I used to get gnarly migraines as a teenager, where I would first see spots and have my vision impaired, then have my arms and legs go numb, followed by vomiting and a jackhammer pounding inside my head. Those migraines were attributed to hormones and thankfully I have not had a bout of migraines since.
There are many factors that can trigger headaches and migraines including stress and tension, anxiety and depression, lack of sleep, caffeine, low blood sugar, hormonal fluctuations and foods like cheese, chocolate, MSG and nuts.
Luckily there are natural alternatives you can choose to relieve and reduce the occurrence of headaches and migraines. Headaches can be tricky because what causes or works for one person may not for the other. It’s a game of trial and error in most cases.
If you get chronic headaches and migraines, meaning they happen all the time, it’s helpful to log them in a journal. Write down things like what you ate, how you slept, the weather, the amount of noise around you, and smells. You’re taking the detective route here. By jotting down what happens every time you get a headache can pin point environmental triggers.
You may also have tight upper extremities, (neck and back), in which stretching, massages and a trip to a chiropractor who specializes in applied kinesiology can also help.
For every FDA approved drug out there, there is a natural alternative to take its place. Don’t always run to drugs to “medicate” yourself. Here are a few herbal remedies for headaches and migraines.
Willow Bark
Willow bark is what aspirin is derived from, but without the stomach-irritating side effects. Anytime you might pop an aspirin use willow bark instead. Some studies have shown that willow bark is more effective than aspirin in reducing pain. People with aspirin sensitivity should not take willow bark. Recommended dosage is 120-240mg per day.
Evening Primrose
Evening primrose is used to treat a laundry list of problems including chronic headaches and the relief of discomfort associated with PMS because it contains a pain-relieving compound called phenylalanine. A daily supplement of evening primrose is recommended.
Feverfew
Feverfew is used to prevent migraines by taking it as a daily supplement. Feverfew is an anti-inflammatory and works like ibuprofen. It reduces blood spasm and its associated discomfort. One to three leaves can be taken daily or if using in capsule form 300-400mg per day.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is a natural relaxant and can help with the relief of tension headaches.
Other natural sources for headache relief are bay leaves, lemon balm, lavender, ginkgo, and dong quai.
Also, check out this site for trigger point self treatment of a headache.
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