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Almost everyone has suffered from headaches. This condition usually occurs in people who often experience stress, overwork, sleeplessness and excessive drinking. It can cause mild discomfort or severe pain. Although headaches are not life-threatening, it affects the daily activities and mental health of the patient, reducing the quality of their lives.
Although for many people headaches can happen at any time, all they can do is to endure them until they disappear. Therefore, we write this article to provide you with tips on how to get rid of a headache fast and naturally without pills. They have brought comfort to many people. But to achieve the lasting effect, you should know some basic information about headaches.
What Is A Headache?
Headache is a disease or a sign of other illnesses such as ear infections, spina bifida, or ischemia. Most people have headaches, but if you are constantly experiencing this condition, it may be a sign of chronic headache.
Chronic headache is the most uncomfortable headache. Initial treatment and long-term control can reduce the pain and decrease the frequency of recurrence.
A headache can last 2-4 hours. In some serious conditions, it can last up to three days, making the patient unbearable.
There are four common types of headaches:
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- Migraine
This condition usually occurs on one side of the head. About 11% of the world's population is suffering from migraines. Among them, women account for three-quarters. According to the researchers' analysis, brain changes are the main cause of abnormal neurological and migraine attacks.
- Cluster Headache
This condition usually happens in middle-aged people, especially people who smoke regularly. Recently, the proportion of women with cluster headaches is also increasing. This type of headaches appears after one to three hours of sleep and it causes severe headaches that prevent the person from sleeping.
- Headaches Due To Stress
Nowadays, life in many big cities causes people to be caught up in worries for family and work. This is a good condition for many types of urban diseases, especially headaches due to stress, to develop.
- Chronic Daily Headache
This type of headache lasts more than 15 days / month. It is often associated with conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, stress, and substance abuse like alcoholism.
Headaches not only hurt the patient but also reduce the quality of their lives. Over time, this disease also leads to other health conditions such as depression, stroke, retinal degeneration, loss of vision and permanent blindness. According to the World Health Organization, headache is a major global problem.
What Are Common Causes Of A Headache?
Primary headache is usually related to the dilatation of the blood vessels in the skull and to the intermediate chemicals secreted from the surrounding nerve fibers. When the headache arises, the temporal artery is dilated (the temporal artery is a branch of the artery outside the skull). As a result, the surrounding nerve fibers stretch and release chemicals that can cause pain and inflammation. Primary headache is usually not diagnosed, or is mistaken for a headache due to stress, headache due to sinusitis; so many people with this type of headache are not adequately treated.
Secondary headache is usually caused by a number of conditions such as high blood pressure, sinusitis, brain tumors, brain injury, and meningitis. In addition, coffee addicts or smokers also experience headaches during withdrawal.
In addition, headaches are also caused by the following causes:
- A decrease in thyroid function causes the thyroid gland to not produce enough thyroid hormone.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Parkinson disease.
- Some drugs such as indomethacin, estrogen, progestin, antihypertensive drugs, and drugs for depression.
- Abuse of painkillers.
- Anemia (often caused by coronary artery disease).
- Breast cancer.
- Lung cancer.
- Hemangiomas.
What Are Common Symptoms Of A Headache?
Here are common symptoms of this condition:
- Dizziness
A headache can cause dizziness, double vision, or loss of vision. Therefore, people with headaches often feel unbalanced.
- See The Halo
Patients with headaches may see a light trail or a blurry spot which move in a curve and continuously run through the eye.
- Pain On One Or Both Sides Of The Head
Pain on one or both sides of the head is a typical sign of headache.
- Vomiting Or Nausea
According to a study in the United States, about 73% of headache patients have vomiting and 29% of them have nausea. Patients with headaches who frequently experience nausea are more likely to have severe condition than those without this symptom.
- Patients Are Very Easy To Get Irritated
Uncontrolled mood swings are one of the signs of headaches. Some patients feel depressed for no reason, while others experience abnormal excitement.
- Numbness Or Tingling
Some people with headaches often experience numbness and tingling. These symptoms move from fingertips to arms and appear on the face.
- Other Causes
Patients with headaches often experience the following signs: sensitivity to light and sound, skull pain, nasal congestion, runny nose, and red eyes.
