Whether it stems from hunger, thirst or the stress of everyday life, a headache can certainly put a damper on your day. Consider these five natural, helpful ways to fight a headache:
1. Aromatherapy. Certain scents, including lavender, peppermint, lemon, ginger, marjoram, chamomile and eucalyptus, may help soothe occasional headache pain from tension and stress. As you breathe in the scent, gently massage your temples in a circular motion to further tame the tension.
2. Pressure points. In addition to the pressure points at your temples, there are several other places on the body that may respond positively to pressure point massage, helping to soothe occasional headache pain. On your hand: find the meeting point of the bones in your index finger and thumb and squeeze it for at least two minutes. On your neck: locate the area under the base of your skull where your neck muscles attach (on both sides of your spine) and gently massage these areas in a circular motion with your fingertips.
3. Water. Your headache may actually be the result of dehydration. Researchers aren’t sure of the exact reasons behind the headache-dehydration connection, but a lack of fluids and electrolytes in the body can lead to a narrowing of the blood vessels, which reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain and areas surrounding it. To help rehydrate your body, grab a cool glass of water and eat water-rich fruits and veggies, including melons, berries, tomatoes and leafy greens. Or consider coconut water, which is loaded with naturally occurring electrolytes.
4. Food. Skipping meals can have a dramatic effect on your body, due to a drop in blood sugar. To avoid hunger-related headache and grumpiness, eat at regular intervals throughout the day and pack several healthy snacks to keep hunger at bay, even when you’re on the go.
5. Nutritional supplements. Some herbs, such as butterbur extract, have been used since the Middle Ages because they are thought to play a role in relieving normal head discomforts.