I have been a migraine patient for 18 years now. I have studied and analyzed years of data and research reports in an attempt to under the root cause. headaches and migraines. My research was not only to try and find a solution for my migraines but also to tell the difference between a migraine and a headache. Some of the underlying reasons why we get migraines and headaches are the same. And so while the tips here could serve to starve off a migraine, they are geared to those headaches too.
And while a lot of headache medication exists out there, that should be your last resort. I know I know. The pain. But, medication isn’t good for you long term. So if you’re getting chronic headaches or migraines, non-medicative relief should be the go-to at the onset of those little buggers. Here are some sure solutions that will help you get rid of that headache without popping that pill. See what works for you and also change it up. We don’t want to let your headache learn the routine and come back stronger later on. Okay, let’s get right to it.
Related: #1 cause of migraines
1. Ice It – Immediately!
Most headaches cause the blood vessels in the head to inflame, causing that jolting or throbbing feeling in your head. Use an ice pack at the site of the pain. This will help the blood vessels to contract and thereby reducing the inflammation. Try to do it in 15-minute intervals. If you don’t have an ice pack, get a plastic bag or ziplock and add ice to it. Use a thin cloth (your T-shirt will do just fine), and place the bag over your T-shirt on your head.
2. Deep Breathing
One possible reason for your headache is possibly stress or anxiety. When your body tightens up, it triggers your head to get tense too. Try to take deep breaths of a count of 5 seconds in, hold for 5 seconds, and release for as long as air comes out. Keep repeating this for as long as you can (no less than 20 times).
3. Stretch Your Body
As mentioned above, your body could be in a state of recoiling due to some event or subconscious thought. Before it gets very painful and you don’t want to do anything to move your head, try to stretch all parts of your body. YouTube has some professionals like therapists and chiropractors who provide simple videos on stretching. That will also take you mind off the headache for a bit
4. Ginger Paste
Crush up some fresh ginger in a blender or mortar & pestle, and add the paste to your forehead. Let it completely dry and fall off. Or if it’s giving you some relief, add a few drops of water and pat it down for extended time. For reasons unknown to me, but confirmed by my mom, this tends to work on starving off a headache within an hour. Weird, but try it.
5. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has calming effects in those with anxiety, as mentioned by the NIH. I regularly drink this tea for my own anxiety and migraines, and it has helped me during stressful times and also allows for better sleep. It works by depressing the nervous system thereby calming the nervous and musculature systems.
Disclaimer: Some people may have allergic reactions, so please test before you try this.
In Conclusion
Headaches and migraines are very misunderstood by those who do not get them. Once you find a solution that works, use that but keep looking for more solutions if you get frequent headaches and migraines. Meditation is another longer-term source of relief, and if you don’t know how to meditate, I’ve written an article here on that you can read when you don’t have your headache. I hope you feel better, poppet.
What headache remedies have worked for you?
Featured image courtesy of pexels.com
Article last updated: February 19, 2021
