Natural Ways to Relieve Headaches

Headaches have many causes. If you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines, seek a doctor's opinion in case your headache is a symptom of another, perhaps larger, problem. However, if your headache is stress-induced or related to foods or poor physical alignment, alternative medicine or a few natural remedies may help.

Dietary Factors

• Your headaches may be the result of---or at least exacerbated by---certain foods. Keep a "headache diary" to help determine if your headache stems from eating wheat, chocolate, MSG, sugar, hot dogs or other luncheon meats, citric acid, fermented foods (which include many dairy products and alcohol), vinegar or marinated foods. If there is a correlation, eliminate those foods from your diet. Then re-introduce one food at a time into your diet to determine which food or foods are the culprit.

Physical Treatments

• Consider chiropractic adjustment. Poor vertebral alignment can pinch nerves and affect blood flow to the brain, causing headaches. Other options include massage therapy and acupuncture treatments. If you choose the latter, note the places where the acupuncturist places needles. You can apply acupressure to those same places at home.

  In general, placing slight pressure on the site that hurts or is throbbing can help some headaches. Common pressure points are the hollow at the back of the skull and the upper hollows of the eye sockets where the bridge of the nose meets the eyebrow ridge. Simultaneously apply pressure to both sites, placing one hand at the back of the head and using the thumb and forefinger of the other at the front.

Nutrients and Herbs

• Headache sufferers, in general, should avoid any yeast-based products, as well as sugary foods in the evening. Some supplemental nutrients may help, including coenzyme Q10, which improves oxygenation of the blood. Niacin and niacinamide may also provide relief. Potassium aids by balancing with sodium to avoid water retention, which can place undue pressure on the brain. Taking vitamin B-6 may help, as it removes excess water buildup in the body. Herbs noted for their headache-relieving qualities include mint, feverfew, lavender, rosemary, brigham, burdock root, goldenseal root, lobelia and marshmallow. In particular, use the essential oils of lavender, chamomile, rosemary or peppermint. Simply rub a drop of the oil at the site where the head is throbbing the worst.