You may experience other symptoms not mentioned. If you have any questions about the signs of the disease, please consult your doctor.
What Are Risk Factors?
Headache is a very common disease and it can affect patients of all ages, but women suffer from this disease more than men. However, you can control it by minimizing risk factors. See your doctor for more information.
When To See A Doctor?
You should contact your doctor if you have any of these signs:
- You usually have two or more headaches in a week
- You must take painkillers almost every day
- You need to drink more of an over-the-counter pain reliever than recommended to relieve headaches
- Headaches change or become severe
See your doctor immediately if:
- A headache occurs suddenly and severely
- A headache accompanied by a fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, diplopia, weakness, numbness or difficulty speaking
- A headache gets worse as you relax and take pain medication
- A headache occurs due to head injury
Besides, if you have any questions about a headache, please consult your doctor. Each person's condition is different, so please consult your doctor to select the most suitable option.
There you have discovered some basic information about headaches. Hopefully you have correctly identified your condition. Now is the time to find out tips to help you treat headaches quickly. Please take a look at TrueRemedies.com!
Top 37 Tips On How To Get Rid Of A Headache Fast Without Pills
1. Be Careful With Caffeine
This is another must-try treatment in this list of tips on how to get rid of a headache fast.
Doctors always recommend that you use caffeine carefully because it can be a double-edged sword. Although caffeine (found in some over-the-counter pain relievers) can help you feel better at first, it over time causes more pain due to your caffeine dependence. As the headache rages, adenosine in the blood rises. Caffeine helps block adenosine receptors.
Note that the combination of over-the-counter painkillers and caffeine can damage the liver if you take high doses or for long periods of time, especially if you regularly drink or have liver problems.
Do not take pain medicine containing caffeine more than twice a week. More than this will cause your body to be dependent on caffeine, especially for migraine sufferers.
If you are addicted to caffeine drinks (more than 200 mg or about 2 cups of coffee a day) and suddenly you remove it from your diet, you may have a headache. This is because daily caffeine use dilates the blood vessels in your brain. When you stop taking caffeine, the blood vessels will contract, thereby causing headaches. Learn how to limit caffeine slowly and effectively if you are taking too much caffeine and think that this can be the cause of headaches.
If you have frequent headaches, avoid using all foods containing caffeine whenever possible.
2. Practice Muscle-Relaxing Exercises
The next treatment in this list of tips on how to get rid of a headache fast is practicing some special exercises.
Exercise that help relax muscles can help reduce headaches. Other exercises that focus on relaxation like yoga or meditation are also highly effective. To perform this exercise, follow the instructions below:
- Stay in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and take a deep breath.
- Starting from the forehead, stretch all muscles of a certain muscle group for five seconds.
- Relax the muscles and focus on the relaxed feeling that you feel in your muscles.
- Switch to the next muscle group.
The muscle groups that need to stretch and relax include: forehead, eyes and nose, lips – chin – jaw, hands, arms, shoulders, back, abdomen, hips and buttocks, thighs, and feet and toes.
3. Apply Cold
This sounds strange when applying cold comes to tips on how to get rid of a headache naturally, but it works.
Put something soft and cool on your forehead and your eyes can help shrink the blood vessels, which will reduce inflammation and can relieve headaches. This tip is especially effective if your problem is concentrated in the temples or sinuses.
All you need to do is wet the towel with cool water, and apply it on your forehead. Make it wet again with colder water when it is no longer cool.
You can also prepare a cold bandage yourself. Here's how:
- Put a wet towel in a plastic bag.
- Place the bag in the freezer for about 30 minutes, so the towel will be very cold.
- Take it out and apply it on your forehead for long lasting effect.
If you have a headache due to stress, anxiety, or muscle aches, a hot bath or warm compress may be more effective than a cold compress.
4. Perform Breathing Exercises
This is one of little – known tips on how to get rid of a headache fast.
Sometimes, breathing can be a cure. It sounds obvious because breathing is just what we always do, but real relaxation and deep breathing is what you need to focus on. Deep breathing can remove tension and help you relax and relieve headaches after a few minutes.
