For recurring headache sufferers, it may be frustrating and seem as though there are no options outside of pain killers to aid in relieving your pain. There are, however, many natural remedies that can help alleviate symptoms – without the worry of reliance, as is the case with standard pain killers.
Magnesium
Though difficult to measure, evidence supports that migraine sufferers may be experiencing symptoms due to low brain magnesium levels. This deficit in magnesium may be due to insufficient intake of magnesium-rich foods or genetic predisposition (1).
Increasing foods rich in magnesium just may be the trick you’ve been waiting for in alleviating your headache symptoms. According to a doctor of natural medicine Josh Axe, the following are considered to be the top magnesium containing foods:
- Spinach — 1 cup: 157 milligrams (40% DV)
- Chard — 1 cup: 154 milligrams (38% DV)
- Pumpkin seeds — 1/8 cup: 92 milligrams (23% DV)
- Yogurt or Kefir — 1 cup: 50 milligrams (13% DV)
- Almonds — 1 ounce: 80 milligrams (20% DV)
- Black Beans — ½ cup: 60 milligrams (15% DV)
- Avocado — 1 medium: 58 milligrams (15% DV)
- Figs — ½ cup: 50 milligrams (13% DV)
- Dark Chocolate — 1 square: 95 milligrams (24% DV)
- Banana — 1 medium: 32 milligrams (8% DV)
Essential Oils
Peppermint Oil
A natural pain killer and muscle relaxant, peppermint oil is best used as a topical reliever to tension headaches. Upon the onset of symptoms, apply the oil to your temples, forehead, and back of your neck.
Lavender Oil
Known for its calming effects, lavender oil is best used for headaches and migraines brought on by stress and anxiety. Enjoy the calming effects of this essential oil by using the inhalation method or by applying it topically.
Eucalyptus Oil
When experiencing headache brought on from nasal congestion or sinus pressure, consider adding eucalyptus to your list of remedies! Upon inhalation, the eucalyptus acts as an expectorant, opening up nasal airways and reducing sinus pressure.
Pssst. Want a headache remedy that is able to support headaches of all types? Try the specially formulated Headache Soothe™ Essential Oil Blend; containing peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, basil, rosemary, and orange essential oils.
Herbs
Feverfew
Feverfew, a member of the daisy family and a key ingredient in Native Remedies MiGone Plus™, has been used for centuries to treat migraine headaches. Studies suggest that feverfew may not only reduce the symptoms of migraine headaches but also reduce the frequency of their occurrence (4).
Passionflower
Due to its mild sedative properties, passionflower is an ideal remedy for those suffering from headaches related to stress and tension (5).
Willow Bark
Continued use of aspirin to alleviate headache raises concern and risk of side effects and complications. Willow bark, however, naturally contains a chemical with similar effects to aspirin. For this reason, willow bark is an excellent natural alternative to aspirin when looking to treat the symptoms associated with headaches, such as pain and fever.
Lifestyle Tips
- Drink more water 🍶
- Get moving/exercise regularly 🚴
- Stretch & release muscle tension 🙆
- Avoid caffeine (including chocolate 🍫)
- Work less & relax more (within reason 😉)
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Sources
1. “Headache Toolbox: Magnesium.” The American Headache Society. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 2013. Web. 23 Apr. 2017. <https://americanheadachesociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Magnesium.pdf>.
2. “Top 10 Magnesium Rich Foods Plus Proven Benefits.” Dr. Axe. N.p., 28 Mar. 2017. Web. 23 Apr. 2017.
3. Bright, Sierra. “6 Best Essential Oils For Headaches & How To Use Them.” Natural Living Ideas. N.p., 26 Jan. 2017. Web. 23 Apr. 2017.
4. “Feverfew.” Complementary and Alternative Medicine Guide. University of Maryland Medical Center, n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2017.
5. Pandey, Anubha. “5 Herbal Remedies For Migraine Headaches.” Search Home Remedy. N.p., 10 June 2014. Web. 23 Apr. 2017.