paste of cinnamon with a few drops of cold water acts very well to cure headache. Apply the paste on the forehead and temples to obtain relief. This gives a very soothing effect and cures headache instantly.
3. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is used to treat many conditions including asthma, hay fever, sinusitis, gastrointestinal disturbances, menstrual and menopausal problems, nervous tension, insomnia and tension and migraine headaches. Take in 2 Tablespoons of some fresh or dried chamomile flowers in a pint of water, boil the water for about 40 minutes. After removing the pot, cool down the broth and strain the liquid, it can then be sweetened using some pure maple syrup and this herbal tea can be drunk in doses of 1-2 cups at a time on a regular basis for long term treatment of headaches. No significant adverse effects from Chamomile tea have been reported.
4. Ginkgo Biloba
The use of this herb is a good option in the treatment of circulation headaches. It will repair circulatory problems and alleviate headaches in individuals affected by headaches of this type. Ginkgo biloba has also been shown to help with inflammation and may block the generation of platelet-activating factor, which has been indicated in migraines. Take 120-160 mg of ginkgo biloba extract, two to three times per day. Ginkgo biloba extractmay need to be taken for six to eight weeks before desired effects are noticed. Ginkgo may also be taken as a tincture of 0.5 ml three times daily. Very large doses may cause restlessness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and other unpleasant effects, usually of a relatively mild nature. If these occur, cease taking the medication or reduce the dosage.
5. Ginger
Herbal ginger remedy is its ability to stimulate the circulatory system. Ginger is also effective in the treatment of fevers, all kind cold, headaches,alleviate the pain and discomfort of aching muscles in the body. Doses of an herbal ginger tincture taken at single doses of 1.5 3 ml thrice every day during the treatment period. When used in the recommended doses, the side effects of ginger are rarely felt. Some individuals may be very sensitive to the taste of the herb or they may experience symptoms such as heartburn when using the ginger.
6. Valerian Root
The herb Valerian used to treat many conditions including asthma, hay fever, sinusitis, gastrointestinal disturbances, irritable bowel syndrome, menstrual and menopausal problems, nervous tension, insomnia and tension. Valerian root may also be helpful for migraine patients with anxiety, since it doesnt have the hangover effect caused by some prescription sedatives. The suggested dose for insomnia is 300 to 600 mg, which is equivalent to 2 to 3 grams of dried herbal valerian root soaked in one cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. At higher doses, valerian root is associated with headaches and muscle spasm.
7. Lemons Balm
Lemons balm have been found to be a great natural cure for headaches. Lemons balm is also effective in the treatment of menstrual and menopausal problems, nervous tension, indigestion, insomnia, anxiety hyperthyroidism, upset stomach, herpes simplex virus, cold sores, vertigo and buzzing in the ears.
A simple tea, made from 2 tablespoons of the herb steeped for ten to fifteen minutes in 150 ml of boiling water, is often used. A tincture can also be used at 2-3 ml three times per day. Concentrated extracts, 160 to 200 mg 30 minutes to one hour before bed, are sometimes recommended for insomnia. You can also add dried lemon balm leaves to the bathlemon balm essential oils smell wonderful, and are used in aromatherapy to relieve tension and anxiety.
8. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
It is among the safest and most widely used of all aromatherapy oils. Is an herb that can be used to treat anxiety, depression, mental exhaustion, insomnia, scrapes and wounds, inflammation, nerves, tension, digestive problems, headaches, migraines, skin problems and womens health problems. For headaches, add two drops of lavender essential oil to a bowl of cold water and soak a cloth to make a compress to place across the forehead. Relax and allow the aroma of the lavender to carry away your headache.
9. Butterbur
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) has been used to treat allergies, bronchial asthma, headache, pain, and muscle and urinary tract spasms. Leaf and root extracts of Butterbur have been shown to be effective in clinical trials for migraines and asthma, and showed mixed results in the treatment of allergies. Butterbur is being used as an alternative to feverfew in the botanical treatment of migraines. Butterbur extracts has anti-inflammatory effects that could prevent the blood vessels from constricting and initiating a migraine. Butterbur extract is taken at a dose of 50-75 mg two times per day.
10. Peppermint is an effective herb that is good for treat rritable bowel syndrome, nausea, morning sickness, menstrual cramps, poor appetite, gas, diarrhea, headache (and migraine), and skin irritations. Peppermint also fights viruses that cause cold sores, genital sores (herpes), sore throats, sinusitis, and colds/flu. Rub on the forehead and temples every 15 to 30 minutes (avoiding the eyes) after the beginning of a headache. Put a drop or two of straight essential oil of peppermint can also be dabbed under the nose to help relieve the pressure and congestion which can cause sinus headaches. Peppermint tea Drink one or two cups of tea if you have a headache.