To so this, please apply these following steps:
- Find a quiet, cool and dark place.
- Give yourself a comfortable position: lie or sit comfortably, and take off or loosen tight clothing.
- Breathe slowly with your nose. You will feel the stomach stretch as you inhale the air into your lungs.
- Hold for 2-3 seconds, then exhale slowly with your mouth until your lungs feel empty.
5. Drink A Lot Of Water
Dehydration can lead to headaches, especially if you have just vomited or drunk. Drink a large glass of water as soon as you begin to feel headaches, and try to continue taking small sips of water throughout the day. Gradually, you will feel the pain decrease.
For men, drink at least 13 cups (3 liters) of water a day. For women, drink at least 9 cups (2.2 liters) of water a day. You should drink more if you exercise regularly, live in a hot or humid environment, and have vomiting or diarrhea. Another way to calculate your daily water needs is by weight: you should drink 30 to 60 ml of water every day for every 1 kg of weight.
Do not drink too cold water if you have headaches. Too cold water or ice can cause migraines in some people, especially if they have had migraine before. It is best to drink water at room temperature.
6. Find A Quiet And Dark Place To Rest
This may be the easiest tip on how to get rid of a headache naturally.
If possible, lie down and relax for at least 30 minutes. Close the blinds, turn off the lights, and focus on the breath. This can help you relax and recover.
Everything must be absolutely peaceful and quiet. If you are forced to rest in a crowded place, explain that you are suffering from headaches and ask them to try to keep quiet and not bother you. Asking for sympathy can help you avoid unnecessary harassment later. If you want, take a nap.
Make sure your bed or chair is comfortable and that your head is supported in a way that does not increase the tension on your neck. If one side of your neck is stretched and the other folds, you should adjust the position so that your head and neck are supported.
Adjust the light. Avoid sunlight and artificial light because they make headaches worse – even for the blind. You can also wear eyeglasses to prevent light.
Adjust room temperature. Some people can only relax in a cool room, while others prefer to put on a large blanket. Try to create the most comfortable conditions for you when going to bed at night.
7. Try Using Herbal Therapy
If you are looking for relaxing tips on how to get rid of a headache fast, then consider using some herbs.
Look for herbal therapy that contains certain amounts of active ingredients in each dose. Some herbal remedies are said to be effective in getting rid of headaches. Note, however, that scientific tests or large-scale studies on the effects of many of these herbal are not the same. As with any treatment, be careful when taking, and stop immediately if you experience an unpleasant side effect.
Here are some popular but effective herbs you can try:
- Butterbur
Butterbur is one of members of the daisy family. It has been used for headache relief due to the presence of chemicals which can decrease inflammatory effects and function as beta blockers. As a result, it boosts the flow of blood to the brain [1]. This will help control the spasmodic capillary activity, one of causes of migraine headaches. Studies have shown that butterbur can reduce the frequency of migraine headaches. You should take advantage of butterbur roots as the highest level of such chemicals is found there. Alternatively, you can also take two 25mg butterbur capsules daily for 12 weeks to reduce the appearance of migraines by up to 60%.
Before taking butterbur, consult your doctor for the proper dosage. Do not eat butterbur directly, as they contain toxic ingredients that will be removed during capsule extraction.
- Ginger
In addition to treating headaches, ginger can help treat nausea and vomiting – common side effects of severe headache. The American Academy of Neurology found that ginger supplements were more effective in relieving pain than placebo [2] [3].
- Coriander
Coriander seeds can be used to reduce inflammation which causes headaches. You can use coriander seeds to chew, make food or make tea. You can also use them in the form of extract.
- Feverfew Chrysanthemum
Feverfew can be used in the form of capsules, tablets, or tea. It is also often added to the sandwich (be careful, it has a bitter taste). There is plenty of evidence which show that feverfew is effective in treating headaches. It has been used for centuries. Feverfew does not cause serious side effects, although you may have sore tongue, mouth sores, nausea, digestive disorders and flatulence. Long-term use of feverfew can cause sleep disorders and headaches.
- Willow
Willow is used in the form of 300mg tablets and it can reduce the frequency of migraines if taken twice daily.
