Originally published on September 28, 2022 | Last updated on December 17, 2024
Headaches are a common condition that affect just about everyone, some of us more than others. Whenever I experience one myself, I can’t seem to focus on getting anything done until the pain goes away. Instead of reaching for the painkillers, I’ve tried out a variety of natural remedies and have found some that really work. Here are 8 natural ways to get rid of headaches:
1. Water
The most common cause of headaches is dehydration. Because of this, the very first thing you should do when you get one is drink a glass of water. In fact, it has been proven to relieve headache symptoms in dehydrated individuals within 30 minutes to three hours. We all know that we should be drinking more H2O, but it can be way too easy to forget to stay hydrated throughout the day. Read my post on 5 ways to drink more water every day to find out how to make it a habit.
2. Ginger Tea
Grate an inch of ginger root and add it to boiling water. Sip the tea throughout the day until your headache symptoms subside. The reason why ginger tea works so well is due to the fact that it contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. What’s more, it soothes feelings of nausea, common symptoms associated with severe headaches. Alternatively, you can also take ginger powder in capsule form.
3. Essential Oils
Did you know that certain essential oils can provide quick pain relief for headaches? Lavender, peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils work best as they have a cooling, anti-inflammatory effect. To use, mix a few drops of essential oil with coconut oil and rub onto your forehead, temples and neck for relief. If you would like to, you can also add a few drops of essential oil to a warm bath to really relax.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has countless health benefits and is another natural way to cure your headaches. Although more research is needed, studies have shown that it could help get rid of headaches caused by blood sugar or digestive problems. As apple cider vinegar contains lots of potassium, digesting it is a possible way to prevent headaches and migraines too. Just add two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink it daily.
5. Cold Compress
Applying cold compresses to the neck or head area decreases inflammation, slows nerve conduction, constricts blood vessels and loosens up the muscles, which can help get rid of headaches and migraines. Due to the cooling and numbing effect of the ice, cold compresses dull the sensation of pain. Wrap an ice pack (or a pack of frozen veggies) in a soft towel and apply to your neck or head.
6. Magnesium
Magnesium is a very important mineral that is vital for many functions in the body. Multiple studies have shown that people who are magnesium deficient are more likely to get headaches compared to those who aren’t. Taking 600 mg of oral magnesium citrate per day has been proven to reduce both the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. Another option would be to eat more magnesium-rich foods, such as spinach, kale, avocados, yogurt, almonds and black beans.
7. Avoid Eyestrain
If you have a headache, then it’s a good idea to take a break from screens. Staring at a computer screen for long periods of time can lead to eye strain, blurry vision, and dry eyes. You could try the 20:20:20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Another way to ease eye strain is to make sure that you use good lighting and sit at a proper distance from the computer.
8. Relax and Unwind
Last but not least, remember to relax and unwind. Stress is a common trigger of tension-type headaches and migraines. Because of this, it’s so important to not let stress rule your life. Although you can’t avoid daily stress, you can keep it under control, which can help prevent headaches. Check out my post on 5 ways to stress less for some inspiration on controlling your stress levels.
Have you tried any of these natural ways to get rid of headaches? Let me know if I’m missing any methods!
Love, Telina
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I quite often get bad headaches, so will give some of your ideas a go 😊
I suffer quite badly with headaches. There are a few things on your list I’ve not tried so will give them a go
[…] 5. Water Prevents Headaches – The most common cause of headaches is dehydration. As soon as you get a headache, one of the best things you can do is drink a glass of water. Here’s some more natural ways to get rid of headaches. […]
For headaches you also mention using essentials oils by using lavender oil and peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil .
The pure essentials oils are good.
You also mention rubbing the forehead and the front part of the ear that is where the temple is., some people might not know what the temple is.
Also the neck which is also the throat and all around.. some times people forget to rub the back of the neck which is very important.
And the smell of essentials oils can make someone feel better emotionally and uplifted .
I love the way you mention using essentials oils in the bath.
I think that would make someone have a goodnight sleep and feel relaxed
Thank you telina I appreciate your wonderful words of wisdom 🙏
Thank you.