Headaches are thought to be the most common affliction of humankind. They could be the result of a number of problems, including constipation, low blood sugar, dehydration, toxicity of the blood, allergies, lack of sleep, eye stress, mental stress, and emotional tension. In some cases, headaches can be part of signal to more serious problems, such as brain tumors, but most of the time they are the body’s complaint against the overtaxed mind. No matter what is the reason of your headache, it has to be corrected and solve the problem.

Generally headaches fall into three categories:

1. vascular headaches, which are caused by dilation of the blood vessels in the head;
2. Tension headaches, which are caused by constriction or tension of the muscles in the scalp, neck, and head;
3. Mixed-type headaches, which are combination vascular/tension headaches.

Natural Remedies for Headaches

Most headaches, whether vascular or tension, respond well to simple care. You can make yourself the following treatments and try whichever suitable for your body.

Baths are soothing, and adding lavender essential oil to the tub water enhances the calming effect. If a full bath is not possible, use lavender essential oil in a hot herbal footbath. It will be most effective if someone helps to rub your shoulders while you’re soaking your feet, the headache will soon go away.

The other method is sprinkle lavender essential oil on cool cloth and wrap your head , and drink a warm nervine tea, such as a blend made with skullcap, feverfew, and chamomile.

Valerian Tincture

Valerian tincture is extremely effective for stress-related headaches. Take ¼ teaspoon of the tincture every 30 minutes until symptoms subside. If you prefer tinctures in diluted form, mix the valerian dosage with warm chamomile tea or water.

Ice Pack

Grab an Ice Pack When your head is pounding, using an ice pack may bring relatively speedy relief. You can use a frozen gel pack, a bag of frozen peas or corn, or a do-it-yourself pack made by placing a few ice cubes with a little water in a zip-top bag. Cover your ice pack with a paper towel or a thin dish towel and apply it to the part of your head that hurts for 10 minutes every hour.

Apply Acupressure

Several acupressure points, when activated, can ease headache pain. Here’s one to try: With the thumb and index finger of one hand, grip the meaty webbing between the thumb and index finger of the other hand. Apply firm, squeezing pressure for several seconds, release gently, and then squeeze again. Repeat this massaging action for about a minute, and then switch hands.

Use Essential Oils

Massaging your temples with a diluted aromatic essential oil may bring headache relief. Mix a drop of either peppermint or lavender oil with a teaspoon of a neutral carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil. Wet your fingertips with this mix and rub your temples gently using small circular motions.

Herbal Teas

By drinking an herbal headache tea, not only do you receive the healing benefits of the herbs, but you also help hydrate your system — and dehydration is one of the leading causes of headaches.

a.) HEADACHE TEA

This is very good headaches relief tea blends. It is even more effective if used in conjunction with a hot lavender oil bath.

• 2 parts of lemon balm
• 1 part of feverfew
• 1 part of lavender

Combine the herbs and prepare as an infusion*, following the instructions below. Drink ¼ cup every 30 minutes until the headache is gone.

b.) NERVE FORMULA FOR HEADACHES

The mere act of drinking a warm cup of tea often eases a headache. Drink this tea and you’ll be even better off. Chamomile and lemon balm soothe the nervous system, while skullcap relaxes the over-anxious mind and passionflower calms the spirit.

• 3 parts of chamomile
• 3 parts of lemon balm
• 1 part of passionflower
• 1 part of skullcap

Combine the herbs and prepare as an infusion*, following the instructions below. Drink ½ cup every hour until symptoms subside.

c.) SKULLCAP HEADACHE BLEND

Skullcap is a wonderful herb for treating headaches and nervous stress.

• 2 parts of lemon balm
• 2 parts of skullcap
• 1 part of chamomile
• 1 part of feverfew

Combine the herbs and prepare as an infusion*, following the below instructions . Drink at least ¼ cup every 30 minutes until the headache symptoms are gone.

*How to Make Infusions

Infusions are made from the more delicate parts of the plant, including the leaves, flowers, and aromatic parts. These fragile plant parts must be steeped, rather than simmered, because they give up their medicinal properties more easily than do the tougher roots and barks.

To make an infusion, simply boil 1 quart of water per ounce of herb (or 1 cup of water to 1 tablespoon of herb). Pour water over the herb(s) and let steep for 30 to 60 minutes. The proportion of water to herb and the required time to infuse varies greatly, depending on the herb. Start out with the above proportions and then experiment. The more herb you use and the longer you let it steep, the stronger the brew. Let your taste buds and your senses guide you.