Headache (Cephalalgia) is a pain resulting from the stimulation of such pain-sensitive structures as the membranous linings of the brain (the meninges) and the nerves of the cranium and upper neck.
• This stimulation can be produced by inflammation, dilation of normal or abnormal blood vessels in the head, or muscle spasms in the neck and head.
• Headaches are just head pains, while Migraines are a special type of headaches, that is sharp and agonizing which occurs suddenly and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and blurred vision.
• There are many different types of Headaches, but all Headaches cause pain and discomfort in the head, scalp or neck and are due to the over-activity of the blood vessels, nerves and muscles in the head and neck. Common types of Headaches include migraine, tension headaches and sinus headaches.
Types of Headaches
1) Tension Headaches are brought on by muscle spasms.
2) Vascular Headaches are caused by dilation of blood vessels.
Nervous System Diseases
1) Nervousness
2) Hyperactivity & Aggressiveness
3) Insomnia
4) Anorexia Nervosa
5) Depression
6) Stress
7) Headaches & Migraines
8) Anxiety
9) Mental Fatigue
10) Bulimia
11) Neuralgia
12) Epilepsy
13) Multiple Sclerosis
14) Parkinson’s Disease
15) Dementia
16) Alzheimer’s Disease
17) Schizophrenia
Causes of Headaches & Migraines
• Environmental (Pollutants, body posture, lighting, sound, and other factors)
• Stress (Physical, emotional, or mental)
• Dietary (Possible Allergies to certain foods or additives, such as Xanthine-containing foods)
• Organic (Diseases such as Hypertension and brain tumor)Common Triggers and Contributing Factors
• Smoking, polluted air, or stuffy rooms
• Stress and fatigue.
• Hormone levels.
• Blood clotting.
• Caffeine.
• Change in sleep patterns or meal times.
• Change in the weather or season, altitude, or time zone.
• Emotions.
• Foods and food sensitivities.
• General toxicity.
• Muscle tension.
• Sensory Irritants.
• Structural factors such as cranial and Spinal mis-alignments.
Causes of Headaches & Migraines
• Hereditary factors, hormonal or allergic components, Digestive upsets
• First signs of tumor or serious brain injury
• Allergies
• Nervous tension and Stress
• Mensuration particularly during the days preceding it
• Arterial aneurysms or tumors (organic causes)
Major Symptoms for Headaches & Migraines
• Continuous or pulsating pain aggravated by movements of the head.
• Pain in one side of the head (usually continues only in one side of the head and often starts from behind the Eye).
• Nausea, pain and Vomiting.
• The sufferer can feel the pulsation of blood through the affected side of the head.
• Weakness or numbness of a leg or an arm.
• Prior to Migraines Headaches there may be a pain in the Eye or there may be a numbness of the face.
• Stiff neck, irritability, yawning etc.
• Confused thinking.
• Difficulty in concentrating etc.
Note:
* Migraines (cephalic vascular headache) is an intense headaches that generally covers one side of the head and face, almost accompanied by Nausea, an itching sensation over one side of the body and intolerance to light.
Simple Tips for Headaches
• Do not skip regular balanced diet as sometimes hunger also cause Headaches.
• Banana gives good amount of Energy and relief Headaches.
• Live a Stress free life.
• Ensure proper blood circulation and relief from Headaches.
• Avoid eating junk and fried foods that aggravate Headaches.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat green and fibrous Vegetables.
• A good sleep is a solution of lot of health problems (including Headaches).
• Avoid excess Cheese, Dark Chocolate, creams, and Muttons in the diet.
• Eat foods rich in Calcium, Protein, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D.
• Sit on floor and close Eyes, keep body erect and take a deep breath, then hold back your breath for few seconds and release carbon dioxide while relaxing for few seconds and repeating for 10 minutes.
Home Remedies for Headaches & Migraines
• Prepare a paste of Clove and salt crystals, add the paste in the Milk (the main curative ingredient in the salt, which being hygroscopic, absorbs the fluids in the head and decreases the tension).
• Prepare a tea using Cumin, Ginger, and Coriander Seeds to be taken at anytime of the day to soothe pain.
• Early morning after waking up dab an Apple with salt and eat it, then drink some warm water (or Milk) and continue for 10 days to reduce the problem of continuous Headaches.
• Ripe Grapes juice regularly intake is beneficial.
