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What are Home Remedies for Headaches?

By Garry Crystal
Updated: May 17, 2024
References

Headaches are the number one cause of pain in the world. They can be very mild and disappear within a short space of time, or they can be excruciatingly painful and last for hours. Home remedies for headaches have been known to alleviate the pain. There are numerous remedies that can be very effective in relieving the pain of a headache.

Some people swear that by simply massaging the temple area, the headache will disappear. Massaging the scalp area and pulling on the hair with some force and then releasing it may also help. The massage method helps eliminate stress, which is a major factor in causing headaches. It can also be combined with a neck massage, as tension is likely to build up in the neck and cause headaches.

Sinus problems are often associated with headaches. For sinus headaches, boil some vinegar in water and place it in a bowl. Wrap a towel around the head and bend over the bowl. Inhaling the fumes will help unblock the sinuses and alleviate the headache.

Lying down in a dark, silent room may also relieve headaches. This can be combined with massage or pressure application to the bridge of the nose. Also, applying a damp, cool cloth when lying down should help alleviate the pain.

Another easy way to deal with headache pain is exercise, which relieves tension and the pressure to the head. Exercise also relieves stress, but if the headache is of the migraine variety, then exercise is not advised. It will only increase the pain of the migraine headache.

An easy remedy for headache pain is simply to go to sleep. Many people are able to sleep off their headaches. Make sure you are not sleeping in an awkward position and do not be tempted to oversleep. Oversleeping is more likely to induce headaches, not to relieve them.

Breathing exercises are a known cure for headaches. Taking very deep breaths and then exhaling slowly may help. The correct breathing exercises will have your stomach moving more than your chest.

In today’s society, there are many causes of the common headache. Food, alcohol, and caffeine are all big contributors. Curtailing your intake of certain foods and easing up on alcoholic drinks, certain fizzy drinks, coffee, and cigarettes will help to reduce headaches.

The severity of the headache will determine which remedies work and which don’t. A migraine headache can likely only be cured by certain medications and therapies. Minor, infrequent headaches may be alleviated by some of the remedies mentioned here.

WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Discussion Comments
By anon221176 — On Oct 11, 2011

Exercise is very helpful for headaches and I have experienced that myself. It's so true.

By Planch — On Aug 01, 2010

Ooh, I had never heard of exercise for headaches. I can see how it would work, but the last thing I want to do when I have a tension headache is go to the gym!

By galen84basc — On Aug 01, 2010

I like to use aromatherapy for stress headaches.

If you take a few drops of lavender oil and put it on a warm washcloth, then put the washcloth over your eyes for a few minutes, you'll feel a lot better.

Other good scents to get rid of headaches are eucalyptus, peppermint, and sandalwood.

By rallenwriter — On Aug 01, 2010

My best headache cure is to take a long hot shower.

I get chronic sinus headaches, and nothing helps like getting all that steam up in my head.

The heat of the water can also relax your muscles, which can relieve the tension that comes with a headache.

By somerset — On Feb 22, 2008

I agree with sleep. Rarely do I get a headache, but if and when I do, taking a nap seems cure the headache.

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