9 Simple Ways to Ease Annoying Headache Pain Naturally

Over the past couple of years, I’ve started experiencing headaches and migraines more and more frequently. They don’t usually go away on their own, but I know it’s not good for your health to take painkillers on a regular basis. So in order to treat my headaches without causing more problems, I’ve tried out a variety of natural remedies. I’ve found that natural remedies can usually help me kick minor-to-moderate headaches, which helps me feel better about the times when I need to take medication for a severe headache or migraine.

I’ve found plenty of natural methods that can help relieve the pain of headaches, so I thought I’d share some of those with you today! Give one of these a try the next time you feel a headache coming on, and find out what works for you. (And if you have a great natural remedy for headaches that I haven’t mentioned here, I’d love to hear about it! Share your remedy in a comment at the bottom of this post, and we can keep the discussion going.) :-)

9 Natural Remedies for Headaches That Work

1. Aromatherapy

Essential oils with a “cooling” or anti-inflammatory effect can provide quick relief from a troublesome headache. I like to put a couple of teaspoons of fractionated coconut oil into a little roll-on bottle, and then add a few drops each of both peppermint and lavender essential oils. Then I give it a shake, and roll it on my forehead, temples and neck. Ahh, sweet relief! :-)

2. Ginger Tea

Crush up an inch of ginger root and add it to boiling water. This homemade tea reduces inflammation in about the same amount of time as it would take an aspirin to work. Ginger tea has been used for centuries in Asia to treat a number of ailments.

3. Capsaicin Cream

The active ingredient in capsaicin cream is actually cayenne pepper! It works by temporarily blocking nerve pain signals. Apply a small amount to the inside of your nostril that’s on the side of your head where you are experiencing pain.

4. Feverfew

Past studies suggest that feverfew, a supplement from the sunflower family, may be effective for treating migraines. It is thought to work by reducing inflammation, which takes pressure off the nerves and can help prevent migraines.

5. Epsom Salt Bath

Frequent headaches and/or migraines are one of many symptoms of magnesium deficiency. Many of your body’s vital functions depend on magnesium, but many people don’t get enough of it in their diet. An easy way to get more magnesium is by taking a relaxing epsom salt bath! Get all the details from my post about the subject below.

Related: The Power of the Humble Epsom Salt Bath

6. Hot & Cold Compresses

Both heat and cold can provide headache relief, oddly enough. Wrap an ice pack (or a bag of frozen veggies) in a thin towel and apply to your head. Or you can apply heat to the back of your neck with a hot shower, bath, or heating pad. Heat also helps to loosen up the muscles that tighten with tension headaches.

7. Avoiding Eyestrain

Staring at a computer screen for long periods of time is sure to leave your head aching. The most important thing you can do to avoid eyestrain is to take frequent breaks. Get up at least once every 15 minutes, and focus your eyes on something that is at least 20 to 30 feet away. Another tip for avoiding eyestrain is to adjust the brightness and the contrast on your monitor to lower levels. You should also have your monitor at eye level, and keep it at least 18″ away from your face.

8. Exercise

Exercise increases blood circulation which can help to relieve a headache. And if you’re exercising outside, the fresh air can also be beneficial! Exercise benefits and relaxes the whole body, so most sufferers of tension headaches experience marked relief with the addition of exercise.

9. Staying Hydrated

One of the most common causes of run-of-the-mill headaches is dehydration. A lot of people don’t drink enough water, and a headache is one of the most obvious warning signs. Drinking at least 4-6 glasses of water every day will prevent a lot of headaches!

How do you deal with a headache?

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