HEADACHE

Headache is generally, a body’s reaction to a discomfort realized in any part of the body, be it the eyes, joints, neck muscles, shoulder or back. When the body gets neglected it will start to show some symptoms, most common being headache. Headache can be chronic or mild. Headache is caused because of various reasons. Most commonly stress, tension, insomnia, eye problems, acidity, fasting, dehydration and migraine. Chronic migraine needs special attention. Headache can be a symptom of blood pressure and diabetes. Although headache is very common, recurring headaches should be monitored.

SYMPTOMS

Chronic or mild pain in any part of the head, vomiting, nausea and sensitivity to light, sound and smell.

REMEDIES

Rosemary oil- Massage your head with rosemary oil to relive headache. If pregnant or nursing, it is advisable to avoid essential oils. For those with health conditions please check the safety precautions for each oil before use.

Coconut oil- Coconut oil is a cooling agent. Get a head massage with warm coconut oil for 30 minutes. Make sure to apply gentle pressure on all the pressure points on the head to improve blood circulation.

Ginger tea- A warm sip of ginger tea will give a boost to the nervous system.

Turmeric- Make a thick paste of turmeric with rose water. Apply it on your forehead.

Herbal coffee- Make herbal coffee with a handful of tulsi (basil) leaves, three tablespoons of jaggery (palm jaggery is the best), two teaspoons of crushed peppercorns, two teaspoons of roasted ground coffee powder. Add all the above ingredients in six cups of water. Boil the mixture till it reduces to half. Drink this warm tea every one hour. This will relieve sinusitis, headaches and migraines.

Ice- Icing the temples of your forehead helps relieve headache.

Essential oils- Many essential oils have sedative properties to relieve headaches. Essential oils that are best for headaches include eucalyptus oil, spearmint oil, chamomile oil and helichrysum oil. Take few drops of essential oil mix it with equal amount of almond/ olive/ jojoba/coconut oil. Apply it on the forehead and neck. Give a gentle massage.

Sandalwood – Make a paste of sandalwood powder with rose water. Apply it on your forehead.

Gooseberry (Amla) -Amla is very cooling. Take the extract of one amla. Mix it with warm coconut oil. Massage your scalp with this oil to relieve headache.

Coriander-Take handful of coriander leaves. Make a paste. Apply it on your forehead.

Clove-Clove is also very effective in treating headaches. Crush three to four cloves. Wrap it in a sachet or handkerchief. Smell it to relieve headache.

Ginger and lemon- Take equal parts of lemon and ginger juice. Mix this and drink this twice a day.

PREVENTION

Sleep relaxes the nerves. Minimum eight hours of sleep is recommended.

Avoid crash diet.

Keep yourself hydrated.

Avoid junk, spicy, acidic and canned food.

Avoid continuous loud music and staring at computer or television for long hours.

Meditating regularly at least 15 minutes a day helps relieve stress, tensions and anxiety.

Brisk walking for 30 minutes daily will help regulate blood circulation.