- Tea
A cup of tea made from passion flower, rosemary, or lavender can soothe headaches. Mint tea or chrysanthemum tea can also help you relax.
8. Use Essential Oils
Using essential oil is worth-trying in regard to learning on how to get rid of a headache fast.
Some essential oils, such as essential oil of lavender, sweet basil, and chrysanthemum, are often used to treat headaches. Use them for neck massage, back massage, and shower. The essential oil will quickly penetrate deeply into the skin, helping the muscles relax. Their scent also makes your nervous system feel comfortable. As a result, the headache will disappear [4].
Some methods to use essential oils for headache relief include:
- Peppermint Oil:
This essential oil has soothing and calming effects on the human skin thanks to the availability of menthol. Therefore, it is a great solution for relieving headaches. Despite there are not many studies to formally confirm the efficiency of peppermint oil, some experts still suspect that this oil can control blood flow within the human body, open up sinuses to let more oxygen flow and inhibit muscle contractions.
To relieve headaches, put several drops of peppermint oil in your bath, inhale this oil with steam, add it to your massage oil, diffuse it into the surrounding air, or simple drink peppermint tea. Alternatively, you can pour some drops of peppermint essential oil on your own pillow prior to bedtime for a good night’s sleep.
- Lavender Oil:
Lavender oil is sweet and soothing which can relieve stress, depression, anxiety and nerve-related insomnia. As a result, it cures stress-related headaches effectively.
Thanks to linalyl acetate and linalool, which are easily absorbed into the system, lavender oil becomes a great solution for painful headaches. It is said that even pregnant women and toddlers can also use lavender oil because of its mild nature [5].
Lavender oil is perfectly used for hormone-related headaches and migraines.
All you have to do is to take 1-2 drops of lavender oil to massage on your neck and temples. Or, use it in diffusion and inhalation.
- Basil Oil:
Basil oil is beneficial for hormonal and digestive headaches. Its use is gentle on the human skin. In addition to relieve headache pain, the antispasmodic properties of basil oil can help relieve pressure on the head muscles and muscle cramps [6].
You just need to add 10-15 drops of basil oil to about 1 ounce of jojoba oil. After mixing well, apply it over your temples, neck and chest to sooth headache pain.
Right after using this oil, you will get an immediate relief from headache pain. Repeat it over again after several hours.
- Clary Sage Essential Oil:
Among many holistic benefits, clary sage oil is good for headaches related to hormones. It can ease PMS, menopause, and menstrual cramps. It also soothes depression while relaxing the feelings of stress and anxiety. That is why clary sage oil is worth mentioning as one of tips on how to get rid of a headache. The pleasant effect produced by this essential oil can evoke laughter and smiles.
Simply diffuse 4-5 drops of clary sage oil in a diffuser, then you can get rid of nervous tension, anxiety and headaches. Alternatively, you can also mix this oil with coconut/jojoba oil to have faster results.
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil:
This is another great essential oil to handle headache pain due to anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and pain-killing properties [7]. Actually, this oil is the most suitable for tension and sinus headaches.
To take advantage of eucalyptus oil, you can add 5-6 drops to a big bowl of boiling water. Then, cover the head, shoulders, and neck with a wide towel before leaning over that bowl. Inhale this steam for 5 minutes or so to get best results. This method will open up your clogged sinuses, therefore eliminating headache.
- Rosemary Essential Oil:
Having anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, rosemary essential oil has the ability to soothe pain caused by headaches. It is suited for sinus and hormonal headaches [8].
Just need to pour 2-3 drops of rosemary oil over your palms (or a handkerchief) and apply it over your mouth and nose and hold it for 30 seconds. After breathing in and out for 30 seconds, you will see a great improvement in your condition.
- Lemon Oil:
Lemon oil has refreshing and sharp aroma that is proven to work well in relieving headaches. This essential oil is particularly useful in curing sore throats, colds, depression, anxiety, fatigue and loss of energy [9].
You had better use lemon citrus oil to handle almost types of headaches, like tension, sinus-type or migraines.
Use a diffuser machine to diffuse 8-10 drops of lemon oil so you can relief congestion as well as headaches.
