By Dr. Surya Bhagwati
Chief In- House Doctor
BAMS, DHA, DHHCM, DHBTC | 30+ Years of Experience
Are you experiencing intense or frequent headaches? We’ve found simple and natural ways to get rid of a headache. Learn how to get natural headache relief, quickly and effectively by incorporating hydration as the primary cure. You can also apply hot and warm compresses because their soothing benefits when applied provide relief to tense muscles. People can also gently apply and massage peppermint oil behind ear temples to alleviate headache discomfort. Apart from these tips, you can try the below-given headache treatments at home for a quick yet effective cure, which will help you prioritise your well-being.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is the most essential home remedy for headache, because dehydration is a common trigger. So, drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain optimal hydration levels. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily and increase your intake, if you are physically active or in a hot environment. Also in case you feel a headache coming on, sip on water throughout the day to potentially reduce headache intensity and duration. That’s why always keep a water bottle handy and set reminders on your phone to stay hydrated at all times.
Also Read : Acid Reflux Remedy
Usage Of Essential Oils
Essential oils like peppermint and lavender are effective home remedies for headache. Apply peppermint oil to ear temples and you will feel a cooling effect that helps ease tension and improve blood flow. You can use lavender oil, which is known for its calming properties that helps reduce stress-related headaches. Or you can dilute a few drops of an essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and gently massage onto your ear temples and forehead. If not, inhale these oils through a diffuser and get instant relief. Also, don’t forget to always do a patch test to check for any allergic reactions before applying essential oils to your skin.
Manage Alcohol Intake
Yes, alcohol is also a trigger for headaches, particularly migraines. Reduce or avoid alcohol consumption as it causes dehydration - a common trigger for headaches. You should also note that certain alcoholic beverages contain congeners, a chemical that triggers headaches. So, if you still choose to drink, do it in moderation or go for alternate alcoholic beverages and drink water to stay hydrated. It is important to be mindful of your alcohol intake and be observant of any patterns between drinking and headache occurrences that can help you manage as well as reduce the frequency of alcohol-induced headaches.
Drink Caffeinated Tea Or Coffee
Caffeine works as an instant home remedies for headache by constricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation. Drink a cup of caffeinated tea or coffee at the onset of a headache to reduce the pain. But it is also important to remember that you should consume caffeine in moderation as excessive intake can lead to rebound headaches or worsen symptoms. So, if you regularly consume caffeine, be aware of your tolerance and avoid sudden increases or decreases in consumption.
Avoid Strong Smells
Strong smells from perfumes, cleaning products, and smoke can trigger headaches, especially if you are prone to migraines. So, avoid exposure to these strong odours and choose fragrance-free or lightly scented products. Ensure proper ventilation in your living or working spaces and avoid areas with heavy pollution or smoke. If you encounter a strong smell that triggers a headache, move to an area with fresh air and consider using a soothing essential oil, to counteract the strong odour and provide relief.
Apply Cold Compress
Take a cold compress or use a bag of frozen vegetables, or a cloth soaked in cold water as alternatives. Apply it for 15-20 minutes to your forehead or to the back of your neck for immediate relief. It helps constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation, which can ease the pain. This simple home remedy is effective for tension headaches and migraines, offering a non-medicinal way to reduce discomfort.
Switch Off Lights
Bright or flickering lights are also a trigger for headaches. Reducing light exposure is a great and natural headache relief, which also helps alleviate symptoms. In case you are prone to light-induced headaches, use dim lighting, avoid screen glare by adjusting the brightness of your devices, and consider using anti-glare screens or blue light filters. You should also wear sunglasses outdoors and take breaks from screens. So, create a calm and dim environment, which allows your eyes and mind to relax as well as reduces the headache discomfort.
Relax & Sip On An Herbal Tea
Herbal teas like peppermint, chamomile or ginger tea have calming properties. While peppermint tea reduces tension, ginger tea has anti-inflammatory effects that alleviates headache pain. On the other hand, chamomile tea is known for its relaxing properties, which helps reduce stress-related headaches. So, brew a cup of your preferred herbal tea, sip it slowly, and allow yourself to relax.
Also Read : Kadha Recipe
Practice Yoga Or Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity like yoga or exercise are natural headache remedies that can help prevent headaches by reducing stress, improving circulation, and promoting overall health. If you exercise regularly, it releases endorphins which are natural painkillers and mood enhancers. So, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise such as walking, cycling, or yoga on most days of the week. Be mindful of your body’s limits and stay active!
Also Read : How To Reduce Pitta Immediately
Massage Your Pressure Points
Massaging specific pressure points on your body is one of the best headache remedies. Some of the common pressure points include the temples, the base of the skull, and the area between the thumb and index finger. Use gentle, circular motions to massage these points for several minutes. This can help relieve tension, improve blood flow, reduce headache intensity and balance energy flow.
Signs You Should Seek Medical Advice
Don’t ignore the signs! If your headaches are persistent or severe, it’s time to consult a doctor. Watch out for chronic headaches, they might be a signal of an underlying issue. It is important to also pay attention to headaches that bring along unwanted guests like nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, or trouble speaking; these could be signs of migraines or even more serious conditions. And if a headache suddenly strikes like a lightning bolt, seek medical help immediately. Proper diagnosis and treatment can help you live your best life.
Explore Dr Vaidya’s range of Ayurvedic medicine to get rid of headaches. So, embrace the holistic approach of our products and feel the difference!
Also Read : Home Remedies For Dry Cough
Dr. Surya Bhagwati
BAMS (Ayurveda), DHA (Hospital Admin), DHHCM (Health Management), DHBTC (Herbal Beauty and Cosmetology)
Dr. Surya Bhagwati is an established, well-known Ayurvedic expert with over 30 years of experience in treating and consulting in the field of Ayurveda. She is known for the timely, efficient, and patient-centred delivery of quality health care. The patients under her care receive a unique holistic treatment comprising not only medicinal treatment but also spiritual empowerment.