There are many remedies that are claimed to relieve various types of headaches. Some work and some don't. But in my clinical experience those listed below are remedies that I have found to be generally useful.
Of course there are no remedies which work for everyone all of the time. One of the reasons is that headaches can have complex multiple causes. e.g. Stress will cause neck muscle tension and upset your stomach causing nausea. You may need to treat both of these causes in order to relieve your headache.
Migraine. Wood Betony and Feverfew are the herbs of choice plus magnesium to relax tense muscles. Migraines are complex and are very individual. That is you need to understand there pattern of onset. Once you identify this pattern you can take steps to head off the next attack before it starts. E.g. one client always knew she would have a migraine by the weekend if she was very busy, became stressed and missed some meals during the week.
Headache with nausea, ginger, peppermint tea plus fruit juice in case that low blood sugar is contributing.
Sinus headache: Albezia Baical Skullcap for allergy, golden rod and golden seal as specifics, and Echinacea for immune support. Essential oils, pine and aniseed as a vapour inhalant for the sinus infection. PS always be careful of the steam as it can easily burn.
Stress Headache. Magnesium, Calcium, Chamomile tea, Lemon balm, Valerian, stress management, and relaxation techniques such as Qigong, Tai Chi, Yoga and Meditation.
Food allergy related headache.
Remove all suspected foods. e.g. dairy, wheat, strong cheese, chocolate, eggs and strawberries. Nitrates, Nitrites and MSG call cause headaches in susceptible individuals.
Plus suspect chemicals e.g. gasoline, perfume, and kitchen and laundry cleaners. Shampoos and some toiletries can also cause headaches.
It is advisable to seek out safe alternatives, go to your local health food shop for advice.
Food Remedies
Whilst it is well known that some foods cause headaches, some also can help. Cinnamon where low blood sugar. Strangely while chocolate can aggravate some migraine, both chocolate and coffee can relieve some headaches as they cause vasodilation which opens up arteries to the head which are constricting. I personally found this combination most useful to relieve headaches from the heat of the tropical sun.
Don't forget water, if you are dehydrated you are highly likely to get a headache
Topical applications.
Peppermint oil, oil of wintergreen and Tiger balm can all be helpful when rubbed on the temples.
Hot packs to reduce muscle spasm and cold packs to cool and relax forehead pain.
Acupressure and Acupuncture
Acu points and trigger point treatments can offer significant pain relief. Self treatment of these points is most useful at the onset of the headache.
Magnets
Magnet therapy can work wonders for pain. Its best to place the magnets just on the brain side of the pain. The theory is that it works on the gate theory of blocking pain in a similar way to Acupuncture.
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