• Lemon crust reduces the symptom of Migraines Headaches (grind the crusts of the Lemon and prepare a paste, then apply the paste over the affected area).
• German Chamomile is very popular and best natural Sedatives for relieving Migraines and tension Headaches. It also alleviates the symptoms like Nervousness and irritability.
• There are many herbs which are very effective in treating Migraines Headaches like Rosemary, Gotu Kola, Dandelion root, Yucca root, Ginkgo Biloba etc.
• No know foods, but certain foods can cause them.
• Reduce or eliminate intake of Stimulant and Alcoholic beverages, beer, cured Cheeses, Milk Dark Chocolate, shellfish, additives, Dairy products, ice cream and Citrus Fruits
• Take herbal treatments of Angelica roots, Balm Mint, German Chamomile, Hops, Mint, Rosemary, Valerian, Violets
Headaches & Migraines Treatment Actions
Headaches & Migraines Treatment Actions
Headache (Cephalalgia) and Migraines can be very debilitating, especially when they occur frequently.
• Headaches are caused by many factors (such as toothache, neck tension, Eyestrain, and hangovers), hence it is important to diagnose and treat the underlying cause.
• Hangovers are not a nerve problem in a direct sense, but they should be treated in the same way as any other type of mild Poisoning that requires detoxification and Headaches relief, so make sure you also drink plenty of water.
• Lavender, Vervain and Peppermint contain relaxing herbs that alleviate Headaches triggered by Stress and other more specific factors.
• Lavender is soothing to the Nervous System.
• Vervain is a tonic and relaxing herb for nervous exhaustion.
• Peppermint is effective for Headaches that are linked to Indigestion.
Precaution:
* For Migraines or recurrent Cephalalgia, consult a professional practitioner to diagnose and treat the underlying cause.
Possible Specific Remedies for Headache
Internal Herbal Remedies for Headaches
• Cinnamon Tree Bark Paste
• Galangal Powder and Sugar Crystal Mixture
• Cape Jasmine Leaves Poultice
• Screw-pine Root Decoction
• Balloon Vine Steamed Leaves Decoction
• Lemongrass Leaves Infusion
• Indian Beech Seeds Oil
• Sandalwood Paste
Internal Herbal Advice for Migraines
• Unripe Coffee Seeds Infusion.
• Heated Mixture of Spanish Jasmine Leaves, Dried Ginger & 2 Tablebspoons of Milk Applied On the Forehead.
• Lavender Oil Application.
• Rolled & Smoked Mixture of Bishops Weed Seeds and Sacred Fig Tree Leaf.
• Angelica Root Infusion.
• Sweet Basil Leaves and Flower Hot Infusion and Raw Honey.
Essential Oils for Headache
• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Peppermint
Essential Oil Formula for Headache Relief
• 3 drops Lavender Essential Oil
• 3 drops Neroli Essential Oil (bitter orange blossom oil) Essential Oil
• 2 drops Marjoram Essential Oil
• 2 drops Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil
• 1 drop German Chamomile Essential Oil
• 1 drop Clary Sage Essential Oil
• 1 ounce carrier oil
Dosage: Use as a massage or bath oil to relieve Headaches.
Supportive Nervines for Tension Headache (Cephalalgia)
Prescription for Tension-Related Headache (Cephalalgia)
Prescription for Tension Headache (Cephalalgia) with Indigestion and Palpitations)
• Skullcap (2 parts)
• Valerian (2 parts)
• Motherwort (1 part)
• German Chamomile (1 part)
• Mugwort (1 part)
Dosage: 5 ml of tincture mixture three times a day. If using dried herbs, infuse 2 teaspoons of mixture to 1 cup of boiling water. This should be drunk three times a day.
General Remedies to Headache (Cephalalgia) & Migraines
General Remedies to Digestive Headache (Cephalalgia) & Biliousness
• Make an infusion of either Peppermint or Pennyroyal herb in a covered container, using a teabag, a small handful of fresh leaves, or 1 level tsp of dried herb per 3/4 cup (150 ml) of water. Drink upto 3 cups (750 ml) a day for upto 1 week, or upto 2 1/3 cups (600 ml) a day if taking for 2–3 weeks.
Precaution:
* Do not give to children under 5 or take Pennyroyal during Pregnancy.
General Remedies to Migraines Prevention
Natural Painkillers
Apple Cider Vinegar
• Use Apple Cider Vinegar as painkiller for Heartburn.
