Fight headaches naturally: These home remedies help

Do you have a headache and your head is buzzing? Luckily, there are simple home remedies and tricks that you can use to combat your headaches naturally.

Headaches are not only annoying, they often slow us down. When we have a headache, we often resort to painkillers. The side effects are not always harmless. Fortunately, headaches can also be treated with home remedies – and completely naturally.

The most common causes of headaches

Although the exact cause of headaches can rarely be identified and is usually caused by a combination of several triggers, there are four common risk factors:

• Tension: Tensioned neck muscles in particular can cause headaches. The reason for the pain is a protective mechanism of the body that is designed to protect you from wear and tear.

• Lack of sleep: The body regenerates during sleep. If you don’t get enough sleep, physical stress occurs, which can be accompanied by increased susceptibility to infections and headaches.

• Stress: Psychological stress causes tension and can therefore trigger tension headaches.

• Migraine: Pulsating, throbbing or stabbing headaches are also typical of migraines.

Headaches can also occur as a side effect of illnesses such as a cold or during menstruation.

If headaches occur suddenly, last for a long time and are accompanied by symptoms such as loss of consciousness, visual disturbances and paralysis, the Munich Clinic recommends that you see a doctor for clarification. This is safer than treating the headaches yourself with home remedies, as neurological problems can also be behind the symptoms.

Home remedies for headaches

The following natural home remedies can provide relief from harmless headaches without any side effects:

1. Take a break and get some fresh air. This will supply your brain with oxygen and allow your eyes to relax. According to the Federal Environment Agency, bad air can also trigger headaches.

2. Drink a glass of tap water or tea to keep your fluid levels in balance. Drinking enough is important. A study in 2020 found that, at least in the case of migraines, the pain was less severe when the test subjects drank more water.

3. Lie down for a moment and consciously relax or try to sleep for a moment. Tension headaches in particular often occur when you have had a bad night’s sleep.

4. Massage your neck and temples. This will help you to relieve tension. A clinical study has shown a positive effect on tension headaches.

5. Deep relaxation through yoga, meditation or mindfulness exercises can combat headaches naturally by removing the breeding ground for mental stress. One study found that migraine sufferers were at least less sensitive to pain stimuli through yoga and meditation and were thus able to improve their quality of life.

6. Heat can specifically relieve tension in the neck, for example in the form of a hot water bottle or a cherry stone pillow. A study shows the positive effect of deep heat on tense muscles.

7. According to the Ärzteblatt, the tried and tested home remedy peppermint oil (available from Avocadostore, for example) can, among other things, inhibit pain-transmitting substances. Simply rub a few drops on your temples and forehead.

Read more on Techzle\.com

• Spices against arthritis: How you can relieve joint pain with spices
• From mat to leggings: 10 sustainable yoga labels
• 6 herbal home remedies for colds

English version available: Headache Home Remedies that Really Work

Revised by Lea Hermann

** marked with ** or orange underlined Links to sources are sometimes affiliate links: If you buy here, you are actively supporting Techzle\.com, because we then receive a small part of the sales proceeds. More information.