A tension headache is characterized by a dull pain, pressure, or tightness either across the forehead or near the back of the head and neck. Approximately eighty percent of people in the United States get them occasionally, and three percent suffer from them daily. Tension headaches can last anywhere from thirty minutes to several days. They are more likely to affect women than men and are considered chronic when an individual experiences them for at least fifteen days in one month.
Thankfully, there are ways to reduce the pain associated with tension headaches. In fact, there are even natural methods! Get to know some of the most popular natural remedies for relieving tension headache pain now.
Feverfew
Feverfew is a herb that has been proven to reduce headaches. Research shows that ingesting it frequently reduces nausea, pain, vomiting, and sensitivity to light associated with tension headaches. A substance in feverfew, known as parthenolide, may also help reduce inflammation and prevent the constriction of blood vessels, which is often the culprit behind headaches. Feverfew has also been shown to be safe to take and does not produce harmful side effects. It can be purchased in supplement form, and the recommended dosage is fifty to one hundred milligrams each day. Some research indicates it may take up to two weeks before relief is felt. Reports do indicate feverfew is best utilized as a preventative measure, which is why it’s perfect for individuals who suffer from chronic tension headaches.
Get More Exercise
Most individuals spend many hours hunched over in front of a computer screen all day, which, unfortunately, is often how tension headaches start developing. Sitting in this position for hours at a time puts an additional twenty to thirty pounds of pressure on the neck, and this pressure, particularly when it happens most days, is not healthy. The good news is, even stretching every thirty minutes can really help alleviate this tension. Yoga and aerobic exercises are particularly beneficial for relieving tension headaches, improving respiration, and increasing blood flow to the brain. A simple balance ball and yoga mat are inexpensive ways to start setting up a workout center designed for tension headache relief in your home.
Drink More Water
According to a study conducted at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, there is such a thing as a water-deprivation headache. Luckily, the treatment for a tension headache caused by dehydration is free and so incredibly simple. Drinking more water reduces headache pain, improves irritability and concentration, and increases energy. Drinking alkaline mineral antioxidant water is an excellent way to stay hydrated while flushing toxins, which may be contributing to a headache. Keeping a dedicated water bottle at hand is an excellent way to make sure you stay hydrated. Note tension headache relief from drinking more water is not immediate. It will take up to twenty minutes for water to really take effect in the body.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper does not just taste good in spicy dishes: it can also be used to stimulate circulation and blood flow while reducing acidity! Capsaicin, which is what gives cayenne pepper its spice, is the active ingredient in cayenne responsible for reducing pain and inflammation, because it depletes a pain-causing substance that is often the reason individuals develop a tension headache in the first place. Add a few drops of water to a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to create a paste and apply topically to the temples by rubbing in a circular motion.
Take A Detox Bath
Detox baths are an excellent way to get rid of a tension headache because they bring toxins to the surface of the skin where they can quickly be released. For maximum benefits, make the bath as hot as can be tolerated. Add essential oils, lavender and peppermint are great choices, and two cups of apple cider vinegar, which is a natural pain-killer. Add some Epsom salt to assist with the drawing out of toxins from the body. In addition to drawing out toxins, hot detox baths also help relieve tense muscles throughout the body, which often accompany tension headaches. When muscles relax, pain associated with the tension they previously held starts to lessen as well.