• Oxymel (a combination of Apple Cider Vinegar and Raw Honey) has been widely used to dissolve painful Calcium deposits in the body, and for other health problems such as Hay Fever.
• Mix one tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar in a glass of warm Water and drink once daily to prevent Muscle Cramps.
• To prevent night-time leg cramps, mix one teaspoon each of Apple Cider Vinegar and Raw Honey, and one tablespoon of Calcium lactate in a glass of warm Water and drink this daily 30 minutes before going to bed.
• In case of Heartburn, after a heavy meal, mix one tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar in a glass of Water and sip slowly for instant relief.
Cherries
• Use Cherries as painkiller for Joint Pain, Headaches.
• Researchers believe Anthocyanins may be working like a natural form of ibuprofen, reducing inflammation and curbing pain.
• Anthocyanins found in Cherries have been shown to be as effective as drugs in reducing pain (Joint Pain, Headaches) and inflammation.
• Anthocyanins are compounds believed to be the key to helping the body relieve inflammation and the relief from Gout pain.
• Anthocyanins act like natural COX-2 inhibitors. COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) are produced and used for signaling pain and inflammation.
Cloves
• Use Cloves as painkiller for toothache, Gum inflammation.
• Chew on a piece of Clove for instant relief or grind two (2) Cloves in case of a toothache and mix the powder with a little Olive Oil and apply directly over the affected area.
• Slightly warm some Clove oil and gently massage it on any swelling (the affected area) several times a day.
Garlic
• Use Garlic as painkiller for Ear aches. Add two (2) drops of the Garlic oil in your ear in the case of ear Infections.
• Garlic helps to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and if inflammation is prevented, the progression of arthritic joints and the resultant symptoms will be reduced.
• Garlic loses most of its punch when cooked, so when taking for medicinal purposes take raw (or crush and add warm Water).
• Eating 2-3 raw Garlic Cloves per day can help.
• Gently apply some warm Garlic oil on aching joints or muscles.
• Make toothache-relieving paste by crushing some Garlic and adding a pinch of salt and applying it on the affected tooth.
Ginger
• Use Ginger as painkiller for muscle pain.
• Its a good pain reliever, thus used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and joint and muscle pain.
• Zingerone and the shogaol in Ginger also have Anti-Inflammatory properties and might be useful in a nutritional program for Arthritis and/or Fibromyalgia.
• Its potent Anti-Inflammatory action reduces muscle pain after exercise. It can reduce pain and inflammation of the appendix.
• Drink Ginger tea 2 or 3 times daily.
• Ginger Anti-Inflammatory properties help alleviate pain from muscle soreness, Arthritis, stomach ache, chest and Menstrual pain.
• Chewing Ginger bring instant relief from gas, while sipping Ginger tea can provide relief from Migraines and also a good combat upper Respiratory tract Infections (and work wonders on Coughs, sore throats and Bronchitis).
Horseradish
• Use Horseradish as painkiller for Sinus pain.
• Its root poultice is used externally to soothe Chilblains.
Peppermint
• Use Peppermint as painkiller for sore muscles. Peppermint helps relieve muscular spasms and pain, toothache, head ache and nerve pain.
• Its menthol (an Essential Oil) has analgesic (painkiller), local anesthetic and counter-Irritant properties.
• Chewing Peppermint leaves ease digestion, has soothing and calming effect on your mind and helps to relax the muscles and nerves in case of soreness or cramps.
• Soak in a warm tub scented with 10-12 drops of Peppermint oil before sleeping.
Pineapple
Turmeric
• Use Turmeric as painkiller for chronic pain.
• For chronic pain and joint aches, Turmeric in Curry Powder contain curcumin which inhibits the body’s production of prostaglandin E2 (an inflammatory compound that over-sensitizes nerves).
• CurCumin-rich plants, relieve Arthritis pain on people suffering from various different types of Arthritis (Phytotherapy Research, 2012).
• For pain relief, therapeutic use of Turmeric and other curCumin-rich plants are displacing conventional medical treatments and proving it’s a legitimate natural painkiller.
• Mix together equal amounts of Turmeric and Aloe Vera gel, and apply directly over itchy Skin Patches, bites and Poison Ivy-affected areas.
• Apply a Turmeric paste (made by mixing together a pinch of Turmeric with one tablespoon of Water and half a tablespoon of Coconut Oil) over the affected area.
Water
• Use Water as painkiller for general injury pain.
