Practical overview of herbal remedies for headache: why herbs are desirable, how various herbs effect headache pain, and how to use them safely.
Many people are seeking pain relief with herbs these days, particularly for headaches. Why? Because aspirin and its NSAID cousins, which have long been the standard treatment for everyday pain relief, can be very dangerous.NSAID stands for non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs, and includes the popular, over-the-counter pills known as ibuprofen, acetaminophen and naproxen. All of them are effective in reducing pain and fever, particularly for headaches. However, thousands of people receive hospital treatment or die each year as a result of over medicating with NSAIDs, and taking too much is easy to do.
Herbal remedies are safer in general than any of the above listed medications, because they can reduce or eliminate your pain with milder side effects. As a group, they tend to be less expensive, and they come in a variety of forms: pills, tea bags, loose tea, or drops that you can put into liquids. Herbs are foods, and in their natural, whole states they are usually safe to experiment with. You can even grow your own herbs in the garden when you discover the ones you like.
Herbs do have drawbacks, including the fact that you must experiment to find which forms and quantities work for you. Trial and error is necessary because scientific data on many natural remedies is minimal. Most of the herbs you purchase will have instructions regarding dosage, but this is no guarantee that it is the perfect dose for you. Different bodies need different amounts for treatment. When a doctor prescribes medication, he or she is responsible for considering your particular body system and adjusting dosage as needed. When you use herbs, you have to do that for yourself. If it sounds like a lot of trouble, then you might be pleasantly surprised to discover that taking herbs can be like eating a new food. You just sample it at first in a small amount, and discover your tolerance and taste for it. As time goes on, you will learn how your body reacts, and you may enjoy this process of communicating with your body this way.
You should ask your doctor before using any herbal remedies if you are undergoing treatment for a chronic or acute medical problem. He or she can advise of any interactions that might occur with other drugs you take. If you want more in-depth assistance in choosing and using herbs for your headaches, try finding a naturopath or herbalist in your town, for these alternative specialists can give you an assessment and make suggestions suited to your unique needs.
Following is a list of herbs that are commonly used for headaches, grouped loosely by the type of effect they have upon the body. Most of these natural remedies are available at health food stores, drugstores and wellness related markets. Many of these herbs make great teas, and come in both bulk tea or tea bags, as well as in pills with dosage information on the bottles. Take advantage of health-food clerks and pharmacists who often have extensive knowledge of the herbs in their stores. Ask them for information about the products you are interested in. They are sometimes extremely insightful, or else they can refer you to other resources for more information.
Herbs to use for headache pain.
Surface relieving herbs are the largest group of headache healers. They work by releasing tension that keeps heat or pain trapped in and under the skin tissues. Some of them stimulate mild perspiration, or assist the digestive process, and they all tend to induce a general sense of relaxation. These herbs are particularly helpful for immediate relief from inflammatory conditions when the body feels tense and tight. The herbs in this group are: horsemint, peppermint, catnip, lemon balm, feverfew, chrysanthemum flowers, and white willow bark. Peppermint tea can also be applied topically to the face and head to provide cooling relief. Just dunk a cotton ball in the tea and dab it onto skin. Feverfew has recently been indicated as helpful for migraine headaches in particular.
Dandelion root and red clover are blood purifiers, and they clear heat from the body and soothe the liver, which can help calm some headaches. Their influence is widespread in the system, and they are helpful to women undergoing menopausal symptoms because of their tonic effect on the liver.
Black cohosh and wintergreen are considered antirheumatic, meaning they help to relax muscles that cause deeper tension, which often creates headaches and can contribute to arthritic pain. Black cohosh is also an estrogen-like herb, causing the body to believe it has more of this hormone. Women who use it may experience changes in menstrual cycles, and those going through menopause may find relief from hot flashes.
Warming herbs help wake the body up, stimulate circulation and digestion, all of which can help some types of headaches, including cluster headaches, sinus inflammation and congestion. These herbs include: magnolia blossoms, sage, basil, ginger, cinnamon, and cayenne.
Finally, remember that balanced nutrition, vitamins and minerals all can have an influence on headaches. Pay attention to your dietary habits, and see if you can find a cycle to your headaches in connection with the foods that you eat. Common culprits are excessive caffeine or sugar, or a diet that is highly acidic and devoid of fruits, vegetables and water. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to some headaches. This mineral can be found in abundance in nuts and green vegetables, or you can purchase supplements.Too much magnesium can cause loose stools, however, so be careful.
