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I get a lot of headaches, what can I do?
There are many reasons why people experience headaches, such causes may be hormonal imbalances, food intolerances, liver intolerances, high or low blood pressure, structural misalignment, nutrient deficiencies, side-effects to medications, tiredness, stress or digestive complaints and some headaches may be caused by simply being dehydrated.
It is recommended that if you continue to experience headaches or migraines to speak to a health care professional and have the problem investigated as long-term headaches can be extremely debilitating. While analgesics may help ease the pain it is not a healthy option to keep taking them day after day and a long lasting solution should be sought.
Lifestyle factors for headaches
- Run a warm bath and add 1/2 cup of Epsom salts to the bath to provide magnesium to the muscles to help them to relax.
- Take time out to rest and relax away from noise and stimulating environments in a darkened, quiet room
- Relief of muscle tension is helped by a good massage, accupuncture or cranio-sacral therapy
- Take a walk in the fresh air to clear the head
- Yoga practices are helpful to loosen tight muscles and re-balance postural problems. Time out for meditation and deep breathing is also recommended to calm the spirit, switch the brain off and relax
- Address underyling allergies, nutrient deficiencies, bowel health, liver dysfunction and digestive weaknesses
Natural remedies for headaches
- The essential oils of marjoram, lavender, basil, peppermint, chamomile or rosemary diluted in a base oil of wheatgerm or sweet almond oil may give temporary relief to a throbbing head when massaged into the temple area
- Replenishing the muscles with electrolytes such as magnesium and potassium. Bananas are the richest source of these minerals
- Australian Bush Flower Essences may be of some relief as they help to work on the emotional aspects of the nervous system. Some suggested remedies are Calm & Clear, Purifying Essence or Electro Essence
- Homeopathics may give some relief: Arsenicum, Chammomila, Bryonia, Aconite, Nux Vomica
- The herb Feverfew has been used effectively to help manage migraine headaches by reducing the inflammation that causes them
- Calming herbs that calm the nervous system are Chamomile, Lemon balm, Rosemary, Vervain, Hops, Passionflower, Daimiana
- Herbs such as Kava, Valerian, Ginger, Lavender, Skullcap may help to take the edge off the pain and alleviate some of the muscle tension causing the pain
Diet tips for headaches
- Avoid caffeine as it has a constricting effect of the capillaries which feed the brain
- Avoid any foods that may cause allergies for you
- Ensure that you are drinking at least two litres of water per day
- Avoid stimulants