• It lubricates and cushions joints, relieve general injury pain and help reduce cramping of the muscles, thus protecting them from shock, damage and early onset of fatigue.
Food Remedies for Headaches & Migraines
Acai Berries
African Nightshade
Almonds
Almond Oil
Blackstrap Molasses
Cinnamon
Cloves
Coconut
Coconut Oil
Coriander
Dong Quai
Echinacea
Finger Millet
Garlic
Ginger
Grapes
Lemon
Lemongrass
Pearl Millet
Soursop
Water
• Acai Berries – Acai Berries seem to have protective effects due to anti-oxidants over brain cells, which could have implications for improved cognitive and motor functions (such as improved focus and memory). Acai contain brain-saving nutrients like Anthocyanins (such as cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin and peonidin), Phenolics (such as Catechin, ferulic acid, Quercetin, Resveratrol and synergic) and vanillic acids. Acai is protective against the damaging effects of Stress (including disrupting hormonal balance and Raising cortisol levels) by turning off inflammatory pathways that damage nerve signals in the brain.
• African Nightshade – The whole African Nightshades plant is narcotic (affecting mood or behaviour with sleep-inducing properties) and Sedative/tranquilliser (induces sedation by reducing irritability or excitement).
• Almond Nuts – Almonds are often considered one of the best brain foods. Regular consumption of Almonds strengthens the nerves, tones the muscles and helps overcome Stress, Depression and fatigue. Almonds contain two (2) key nutrients (Riboflavin and L-carnitine) capable of positively affecting neurological activity and preventing cognitive decline. Almond Oil is probably one of the most popular massage oils, primarily because it smells good and a terrific Stress reliever.
• Almond Oil – Massage Almond Oil on forehead and at lower muscles of the head.
• Blackstrap Molasses – Blackstrap Molasses contains vital Minerals (B-complex Vitamins [especially Vitamin B6], Calcium and Magnesium) which help in managing Stress, Anxiety, prevents pain, Depression and fatigue (Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 2004). Vitamin B6 raises serotonin levels in the brain by contributing to the Tryptophan-serotonin pathway.
• Cinnamon – Grind some Cinnamon and make it into a paste with water, and apply on the head to reduce Headaches.
• Clove – A paste of Clove and salt crystals in Milk is a valuable Herbal Remedy for Headaches. Salt, as a hygroscopic agent, absorbs fluid and decreases tension. They have a Headaches-allaying effect and can soothe the nerves (bringing it back to a pacified state).
• Coconut – Coconut contains moderate quantities of Magnesium. Magnesium prevents cramps and nervous excitability.
• Coconut Oil – Head massage with Coconut Oil also gives relief from Headaches in summer days.
• Coriander – Drink a decoction of Coriander and sugar for Headaches due to Colds.
• Dong Quai – .
• Echinacea – It is used for Anxiety symptoms, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Migraines, pain, Dizziness, attention deficit-Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and improving exercise performance.
• Finger Millet – Finger Millet consumption helps in relaxing body naturally by providing serotonin to help calm and soothe your moods and is beneficial in conditions of Anxiety, Depression and Insomnia. Magnesium in millet can help reduce the effects of Migraines.
• Garlic – Garlic. Garlic juice is used in relieving Headaches as it slowly permeates the head region and acts as a painkiller.
• Ginger – Ginger external application on the affected head region gives relief from the Headaches. It is an excellent pain killer. In Headaches, Ginger ointment made by rubbing dry Ginger with a little water on a grinding stone and applied to the forehead affords relief.
• Grapes – Use Grapes juice for pain and severe Migraines.
• Lemon – Drink a glass of warm water with a fresh Lemon squeezed in it to bring the Headaches and gas problem down (if Headaches is caused by excessive gas in The Stomach).
• Lemongrass – Lemongrass oil when used in aromatherapy, revitalizes the body and helps relieve symptoms of Headaches, body-ache, nervous exhaustion, and stress-related conditions. Lemongrass helps in alleviating the pain and discomfort caused by Headaches and Migraines due to its analgesic properties.
• Pearl Millet – Millet provides serotonin to calm and soothe your moods. Magnesium in millet can help reduce the effects of Migraines.
• Soursop – Soursop leaves are used for as a tranquilizer or Sedative.
