Not everyone starts their day right with a smile. Some wake up with headaches that occur regularly for no apparent reason. It’s a day-to-day thing, and our first reaction is to head to the pharmacy for some Ibuprofen, or Motrin, for quick relief. But what happens when we’ve taken too much of these over-the-counter meds? Taking too much Ibuprofen can cause ulcers, for one, so it’s best to avoid being dependent upon pharmaceuticals when possible.
Here are 7 natural remedies to a nagging headache.
Drink Water
If you woke up today with a headache instead of a bright smile on your face, it’s quite likely that you’re dehydrated. Don’t rush to the pharmacy for that. All you need to do is drink one or two glasses of good old-fashioned water. Relief may come in just half an hour. Make it a habit to drink water regularly. Hydration won’t affect your focus and concentration anymore, and the headaches will bid you farewell.
Take Some Magnesium
Let’s say the headaches persist, and you are not dehydrated. The next culprit could be the lack of magnesium. It’s a vital element to many bodily functions and so far, its deficiency has been known to cause chronic headaches. Replenish your body’s supply by taking up to 600 mg of magnesium citrate on a daily basis. If it causes you to experience loose stools, start with a smaller dose.
Get Adequate Sleep
In many cases, a headache can derive from a lack of sleep. So lay back, relax and have at least 7 hours of slumber. Researchers have found that people who sleep for less than six hours a day are susceptible to having frequent headaches. But don’t oversleep either, 7 to 9 hours of rest is best for healthy adults.
Soothe Pain with a Cold Compress
Putting a cold compress at the back of one’s neck could relieve headaches by inhibiting pain signals. Blood vessels become constricted, thus gradually abating nerve conduction. Place a cold compress on the head, the back of the neck, and the temples.
Drink Caffeine in Moderation and Try Yoga
Coffee or tea gets us going even during a dreadful day. It also constricts the blood vessels with caffeine, alleviating that nagging migraine. It’s tasty and it makes you feel groovy to boot. But just like other over-the-counter meds, we should drink coffee and other caffeinated beverages in moderation. You wouldn’t want to experience its withdrawal symptoms, as it is likely to be followed by a headache too. Try relaxing with yoga, as anxiety and stress can cause headaches. Yoga can also help you clear your thoughts, and invite in good energy.
Avoid Strong Smells
If you’re constantly in an environment where you’re regularly exposed to pungent smells, your headaches could be caused by a sensitivity called osmophobia. If this is indeed what triggers it, then you need to stay away from smoking areas and far away from people who smell like they practically bathe in their perfume.
Some remedies that may work for you may not be effective to other people. There is no one-away approach to relieving headaches, so the best thing for you to do is to consult with your healthcare practitioner for the root of their cause.