Headaches and Migraines
There are several types of headaches; dull and aching, tension, migraine, cluster and those caused from heat exhaustion, allergies, medication, injury or illness. Finding the root of the problem can help in relieving the headache, maybe all you need is a beverage, food or rest. Try these first and then move on to these other remedies if after sufficient rest you are still in pain.
Chiropractic to the Rescue
I suffered from migraines since I was child, then when I was first married I began working for a chiropractor. One of the perks was free adjustments, so I was adjusted at least 2 times a week, sometimes more, and after two months of this I realized I was no longer getting my monthly migraines. It was an amazing feeling and still to this day I will only get a migraine every once in while and I am able to kick it by applying an amazing blend from Young Living called Deep Relief. So what I am suggesting is if you are a chronic sufferer of migraines (or headaches), a consistent visit to the chiropractor is what I would recommend. Believe me, it will be worth every penny to not suffer with those migraines on a regular basis! And for those run of the mill headaches a trip to the chiropractor could only help.
Detox the Liver and Blood
Headaches can be the result of an over toxic body so cleansing the liver and blood can help.
- Annie's Liver Cleanse
- Liver Cleanse Tincture Mix from The Bulk Herb Store
- Dr. Christopher's Liver formulas
- Annie's Blood Purifying blend
- Dr. Christopher's Blood cleanser
Home Remedies
Remember that every person will react to a home remedy differently. What works great for one person will do nothing for another, so here is my collection of headache remedies I have collected over the years.
- Exercise and get outside in some fresh air.
- Walk barefoot in the grass, in water, over rocks, any type of earth element
- Apply either a cold or hot compress, depending on how your body responds. For me I have to have a cold compress, heat only aggravates the headache. For best results use some of the herbs or essential oils listed below in your compress. You can also alternate a hot and cold compress every 10 minutes.
- Place a hot compress on the back of neck, while at the same time you place a cool one on the forehead.
- Soak feet in as hot as you can stand water with a few drops of lavender essential oil - sip Headache/Stress Relief Tea sweetened with raw honey while soaking. After hot soak dip feet in cold water.
- Apply pressure to where the pain is for several minutes at a time - for best results use one of the essential oils listed below as well.
- Massage should blades, the neck and back of head, all over head like shampoo. For migraines, massage the earlobes.
- Apply clay on the nape of the neck and forehead.
- Lavender Lemonade
- Lavender sachet
- Pain Salve - apply to the temples, back or neck as well as area of pain.
- Raw Honey - dissolve 1 teaspoon in a glass of warm water and sip at the onset of headache. Repeat every 20 minutes.
- Lobelia Tincture - apply to temples, forehead and along the spine
Herbs
- Feverfew (avoid if pregnant)
- Bay
- Cayenne (see the pain salve above)
- Ginger - use any of the recipes in this post
- Peppermint
- Catnip
- Lobelia - use in tincture or capsule form (low dose)
- Sage
- Willow (aspirin is derived from willow)
- Passionflower
- Valerian (avoid if pregnant)
You can order herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs or the Bulk Herb Store. Both are organic, high quality herbs that I use in my own preparations if I don't have it my garden or pantry.
Essential Oils
Inhale, diffuse, apply to the temples, across the forehead and massage on the back of the neck. May also help to massage into shoulders and neck with a carrier.
Singles
peppermint
rosemary
basil
clove
copaiba (layer with peppermint for best results)
eucalyptus
frankincense
helichrysum
lavender
marjoram
sage
spearmint
wintergreen
German chamomile
Roman chamomile
rosemary
basil
clove
copaiba (layer with peppermint for best results)
eucalyptus
frankincense
helichrysum
lavender
marjoram
sage
spearmint
wintergreen
German chamomile
Roman chamomile