Relaxing when you get home can be the key to relieving the annoying headache without resorting to pain relievers. Discover some options.
How many times will we have come home wanting to eliminate the headache? Those tension stitches in the temples, causing dizziness and discomfort. This is a common reality that most people alleviate with a medication. Now, did you know that you can relieve headaches at home without taking medication?
Relieve headache at home
Firstly, we must distinguish the classic migraine from a tension headache or that associated with tiredness or stress.
Typically, as the National Library of Medicine of the United States points out, migraine is focused on one side of the head, light bothers us and sometimes worsens if we take certain foods.
For its part, the tension headache covers both sides of the temples. It is a throbbing pain like pumping of the heart.
- It often occurs after a stressful situation.
- Also, after a long day from which we returned tired, where we have strained the neck muscles or cranial nerves too much: bad postures, too many hours in front of the computer….
For some people, it is common to suffer from a headache several days a month. That is why we want to teach you simple techniques in which you could find relief before resorting to medication. You think? Well, let’s take note!
1. 20 minutes of progressive relaxation
This technique is very simple. It only requires that you have 15 or 20 minutes free, and for this, the first thing you should do is:
- Put on comfortable clothes, take off your shoes and lie on the sofa with your legs raised, so that you favor the correct circulation and oxygenation of your body.
- Very well, what you will do now is take a deep breath filling your chest, watching it swell. Hold it for 5 seconds and let it go little by little. If you put your hands on your belly you will notice more relief. Repeat this about 6 times.
Massage
- Afterward, we will do a brief massage right on the nasal septum, in that little hole between the two eyes. There where our glasses are normally held. Do you have it located? Excellent.
- Using your thumb and index finger, massage for about 10 seconds.
In this way, we will help reactivate the cranial circulation and oxygenate ourselves. Try that where you are lying there is not too much light, nor darkness. If possible, get some fresh air.
2. Apple cider vinegar
An ancient natural remedy that has been passed down from generation to generation is moistening a cloth with a little apple cider vinegar and applying it to the forehead (especially to the temples). It is believed that if this cloth is placed before 5 minutes in the refrigerator, it will act as an immediate pain reliever. We have found no scientific data to support this belief.
3. Infusion of mint and ginger
As you know, various studies have pointed out that both mint and ginger would have anti-inflammatory effects that could help you alleviate headache symptoms.
- Try to put two mint leaves and the equivalent of a tablespoon of grated ginger root.
- Allow it to boil and then sweeten with a little honey. Drink little by little.
4. Lavender essential oil
An article published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine has pointed out that lavender oil has relaxing properties. You can find this essential oil in natural stores and even in perfume shops. What we will do is very simple:
- We will apply 5 drops in a cloth and massage our wrists and temples. For a few seconds, in this way we reactivate circulation.
- Afterward, we inhale the smell, trying to relax on the sofa for a few minutes. It is very practical.
5. Chamomile iced tea for the eyes
The eye area is key to headache pain. A simple and highly recommended remedy, although not scientifically based, is usually to use a cold chamomile tea compress. For this you only have to:
- Prepare a well-loaded infusion of chamomile in a glass of water.
- Allow it to boil. Then, take this mug to the refrigerator for about half an hour to cool, and voila!
- You just have to moisten a compress or two cotton pads with this chamomile tea and apply it to the eyes.
6. Artichoke water
Another common advice but that does not have supporting evidence is to increase the consumption of artichoke. The belief indicates that it could alleviate headaches and alleviate liver problems.
- You can prepare delicious dinners with artichoke, as well as drink its water.
- You just have to cook an artichoke and, when you have it ready, separate the water from the vegetables.
The main key to relieving headaches at home is to relax. Many times, just by resting and relaxing body posture and mental stress, we are able to relieve pain without resorting to medication.
Of course, if you suffer from recurring and habitual headaches, do not hesitate to consult your doctor to obtain a diagnosis and appropriate treatment for your condition and needs.