Various choices of natural headache medication that are already at home: uses, side effects, interactions

If the headache is not treated immediately, the throbbing pain will certainly drag on even more. Well, apart from headache medicine at the pharmacy, traditional medicine from natural or herbal ingredients can also be an option to relieve headaches that attack. So, what are the options of traditional and herbal medicines for headaches that are effective?

The most potent herbal and natural headache remedy

Everyone can experience headaches that are mild or they may be severe enough to be unable to carry out daily activities. If you are experiencing it, try to find out what causes the headache. The reason is, the causes of headaches in each person can be different.

The differences in these causes give rise to different types of headaches, so the treatment needed may not be the same. But, you dont have to worry. Generally, most types of headaches can be relieved by home treatments using herbal remedies made from natural ingredients.

Here are the options:

1. Ginger

Ginger is an herbal spice that is claimed to be one of the natural headache remedies. A study published in the journal Pythoter Resource proves that the pain-relieving effect of ginger is as effective as the drug sumatriptan for treating migraines.

Not only that, ginger can also reduce the nausea and vomiting that often appears when you have a severe headache. To get these benefits, you can take ginger powder in supplement form or brew it with plain tea.

2. Caffeine

Caffeine is indeed one of the triggers for headaches. But it turns out, consuming caffeine can also be one way to get rid of headaches naturally. In fact, caffeine can be used to increase the effect of paracetamol in relieving headaches, especially tension headaches and migraines.

However, the effects of caffeine on each person can be different. You may feel that these natural ingredients can trigger headaches, but other people may experience headaches if they don't consume caffeine. Therefore, get to know how caffeine affects yourself.

In addition, also monitor how much caffeine you consume from various sources, such as coffee, tea, chocolate, herbal products that contain caffeine, or drugs that contain paracetamol and caffeine. The reason is, consuming excessive caffeine may also cause various side effects, such as irritability, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, to heart problems.

3. Apple cider vinegar

Another natural headache remedy is apple cider vinegar. Inhaling warm steam containing apple cider vinegar is thought to relieve headaches due to sinusitis. The potassium content is also believed to reduce headaches due to migraines.

Apart from that, apple cider vinegar can also be a natural way to treat headaches associated with diabetes. Based on a study published in the journal Pharmaceutical Sciences, apple cider vinegar can reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics, which can indirectly relieve the headaches they often cause.

However, the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar as a traditional medicine for headaches is not yet certain. Further research is needed to prove it.

5. Magnesium supplements

Apart from vitamin B2, taking magnesium supplements can also be another natural way to treat headaches.

Reporting from Migraine & Headache Australia, migraine headache sufferers generally experience magnesium deficiency compared to those who don't. That is why, increasing magnesium levels in the body is thought to be able to treat migraine attacks and prevent subsequent attacks.

To reap these benefits, it is recommended that you take 300 mg of magnesium supplements twice a day. In addition, some headache-relieving foods that contain magnesium can also be an option, such as green vegetables (spinach, broccoli), whole grains, nuts, potatoes, fruits (avocado, apples, bananas), dark chocolate, milk. and low-grade dairy products, or whole grains, including cereals and oatmeal.

6. Capsaicin from chilies

Other natural remedies and herbal headaches that you can try, namely capsaicin. Capsaicin is the spicy part that is obtained or extracted from chilies. Consuming this natural ingredient is thought to be a way to get rid of cluster headaches naturally.

Capsaicin has been found in many nasal sprays used for medicinal purposes. The routine use of this product for a week has been shown to reduce cluster headache attacks in the following week. Not only that, this traditional medicine is also believed to reduce the severity of the headache that is felt.

7. Fish oil

Fish oil is also said to be another traditional medicine to help relieve headaches. Based on a small study conducted at the University of Cincinnati, people who took fish oil supplements experienced a 40-50 percent reduction in the frequency and severity of their migraine attacks.

This benefit is thought to come from the omega-3 fatty acids contained in it. However, the study conducted is still in a small scope, so further research is needed to ensure its effectiveness in headache sufferers. But certainly, the content of omega-3 fatty acids that can be obtained from various fish, such as salmon or mackerel, is good for your health.

8. Water

Dehydration can be a factor that triggers headaches. Therefore, diligently drinking water can be a way to treat headaches naturally, especially if the pain you feel occurs due to dehydration. However, diligently drinking water can prevent headaches and reduce their severity.

Essential oil as a natural remedy for headaches

Not only herbal medicines that are consumed directly as above, using essential oils can also be a way to deal with headaches naturally. You can use this natural oil in various ways, such as applied to your forehead, dropped into a compress, dripped on a tissue or water and then inhaled, or added to the bath.

There are several choices of essential oils that you can use as traditional headaches, including:

1. Peppermint oil

Peppermint is one of the essential oils most often used as a natural remedy for tension headaches. This oil contains menthol, which can help relax muscles and reduce pain. You can apply it to your forehead or around your temples to help relieve pain during headaches.

2. Lavender oil

Lavender oil has often been used to treat various health problems, such as stress, difficulty sleeping, to treating insect bites. Not only that, a study reports that inhaling the scent of lavender oil can help manage headaches and migraines. You can use this remedy by rubbing 2-3 drops of lavender oil on your lips when a migraine attack occurs.

3. Rosemary oil

Rosemary oil is known to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain relieving) properties. Based on a 2013 study, rosemary oil can help reduce insomnia and relax muscles, both of which can treat headaches. You can use this essential oil as a natural remedy by applying a few drops to the sore area and doing a massage for headaches.

4. Chamomile oil

Chamomile oil can also be used as a herbal remedy for headaches because of its anti-inflammatory effects. A study in 2014 said that chamomile oil was proven to relieve headaches in sufferers, especially for migraine types.

5. Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil was traditionally used to clear sinuses and reduce inflammation. People who have headaches due to congested sinuses may be able to reduce their symptoms by inhaling eucalyptus oil.

In addition, a study also found that a combination of peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and ethanol can have a relaxing effect on muscles and mind, which can help relieve headaches.