- Geranium Oil:
This essential oil is among great tips on how to get rid of a headache thanks to relaxing and calming effects for both the body and mind [10].
It is particularly good for tension and hormonal-type headaches. Similar to other essential oils, you can use geranium oil in diffusion or bath water.
- Roman Chamomile Oil:
This is an excellent treatment for stress and anxiety-related headaches due to its ability to decrease neuralgic pain [11]. It is suitable for tension-type headaches.
Mix 1-2 drops of chamomile oil with 8-10 drops of olive oil or jojoba oil. Massage this combination on your temples, shoulders, chest, neck and belly prior to having a bath. Leave it there for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. Alternatively, you can diffuse this essential oil on your handkerchief.
- Flaxseed Oil:
Among essential oils for headache relief, this oil is suited for cases with headaches caused by inflammation. Having a high content of omega-3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory property, flaxseed oil can decrease throbbing pain [12].
Massage your temples and body with the mixture between 1-2 drops of flaxseed oil and 1 teaspoon of coconut or jojoba oil.
9. Fish Oil
Fish oil works well for migraine headaches thanks to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids which possess anti-inflammatory effects. The research on omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil and migraine headache has still been mixed. However, its efficacy on overall health cannot be denied. Regularly consuming this oil can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines [13].
Some best sources of omega-3 fatty acids are tuna, mackerel, sardines, trout, salmon, chia seed, walnuts, canola oil, etc.
You can also take advantage of fish oil supplements to harness its benefits for headache relief. Take a tablet of fish oil supplement daily for several weeks to get good results.
Note: Pregnant and lactating women along with children should avoid using fish oil supplements without consultation of doctors.
10. Follow A Gluten-Free Diet
If people who have gluten-sensitivity consume foods packed with gluten, they will probably suffer from headaches. The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness showed that people with undiagnosed celiac disease as well migraine headaches usually get a significant reduction in their problems after stopping taking gluten-containing foods.
Therefore, it is essential to plan a gluten-free diet if you are wondering how to get rid of a headache naturally. If you cannot cut out such foods, try to reduce the intake daily.
Listen to your own body to find the most appropriate diet plan for yourself [14].
11. Massage Your Face And Scalp
If you have headaches due to muscle tension, massage can help improve blood circulation and relieve muscle tension, resulting in headache relief. Muscle tension can be caused by many factors, such as lying on the side and jaw tightening. Anxiety and depression can also cause muscle tension.
To massage your face and scalp, you can do these steps below:
- Place your thumb on your temples, press firmly and gradually rub to the middle of your forehead.
- A light nose massage can help relieve sinus pain and migraines.
- Make a massage for your scalp. Wash your head with hot water and massage your scalp for a long time. If the shampoo is dry, pour some coconut oil or argan oil on your fingers and then rub it on your scalp.
12. Massage Your Neck And Shoulders
The next one in this list of tips on how to get rid of a headache fast and naturally is massaging your neck and shoulders.
Muscle tension in your neck and shoulders can cause headaches. Fortunately, although this cause is very common, you can easily treat it.
To massage your neck and shoulders, you can do these steps below:
- Sit down and place your hands on your shoulders with your thumb pointed toward your shoulders.
- Exhale and relax your neck, leaving your head to lean back. Push the fingers to put pressure on the shoulder muscles. Move your finger in small circular motions.
- Knit the fingers behind the head. Letting the head forward, let the weight of your arms gently stretch your neck and shoulder muscles.
- Take two tennis balls and place them in a sock. Lie on a flat surface and place two balls underneath your skull and relax. At first you may feel sinus pressure or some discomfort but it will pass. This is especially useful for headaches caused by sinuses.
13. Perform Exercises For The Neck
Stretching and strengthening the elasticity of the neck muscles can help relieve chronic headaches. This is a simple way to stretch the neck muscles:
- Gradually lower your chin to your chest without moving your shoulders. You will feel the tension in the back of the neck. Head back to the vertical position.
- Slowly turn your head to the right. Hold for 15-30 seconds. Return to the original position, then turn your head to the left. Return to original position.
