When you are frequently bothered by headaches, you’re more than likely looking for any solution that will get rid of them. Sure, you can take handfuls of pills to make them go away, but it’s not a good idea to overload your system with medication. You may be getting headaches because you are dehydrated, stressed, or as a reaction to certain foods. When you want to get rid of a headache without pills, check out the following headache home remedies that can help.
Get enough sleep every night
We need plenty of sleep every night for a variety of reasons. Studies have shown that people who get less sleep end up with more frequent headaches. However, too much sleep can cause the same problem. It’s important to figure out just how long you should be sleeping every night if you deal with frequent headaches.
Drink some caffeine
Caffeine has been part of the list for natural headache remedies for quite some time. Why? Because headaches often go away if you drink a small amount of caffeine. A can of soda or a cup of coffee or tea often takes away a headache, particularly migraines and cluster headaches.
Try essential oils
Essential oils are a type of liquid that contains different aromatic compounds. Most oils are used as a topical treatment while others can be ingested. As far as headache home remedies go, essential oils can be very helpful when used topically. Two of the best kinds are lavender and peppermint. Simply applying the oil to the temples frequently has been shown to help the symptoms of different headaches. Lavender oil has also been shown to reduce migraine pain when the individual applies it to their upper lip and inhales it over and over.
Stay as hydrated as possible
Staying hydrated has more benefits than we could possibly list here, but drinking enough water is one of the very best headache home remedies out there. Being dehydrated is one of the most common causes of having a headache. Additionally, beverages with added electrolytes, such as Gatorade or Power Aid, can help get rid of a headache.
Don’t touch the alcohol
Anyone who has had too many drinks knows the kind of headaches that alcohol can cause. If you’re dealing with a headache, even if it wasn’t caused by alcohol, refrain from imbibing until it’s completely gone. Studies have shown that alcohol can cause cluster and tension headaches because of the way it widens the blood vessels, known as vasodilation. Plus, alcohol is a diuretic that causes you to lose fluids. This then leads you right back to dehydration.
Try a hot or cold compress
A hot compress held against the forehead or back of the neck often relieves tension. It can also ease vasoconstriction. A cold compress is another natural remedy to try. For some people, switching between a hot and cold compress makes their headaches better over time.
Finding the right natural headache remedy
Headaches often cause us to reach for the medicines in our bathroom cabinets. However, many natural headache remedies will relieve headache pain just as well. Try these home remedies out when you need to push that terrible headache away and get on with your day!