NaturalMedications

Home Medications and Treatments for Headaches

Headaches are some of the most common afflictions from which people suffer, more than 45 million Americans suffer from chronic, recurring headaches.  A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. They are often nature's warning that something is wrong somewhere in the body, although headaches do not necessarily indicate that there is a serious disorder.  Most people with headaches can feel much better by making lifestyle changes, learning ways to relax, and occasionally by taking medications.

Jump to - Symptoms, Causes , Treatment, Other suggestions

Symptoms of Headaches

Common Symptoms of Headaches:

Pain in the generalized area of head and neck
Blurred vision
Nausea and vomiting
Hearing impairment
Irritability
Confusion
Sensitivity to light and sound
General malaise
A general feeling of discomfort.

Top three classifications for common kinds of headaches:

1. Tension headaches are the most common and are characterized by a tightening around the head and neck, and a dull ache.
2. Cluster headaches come all at once and then disappear for a period.  These affect one-side of the head, usually around the eye.
3. Migraines are severe pain on one side of the head.  The pulsating and throbbing pain is often worsened from exertion.

Causes of Headaches

The common causes of headaches are:

• Not getting enough sleep
• Allergies
• Emotional stress
• Hormonal changes
• Eye strain
• High blood pressure
• Food additives
• Hangover
• Caffeine withdrawal
• Infection
• Low blood sugar
• Nutritional deficiency
• Tension
• The presence of poisons and toxins in the body

Treatment of Headaches

Lemon:

Dietary Considerations

BREAKFAST
Option one:
Non-citrus juice such as apple, pear or peach
Whole grain, calcium fortified cereal topped with skim milk or soy milk and fresh berries
Herb tea

Option two:
Scrambled eggs (purchase those high in omega-three fatty acids) or add in some fresh cooked salmon or canned salmon and fresh herbs such as basil or cilantro
Fresh Blueberry Muffin or toasted whole grain bread
Herb tea
Melon

Option three:
French toast recipe such as Seattle Apple French Toast (using skim milk)
100% juice
Herb tea

LUNCH
Option one:
Vegetable cottage cheese (low fat) in whole-wheat pita with lettuce or sprouts
Fresh fruit
Herb tea

Option two:
Homemade soup that doesn't contain prohibited foods, such as Asparagus and Sesame Chicken Soup (substituting cider vinegar for the rice wine vinegar)
Crusty roll
Calcium fortified juice
Salad

Option three:
Tuna salad sandwich on whole grain bread with lettuce
Baby carrots
Strawberry Sports Shake
Oatmeal Cookies


DINNER
Option one:
Pasta stir-fry, such as Linguini Honey-Sauced Prawns
Steamed broccoli
Garlic bread sticks
Fresh fruit salad

Option two:
Broiled fish, such as salmon or tuna
Baked potatoes
Sautéed zucchini
Microwave Rhubarb Crisp

Option three:
Gingered Pork and Peaches (made without the lemon juice or peel)
Mashed potatoes
Mixed green salad
Cinnamon-Scented Raspberry Rice Pudding

Other effective Remedies for Headaches

Lifestyle changes can reduce the chances of getting a headache and reduce the frequency of headaches.
Lifestyle suggestions:

• Recogize what causes your headaches and avoid or reduce these conditions.
• Cut down on alcohol and nicotine consumption. 
  
• Manage stress by practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga, deep breathing, and meditation.
• Exercise on regular basis.
• Get an adequate amount of sleep each night.
• Maintain a healthy diet.

Hot food baths are also beneficial in the treatment of chronic headaches. The patient should keep his legs in a tub or bucket filled with hot water at a temperature of 40degrees C to 45degrees C for fifteen minutes every night before retiring. This treatment should be continued for two or three weeks.

Yogic kriyas like jalneti and kunjal; pranayamas like anulomaviloma, shitali, and sitkari; and asanas such as uttanpadasana, sarvangasana, paschimottanasana, halasana, and shavasana are also beneficial in the treatment of headaches.

Got a question ask it on the Headache Forum. Or share your knowledge with others at the Headache Forum