- Slowly tilt the head to the right so that the right ear is close to the shoulders (do not raise your shoulders). Hold for 15-30 seconds. Lift the head back to its original position, then tilt the head to the left so that the left ear is close to the shoulder and hold for 15-30 seconds.
- Do not stretch to the point of pain. Repeat these exercises when you need them.
14. Using Acupressure Techniques
No wonder, this is definitely one that should be mentioned in this list of tips on how to get rid of a headache fast.
Acupuncture can help reduce stress and headaches, especially if your headaches are caused by stress or muscle tension. Stimulating acupressure points on the neck, shoulders and hands can help relieve headaches. That is the conclusion of many studies on this issue.
To apply this tip, you can follow these steps below:
- Use the hand to locate the middle point of the shoulder (use right hand for left shoulder, left hand for right shoulder). Use your index finger to push down this point for 4-5 seconds.
- Massage the soft area of the hands with your index finger and thumb. Press hard for 4-5 seconds. However, avoid doing this during pregnancy as it can stimulate labor.
- You can also put the ping pong balls in a sock and put them in the middle of the chair (or car seat) and your back to activate the acupuncture points.
15. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Practicing relaxation techniques is another must-try tip on how to get rid of a headache fast.
People in the world use different tricks to distract themselves from the pain. If you are suffering from headaches, do not worry about learning something new – do what you feel most comfortable with. Some common choices include:
- Meditale.
- Pray.
- Deep breath.
- Imagine.
- Listen to binaural beats
- Try to retreat. If you are sleepy, go to bed.
16. Chiropratic Care And Posture
Chiropractic care is free from surgery and drug. Chiropractor could decrease oxidative stress within the body, similarly to what antioxidants do.
Oxidative stress, in essence, is a damage caused by the excessiveness of free radicals in compared with the antioxidants of the body. This incidence damages body cell components, including DNA, lipids and proteins.
Many studies showed that chiropractic manipulation can decrease migraine and tension headaches. It indicates that this method is an effective remedy for headaches [15] [16].
17. Take B-Complex Vitamins
How to get rid of a headache naturally? Consider taking B-complex vitamins. These vitamins can help with the formation of serotonin, one of neurotransmitters which might be shortage in those people with migraines.
B-complex vitamins include thiamine, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, niacin, riboflavin, folate, biotin and pantothenic acid. These vitamins can improve blood circulation, boost brain cells, and strengthen immune system as well as cardiovascular health.
You should take B-vitamins daily to harness its multiple benefits apart from easing headache pain. Moreover, it is also cost-effective [17].
18. Henna Leaves
Henna has cooling effects that are helpful in relieving headaches resulted from the sun, fever, or heat. You just need to take a handful of henna leaves to crush and mix it with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Apply this paste over your forehead and allow it to dry. Henna with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and antimicrobial qualities is very efficient in treating headaches [18].
19. Black Cohosh
This herb originates from North America and has a long history of being used to handle rheumatism. However, it is also used to cure depression and anxiety-related headaches [19].
Because black cohosh possesses similar effects like estrogen, many women can take benefits of out it. In contrast, men ought to take it with just small amounts and for a short term.
20. Valerian
Valerian is a strong sedative and pain reliever, which can heal your nervous system and soothe anxiety and stress as well [20]. Thus, it is also helpful in reducing pain associated with stress-related headaches. You should include valerian in your drinks and tea to get rid of this annoying condition.
21. Coriander Seeds
Not only are coriander seeds popular spice, but they are also part of Ayurveda medicine for ages. These seeds have the power to ease sinus-type headaches by acting as decongestants [21]. You can put fresh coriander seeds in a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam to help open your clogged sinuses. As a result, the pain associated with your sinus-type headaches will go away.
22. Mulein
It is very easy to find mullein in Asian and European countries. The anti-inflammatory properties of this plant make it an ideal solution for migraine headaches and spasms [22] [23].
You can either take advantage of leaves and flowers of this plant or use it in the form of capsule to get migraine relief. Mulein’s tinctures are also used for this purpose.
23. Himalayan Pink Salt
It sounds too good to be true when it comes to natural methods on how to get rid of a headache naturally, but Himalayan pink salt, also known as rock salt, really does a trick. Having a rich content of electrolytes and minerals, Himalayan pink salt can replenish the lost electrolytes within the human body and decrease headache’s severity. Meanwhile, it strengthens the immunity and gives a boost to energy levels [24] [25].