• water – Blood volume drops when water in the body is low thus causing The Heart to work harder to pump oxygenated blood out in the bloodstream. Drinking adequate water can help your body function better and reduce fatigue. Research indicates that even 1-2% mild Dehydration can negatively affect your mood and ability to think. Headaches and Migraines are often caused by Dehydration, hence the First thing that you can do to get some relief is drink plenty of water.
Herbal Remedies for Headaches & Migraines
Lemon Balm
Betel Leaves
Bishops Weed
Calamus Root
Catnip
German Chamomile
Cowslip
Eucalyptus Oil
Feverfew
Garcinia
Henna Flowers
Lion’s Tail
Meadowsweet
Mint
Peppermint
Rosemary
Sandalwood
Small Herbal Bitters
Stinging Nettle
Valerian
White Willow
• Lemon Balm – Lemon balm may also protect against neurodegenerative disorders caused by overexposure to Manganese.
• Betel Leaves – The Betel leaf has analgesic and cooling properties. It can be applied over the painful area to relieve intense Headaches. Betel leaves have analgesic and cooling properties. Prepare a paste Betel leaves and apply to the center of the Headaches to immediately give relief from Headaches.
• Bishops Weed – Bishops Weed fumes (smoked) or the seeds are sniffed directly for the treatment, hence a useful herb for getting relief from Headaches (very effective in Headaches that occur due to Migraines). The seeds are useful in the natural treatment of Migraines and delirium. They should either be smoked or sniffed frequently to obtain relief.
• Calamus Root – Calamus rhizome is a tonic for the Nervous System, and very valuable as a brain rejuvenator.
• Catnip – It has Iridoid Glycosides, which is responsible for its anxiolytic and soothing/Sedative effects on humans and a treatment for Anxiety (relieve Stress).
• German Chamomile – It contain spiroether (a strong Anti-Spasmodic) eases tense muscles and period pain.
• Cowslip – Cowslip tea is of value easing of the Migraines pain and nervous Headaches.
• Eucalyptus Oil – Eucalyptus oil massage is also used as a pain reliever and very good home remedy for curing Headaches.
• Feverfew – Feverfew contain parthenolide (a chemical substance thought to inhibit the production of prostaglandins [affect the nerve endings and thereby causing pain]) in a similar way as acetylsalicylic acid (a substance contained in aspirin that has shown effectiveness in the treatment of pain).
• Garcinia – Its Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) content helps to regulate cortisol levels in the blood (one of the most common Stress Hormones). It reduces the level of Stress Hormones and controls the Anxiety and helps to improve the health and functioning of all your organ systems.
• Henna Flowers – Henna flowers have the capacity to reduce Headaches caused by excessive heat, thus applied externally on the head with Vinegar to get the desired results. Henna flower cures Headaches caused by the heat of the sun. The Headaches is relieved by a plaster made of Henna flower in Vinegar and applied over the forehead.
• Lion’s Tail – Lion’s Tail dried leaves tea is internally taken to treat Headaches.
• Meadowsweet – Meadowsweet root (a small amount) is capable of soothing Fevers and easing of pain, therefore an effective natural pain treatment for treating Headaches and Migraines.
• Mint – Mint herb is a naturally soothing substance, so it can alleviate the inflammation and temperature rise that is often associated with Headaches and Migraines.
• Peppermint – Peppermint is a known analgesic (can help with pain relief), but each case is treated individually.
• Rosemary – Rosemary contains several compounds that prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine (an important neurotransmitter in the brain and one that is needed for memory and healthy brain function). Rosemary tea is a natural remedy for nervous Headaches, Colds, and Depression.
• Sandalwood – Apply Sandalwood paste on the forehead to give relief from Headaches in summer days.
• Small Herbal Bitters – Meningitis, head injuries caused by a fall or a blow, stuttering and speech disorders are treated effectively with Swedish Bitters applied as a dressing to the back of the head. For people afflicted with Epilepsy, taking Swedish Bitters drops on the spot and then taking remedy exclusively, since it strengthens the affected nerves as well as the body and rids it of all sickness.
• Stinging Nettle – For Headaches, drink Nettle tea.
• Valerian – The soothing and calming effects of Valerian root help to reduce Migraines and Headaches related to Anxiety and Stress.
• White Willow – White Willow Salicylate Glycosides content (active compounds and mother nature’s aspirin with less side-effects) is good against pain, Fever, and inflammation as it work as an effective Anti-Inflammatory by interfering with pain transmission in the Nervous System and treating the cause of inflammation.
