Home remedies for headaches

The 5 Most Effective Herbal Remedies for Migraines and Headaches

Max. D Gray
By Max. D Gray. Updated: March 11, 2022
The 5 Most Effective Herbal Remedies for Migraines and Headaches

One of the most common ailments that we regularly suffer from is a headache, whether at the front, on one side, at the temples, in the neck, etc., which may have various causes. If it is a symptom of a disease or more serious health problem it will be crucial to see a doctor, but when it comes to a mild headache we can use a decongestant, or if you prefer, some natural treatments. In this oneHOWTO article we focus on natural medicines and show you what the best medicinal plants for headaches are. The following herbal remedies will help relieve the pain of your headache without taking pills!

You may also be interested in: List Of Foods That Give You A Headache

Contents

  1. What is a Migraine?
  2. Using Lavender to Cure a Headache
  3. Chamomile for Getting Rid of Headaches
  4. A Willow Bark Infusion
  5. Peppermint Tea or Essential Oil
  6. Lemon balm to Relieve a Headache
  7. Other Tips to Relieve Headaches

What is a Migraine?

Before we discuss the best home remedies for Migraines and headaches, what are they exactly?Migraines usually have a fronto-temporal or retro-ocular location and are accompanied by dizziness and vomiting. A migraine is generally thought to be caused by the dilation of blood vessels in your head. This then overstimulates the nerve endings which results in the unpleasant sensation. Migraines usually manifest themselves before middle age. We can categorize two kinds of migraine:

  • A migraine without any visual effects (80% of migraines). The headache begins in a single place but then spreads. The type of pain is normally a "pounding"of intense pain, aggravated by movement. A typical migraine can include other symptoms such as nausea/vomiting, and acute discomfort when exposed to light. These headaches last 4 to 72 hours. There is usually a history of similar attacks and no evidence of other disease.
  • Migraines which affect vision. The visual effects are normally a "warning sign" that a headache is coming, and can occur any time from several hours to several days before the headache. They may last less than 1 hour before these symptoms are replaced with a headache. A typical migraine attack presents with nausea/vomiting, and acute discomfort when exposed to light.

In fact, did you know there are 8 different types of headaches? These include;

  • Migraines.
  • Hypertension headache.
  • Severe/Chronic headaches.
  • Post-trauma headache.
  • Exercise headache.
  • Altitude headache.
  • Hangover headache.

Keep reading to find out the best natural remedies for those listed above!

Using Lavender to Cure a Headache

One of the most effective medicinal plants for relieving headaches naturally, especially those caused by fever and insomnia, is lavender. In addition, it is an excellent relaxant so it will help to reduce tension and help you rest.

You can use lavender in different ways: mix a few drops of lavender oil with a few drops of olive oil and massage your temples with the mixture; add a few drops of lavender oil to your bathwater and take a relaxing bath; or pour a little lavender oil on a handkerchief and inhale its aroma.

The 5 Most Effective Herbal Remedies for Migraines and Headaches - Using Lavender to Cure a Headache

Chamomile for Getting Rid of Headaches

Chamomile is a medicinal herb with many healing properties and although its best known property is its health benefit for the digestive system and its ability to fight stomach upset, it is also a great natural remedy for soothing headaches, especially those caused by colds. Its sedative properties will also help you fall asleep more easily.

You can prepare a chamomile tea and drink a maximum of two cups a day to see an improvement in your headaches.

The 5 Most Effective Herbal Remedies for Migraines and Headaches - Chamomile for Getting Rid of Headaches

A Willow Bark Infusion

Willow bark contains, among its components, salicin which is a substance that works like a decongestant acting much like aspirin but in a completely natural way. That is why when you have a headache, willow can help you get rid of it.

It is best to make a boiling infusion with 1 to 2 grams of willow bark in 200 ml of water for about 10 minutes. Strain the infusion and when it cools, drink it. You can do this twice a day if necessary.

The 5 Most Effective Herbal Remedies for Migraines and Headaches - A Willow Bark Infusion

Peppermint Tea or Essential Oil

Thanks to its dilatory effect and its analgesic properties, mint is another of the best medicinal plants for headaches, in fact it has been used for centuries as a natural remedy. It is also effective against more intense and uncomfortable headaches like migraines.

You can have a mint tea or take advantage of the effects of its essential oil, pouring a few drops of it on a wet cloth, moistened with cold water and placing it on your forehead for several minutes.

The 5 Most Effective Herbal Remedies for Migraines and Headaches - Peppermint Tea or Essential Oil

Lemon balm to Relieve a Headache

Besides being an ideal herb to help you sleep better and relax the body, lemon balm is also known for its analgesic properties, so will help you combat headaches and migraines.

To enhance the effect of lemon balm against headaches, we suggest making a lemon balm infusion and also adding a little ginger and one teaspoon of turmeric.

The 5 Most Effective Herbal Remedies for Migraines and Headaches - Lemon balm to Relieve a Headache

Other Tips to Relieve Headaches

You should consult your doctor in the event that the headaches are recurring. Also, you should stay well hydrated throughout the day and relax all you can to reduce the pain as soon as possible.

Not only can you use these herbs to fight headaches, there are other natural treatments which will also help your recovery, discover them all in the following articles:

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to The 5 Most Effective Herbal Remedies for Migraines and Headaches, we recommend you visit our Family health category.

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The 5 Most Effective Herbal Remedies for Migraines and Headaches