7 soothing natural headache remedies
Want headache relief? Natural headache remedies could be just for you. While aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have a part to play, they aren’t your only weapon against headaches.
1. Visit a chiropractor or physiotherapist
Investigate any postural problems that may play a role in your headaches with the help of a professional.
2. Try relaxation techniques
Meditation or yoga, and consider learning about biofeedback techniques, to help you control functions such as blood pressure or stress response.
3. Up your intake of vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
An Australian study found it helped migraine patients. Take a supplement or find it in almonds and spinach.
4. Take folic acid
Australian research showed a drastic improvement in headache severity when migraine patients tried supplements. Folic acid reduces homocysteine – high levels are found in people with the migraine gene MTHFR.
5. Balance your essential fatty acids
Too much omega-6 and not enough omega-3 can lead to inflammation and trigger headaches. Limit processed foods as these often contain omega-6 rich polyunsaturated vegetable oils. Eat more oily fish or take fish oil supplements.
6. Go for ginger
Ginger is useful for alleviating nausea, feverfew can help with migraine relief and in topical form, capsaicin, the active ingredient in cayenne pepper, can soothe headaches.
7. Try magnesium
A study in the International Headache Society journal found it helps the body’s receptors to be less sensitive to migraine triggers. Stock up here.
Dr Carole Hungerford has been a GP for more than 40 years and has a particular interest in headaches, as a former sufferer herself. Her latest book, Headache: A Family Doctor’s Guide (Scribe, £14.99), is out now.
