For most people who have headaches or migraines, taking medication can work and sometimes not work. The result either way can be side effects like stroke, heart attack, ulcers, nausea, gastritis, heart burn or even a headache. . That last one may sound a bit silly considering you are taking something to help reduce a headache but guess what, people have reported it as a side effect and IT IS on the label as such.
Many people also report that taking a drug for their headache didn’t help. We aren’t saying every and all over the counter drugs will not help a person with a headache. Yes, taking aspirin will help most people with a headache. But what about doing something natural so you don’t have to take a drug?
There are people (like myself, the editor of Mind Body Nature) that have taken pain killers such as aspirin, Tylenol, Excedrin and such and over time have ended up with gastritis. Look up gastritis sometime. It’s basically like having an ulcer over the whole lining of your stomach that if left untreated will end up being a serious or critical issue like stomach cancer.
So let’s take a look at natural things you can do to help with a headache.
Here are some natural ways you can help with a headache.
1. Exercise – Stress and tension usually trigger headaches and migraines. One of the best ways to reduce stress and tension is to exercise. Exercise also releases endorphins that are a natural hormone that make you feel good, happy and sometimes calm or calmer. Exercise will also help create better blood flow through your veins and capillaries bringing better oxygen and blood flow to the body for a reduction in headaches and less of a chance of headaches.
Everyone has a different system, chemistry and body so try out an exercise routine gently; preferably a routine that includes about 15-30 minutes every other day at least. Some people may trigger a headache if a rigorous routine is done too much and too often so experiment to see what is right for you and by all means, consult your doctor.
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids – One of the best ways to be healthy and reduce your chance of a headache is to maintain a diet rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory which is good for someone trying to reduce a headache. They’re found in foods like fish, nuts, and seeds. Omega fatty acids reduce inflammation and protect your brain cells.
Just make sure you get the right type of food. For example, if you get salmon, make sure it is not farm raised salmon but wild salmon and if is nuts or seeds make sure they are non-GMO.
3. Water – Many times people get a headache it is because they are dehydrated. As the saying goes, :If you are feeling like you are thirsty, it is too late. You are already dehydrated.” So drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. People don’;t seem to realize that once you start getting a headache from being dehydrated, the headache stays for a while and it is hard to get rid of. The dehydration headache is a real pain, as they say. So don’t let it even start. Drink lots of fluids and by fluids, we mean lots of water. Natural, clean, filtered water.
4. Stop drinking and smoking – Smoking decreases blood vessel size and send many chemicals and additives throughout your body. Drinking alcohol also does the same but (and we can go on here for pages) it is also a diuretic and makes you pee more. So basically, like coffee… it takes water OUT of your system. We’re not asking you to be a nun or a monk living on a hill top. We’re just saying, if you get headaches, think about putting some space between what your doing (the smoking and drinking) and try to put some clean space in there.
5. Coffee – Coffee has caffeine and caffeine has been proven to reduce a headache. It is the main ingredient in aspirin. Look it up. So this section (point # 5 ) is short. Drink a cup of coffee.
6. CBD Oil – While there needs to be so much more research on CBD oil, anecdotal evidence suggests that using CBD oil can reduce a headache and if used daily, will reduce or eliminate a headache or migraine. You can read more about CBD oil here and if you are interested, we have a page to view companies that offer CBD products right here.
7. Essential oils – Essential oils have been used for centuries. They an ancient as well as traditional remedy to treat a variety of issues and health issues. Most people will use essential oils as aromatherapy or rub some of it on their skin around the temples. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW what if you DO use it to rub on your temples, you need to use a “carrier oil;” meaning you have to mix the essential oil with another oil like coconut or jojoba or aloe vera and then put it on your skin. Otherwise you will burn your skin. We will be creating a whole page for essential oils on this site soon. Stay tuned. Some of the types of oils used are: lavender, rosemary, peppermint, chamomile or eucalyptus.
8. Magnesium – Seventy five percent of adults who have migraines are deficient in magnesium. There are two great articles on the defiance of magnesium that people have that leads to headaches and migraines. Take a moment to look at these two articles:
https://www.healthline.com/health/magnesium-for-migraines
Our bodies do not produce magnesium and so we must find ways to get it into our body. You can find food sources like green leafy vegetables, seafood (like salmon), black beans or flaxseeds. If you can’t or wont’ eat these types of foods, then take a supplement. This is probably one of the few times on Mind Body Nature where we will say take a supplement.
Magnesium is important because it helps your nerves and muscles throughout your entire body as well as helps the brain relax. I prefer to say find the food to get it but once again, if not, take a supplement. It’s that important.
9. Get lots of sleep – It’s funny how this tip keeps getting into just about every section but sleep is VERY important. And I should know because when I didn’t get enough sleep, my hair got grey, my nerves got rattled, I got headaches, and I got mood swings. Sleep helps your brain repair and rebuild. Without enough sleep, you are asking for trouble. So find a way to make your room dark, get a routine so your body knows when it is time to sleep, turn off all electrical gadgets and turn the TV off. Then tell your brain it’s time to turn off and sleep.
10. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) – Riboflavin or Vitamin B2 is one of the eight essential B vitamins that are important for human health. They can be found in foods such as broccoli, nuts, eggs, dairy products, meats, Brussel sprouts, wild rice, soybeans, green leafy vegetables, mushrooms, and whole grain and bread, Riboflavin or Vitamin B2 protects the body’s cells from oxidative damage and helps maintain the nervous system function, vision, normal skin, red blood cells and mucous membranes. It also increases energy production. So Riboflavin or Vitamin B2 can help prevent a headache or migraine headache but not after it has already started. This apparently when taking around 300mg to 400mg a day. Please consult with your doctor before taking anything.