10 Natural Remedies to Treat Headaches
I have to admit, when I first graduated from residency and went into practice I was a little scared to treat patients with headaches.
In hindsight, my fear was mostly related to a lack of understanding. I was worried that I wouldn’t recognize the subtleties between the common and the catastrophic. I was very fortunate to share an office with a neurologist that was the headache guru. Thats no exaggeration, she was the Doctor that patients would travel far and wide to come see in hopes that she could crack the code on their symptoms when every other doctor had failed to provide relief. I’m forever grateful for the knowledge that she shared with me.
What was once an area of weakness became a bonafide strength. I love treating headaches now. I know that may sound weird. Obviously I don’t love that patients have headaches but I love being able to provide genuine relief. And for good reason.
Headaches are so incredibly common and debilitating. The economic burden of headaches exceeds 13 billion annually. This is mostly from patients being forced to miss work.
How do we classify headaches?
Headache syndromes are first categorized as primary or secondary. A primary headache means that the headache itself is the problem. A secondary headache means that the headache is more or less a symptom of a different problem.
Secondary headaches are scary. These include some of the dangerous things that lurk in the shadows. Things like brain tumors, aneurysms and infections such as meningitis.
Primary headaches, which are thankfully more common include things like migraine, tension headache or cluster headaches. Just because these are generally considered less dangerous doesn’t mean they aren’t extremely formidable and in some cases downright disabling.
How do we evaluate patient’s with headache?
The first question I ask is have you ever experienced a headache like this before? If the answer is yes then I’m generally less concerned.
One of the mantras we apply to screening out dangerous headaches is the expression “first or worst.” What does this mean? Essentially it means if you’re having a headache for the first time or if the current headache you are having is the worst headache of your life then we don’t mess around.
These patients will always require brain imaging to rule out a dangerous cause, and in some cases that imaging is needed urgently.
Even if somebody has a history of headaches, when the character of those headaches change, that also gets our attention. This is something that I strongly encourage my patients to keep track of.
Treating Headaches
My friend, the headache guru would have her patients keep a very detailed headache journal. This would include each headache occurrence. Patients would write down time of day and duration of symptoms. Whether it was debilitating or not.
She would encourage them to write down what they had eaten not only that day, but in the days leading up. It was also important to know how much sleep they had in the days leading up. The more pieces of the puzzle that we possess, the clearer the image becomes.
Treatment also accounts for the volume of headaches. We define 0-14 headaches in a month as episodic headache syndrome. Greater than 15 headaches in a month for 3 consecutive months is defined as chronic daily headache.
Pharmacologic treatment is defined as abortive versus preventative. Abortive treatments aim to knock the headache out once symptoms arise. Preventative treatments try to protect the patient from experiencing any symptoms in the first place. Nearly every patient that suffers from frequent headaches will require an abortive. Those that have more frequent symptoms will benefit from a preventative as well.
12 Natural remedies for treating headaches
- Stay Hydrated:
This may sound obvious, but many of us often overlook the importance of adequate hydration. Most healthy adults should aim for 15 cups (men) and 11 cups (women) of water a day. Drinking enough water throughout the day may help prevent or reduce the intensity of headaches.
- Magnesium:
This is my personal favorite. The wonders of magnesium appear endless. Perhaps one day I’ll write an entire blog post on it. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to headaches and migraines. Consuming magnesium-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy greens, or taking magnesium supplements, may help.
- Essential Oils:
Some essential oils, such as peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus, have been found to have headache-relieving properties. You can inhale the scent, apply diluted oil to your temples, or use a diffuser.
- Ginger:
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce headaches. You can consume ginger tea, ginger ale, or simply chew on a piece of raw ginger.
- Acupressure:
Applying pressure to specific points on the body, such as the space between the thumb and index finger, known as LI-4, may help relieve headaches.
- Cold Compress:
Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the forehead or neck may help numb the area and reduce inflammation, thus providing relief from headaches.
- Heat Therapy:
For tension headaches, applying heat to the neck and shoulders may help relax tight muscles and alleviate pain.
- Herbal Teas:
Certain herbal teas, such as chamomile, feverfew, and peppermint, have been traditionally used to relieve headaches. They may help relax muscles and reduce tension.
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2):
Studies have shown that riboflavin supplements may help prevent migraines. Foods rich in riboflavin include dairy products, lean meats, eggs, and green vegetables.
- Aromatherapy:
In addition to essential oils, aromatherapy with scents like rosemary or chamomile may help reduce headache symptoms and promote relaxation.
- Yoga and Meditation:
Practicing yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises may help reduce stress and tension, which are common triggers for headaches.
- Acupuncture:
Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to alleviate pain and promote overall well-being. Some studies suggest it may be effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches.
Special Note From The Doctor:
“To keep those headaches at bay, remember to stay hydrated, get plenty of sleep, and try reducing your stress. And if you find that meditation or a little dark chocolate helps, then that’s a prescription we can all enjoy!”
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of content found on this blog.
- If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately. Reliance on any information provided by this blog is solely at your own risk. The author(s) of this blog do not assume any liability for the information contained herein, be it direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages.
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