What you need to do is:
- Take fresh juice of a lemon and mix with 1 glass of water
- Add 1 teaspoon of Himalayan pink salt into
- After mixing, have this liquid
24. Cayenne Pepper
Owing to capsaicin, cayenne pepper is able to inhibit the perception of pain. Therefore, it is used as one of natural methods on how to get rid of a headache [26]. By soaking a cotton swab in the liquid having diluted finely ground cayenne pepper and water, then apply it into your nostrils’ inside, you can relieve pain and inflammation associated with headaches. Although you might feel a burning sensation at first, it will soon subside.
25. Use Food Therapy
Lack of nutrients or hunger can also cause headaches, so make sure that you have recently eaten something. Some foods and beverages can also cause headaches like red wine, pasta and chocolate. Pay attention to what you eat, and not eat the foods you find that often cause you headaches. You can also cure headaches by eating certain foods:
- Almond
Almonds contain a lot of magnesium which can help to relax blood vessels and relieve headaches. Other magnesium-rich foods such as bananas, cashews, and butter also offer the same effect [27].
- Hot And Spicy Food
The effect of spicy food on headaches depends on the individual and the type of headache. However, if you have a sinus headache, spicy foods can help reduce nasal congestion and allow you to breathe easier, thus helping to relieve headaches.
- Spinach
Spinach has a high nutrient content and it is beneficial for health. It can help lower blood pressure and relieve headaches caused by drunkenness. Use fresh spinach instead of lettuce in a salad or sandwich.
- A Cup Of Caffeine Beverages
Caffeine causes vasodilatation, leading to headache relief. Too much caffeine can cause migraines in some people, so instead of coffee, you can drink tea, because tea has less caffeine.
26. Sleep
This tip on how to get rid of a headache fast is basic but many people do not take it serious. Although it is very simple, it will make you feel very surprised about what it gives you.
A good night's sleep will help you feel better and can reduce the occurrence of headaches. Adults should sleep at least 7-8 hours per night. If you are having sleep problems, try some of the following:
- Limit the use of electronic devices before bedtime.
- Only use bed to sleep and have sex.
- Limit caffeine at the end of the day.
- Reduce light intensity and take time to relax before going to bed.
27. Limit Contact With Fragrance
If you want to know how to get rid of a headache fast, stay yourself away from fragrance.
Although perfume and fragrant products like soap and hand sanitizer will make you fragrant, they can cause headaches. Try using odorless products and ask the people you often meet to do the same. Remove or unplug the air cleaner from your living room or workplace.
28. Make Some Diet Changes
Although diet changes do not help you cure headaches right away, it in the long run can eliminate the causes of your headaches in the future. If you do not know how to start, see your doctor or dietitian. Here are some suggestions for you:
- Find out if you are allergic to any particular food and remove them from your diet.
- Reduce caffeinated beverages. Caffeine can cause headaches. Unfortunately, lowering caffeine can also cause temporary headaches, but once you've gone through that, you'll notice a difference.
- You can consider avoiding or minimizing foods that can cause headaches, especially those that contain monosodium glutamate, nitrite, nitrate, tyramine (cheese, wine, beer, and processed meats), monosodium glutamate, sulphite, and salicylate.
29. Treat Your Musculoskeletal Problems
Not many people acknowledge about the relation between musculoskeletal problems with headaches. In fact, if you have a back or neck twitch, or have pain from the wrong posture and muscle strain, it is important to treat the cause of the pain right away. You can improve your musculo-skeletal problems by stretching your body, yoga, or Pilates (an exercise that helps you get your ideal waist). It is important to have an expert such as a physiotherapist or chiropractor to evaluate and treat your condition.
30. Set Up The Correct Posture
No wonder, this tip should not be missed in this list of tips on how to get rid of a headache.
The way you sit at the desk and use the computer can contribute to your headaches. Make sure everything is in height and spacing that fits your stature.
