Natural Remedies for Headaches


Natural Remedies for Headaches - Featured Image

Chronic pain syndromes of all types affect over 76 million Americans, making them the most common type of health ailment in our country.  Headaches, of all kinds, make up a chunk of these problems.
 
The typical approach of taking medications like Tylenol, Advil, Aspirin or other over the counter drugs has proven to be only temporarily helpful in addressing symptoms of headaches.  Beyond not having any long term benefits, taking drugs to address headaches has also led to other health issues due to side effects.  The leading cause of kidney failure in the U.S. is Tylenol.  Aspirin has been a major cause in strokes as well as ulcers in the digestive tract. 
 
There are some natural remedies that have shown beneficial, both short term and long, in studies done at research hospitals and by clinicians around the globe.  Here are three natural things to try if you are a headache sufferer. 

  1. Chiropractic Care:
    • There have been numerous studies done on Chiropractic and headache reduction.The great thing about the results is that, not only has Chiropractic shown to be effective in short term help but has also been one of the most effective ways of relieving headaches long term. For reference, you can search studies done at University of Maryland Medical School as well as Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. The Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research is a place to see multiple case studies.
  2. Essential Oils
    • Peppermint Oil
    • Lavendar Oil
      1. Rub these oils on your temples, forehead and the back of your neck
  3. Magnesium

People who suffer from headaches such as Migraines, often have low levels of Magnesium and several studies suggest that magnesium may reduce the frequency of migraine attacks in people with low levels.  Typically, between 200mg and 600mg a day is the recommended dosage. Dietary sources of magnesium include beans, whole grains, seeds, nuts and vegetables like broccoli, squash and leafy greens.
 
 
All three of these remedies have been shown to be helpful for many people and, just as importantly, they do not have any serious side effects.