Keep your neck in balance while you work. We often leave our neck in the wrong position when using computers and other digital devices. If your neck is usually folded forward, move the computer so that you can look straight ahead while working.
Take a break often while sitting at the desk and using the computer. Exercise for the eye by spending a few minutes looking at different distances and doing some stretching exercises for the body.
31. Stay Calm
If you are constantly angry, irritated, frustrated, etc., your muscles are stretched to a point where it becomes uncontrollable. Then, headaches are unavoidable. Anxiety, stress and depression also cause headaches. Get expert advice and psychological help to figure out some effective ways to control emotions if they are dominating your daily life.
If you are grinding your teeth or biting your jaw, try to relax your face. Yeast will reduce facial tension.
Practice relaxation exercises before stressful events such as examinations, getting married, driving license exams, etc.
32. Record The History Of Your Headaches
A basic tip on how to get rid of a headache is to write a journal about your condition.
This will help you identify situations or foods that cause you headaches. Many people experience headaches after an extremely stressful period of work, after communication problems, after eating certain foods, at the beginning of their menstrual period, and so on.
When you know the cause of the headache, you can eliminate it before it recurs. This information is also very helpful to your doctor if you have frequent headaches. Bring your headache diary when you see your doctor.
33. Stop Smoking
The next one among effective tips on how to get rid of a headache is quitting smoking.
If you regularly smoke, you may have a worse headache. Tobacco smoke contains substances, such as carbon monoxide, which are believed to cause headaches. Tobacco also contains nicotine, which causes the blood vessels to contract, causing headaches and preventing the liver from releasing substances that help relieve headaches.
Quitting smoking can help you gradually get rid of headaches. Studies have shown that non-smokers are less likely to be affected by headaches than people who smoke regularly.
Headaches can also be caused by exposure to secondhand smoke, especially if you are allergic or sensitive to tobacco smoke. If you do not smoke, but you are often exposed to secondhand smoke, you may still have a headache.
34. Do Regular Exercises
Regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise, can help prevent migraines by reducing stress in the body. Obesity can also be a cause of migraines, so exercise can also help prevent migraines by helping you maintain or achieve healthy weight.
Start slowly before practicing. Rapid or intense physical exercise without a gradual warm-up period can cause migraines. Even strong sexual activity can also cause migraines.
35. Take Painkillers
Though taking painkillers is not a natural way on how to get rid of a headache, it brings a clear effect that is important in some cases. Most painkillers will not work within 1-2 hours, so take medication as soon as you start feeling headaches are coming. Early treatment is always effective. Even if you are suffering from pain, a dose of ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, aspirin or even a capsaicin nasal spray can make you feel a lot better.
Do not exceed the recommended dose on the label. You should take the lowest dose to relieve headaches, while limiting your body's dependence on pain medication.
Be careful not to take daily medications without your doctor's instructions. Daily over-the-counter medication can lead to drug abuse syndrome. This abuse can cause frequent headaches. You may also gradually become dependent on the medicine and get a headache when you stop taking it.
36. Control Your Use Of Painkiller
This tip may be contrast with the previous one when it comes to how to get rid of a headache fast. However, it is important not to be dependent on painkillers.
Dependence on pain medication over a long period of time is also a cause of severe headaches. In most cases, just stop using painkillers as your headaches will stop for a few days. Just do this routine for 2-3 weeks, your condition will be improved completely. If your symptoms are severe and you need to take your medicine more often, consult your doctor.
37. See A Health Professional
This is the last tip on how to get rid of a headache safely. Many health problems can cause headaches, so if your headache does not go away then you should seek medical attention:
- See your dentist if you have teeth grinding, tooth decay or abscesses, as they can be a source of headaches.
- See your ophthalmologist if your eyes are constantly blurred. Eye strain can cause mild headaches.
- You should have an ear, nose and throat examination regularly. If you have an untreated infection or have other problems with your ears, nose or throat, they can cause headaches.
The aforementioned are tips to help you treat headaches. Hope that they are helpful to you. Despite some folk remedies can be effective when treating headaches, you should always make sure that you know what their side effects are, as well as when you should not apply them (such as when you are pregnant or sick, etc.) Please note that folk remedies are often not scientifically proven.
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