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Headaches
& Migraines
by Gillie Whitewolf
Headaches
come in many forms - from the sudden axe-like attack
to the slow and seemingly endless, throbbing kind;
the groggy fuzzy kind to a searing full on Migraine,
with flashing lights and nausea. They also have
a variety of causes - stress, nervous tension, digestive
upsets, sinus or catarrh infection, food additives,
alcohol... and so the list goes on. Headaches which
are centered behind the eyes can suggest a digestive
disturbance, whilst those which start at the back
of the neck and creep forward and generally tension
related. Pain or sensitivity around the eyes or
nose can be a sinus problem. When it comes to treating
a headache, finding the root of the problem is going
to be the most valuable piece of research you can
do. Then you can go about curing the problem most
effectively.
My
first choice for treating a headache does tend to
be Lavender oil massaged
into the temples - or even better, Lavender and Peppermint oil in
ice cold water in which a cloth has been soaked,
wrung out and applied as a cooling compress to the
forehead and nape of neck [see compress section
below]. The Lavender is a sedative whilst the Peppermint
is a stimulant. In your average headache pill you
will usually notice caffeine amongst the ingredients,
in this more natural alternative the Peppermint
is acting as the stimulant, but with less of the
side effects caffeine can cause. There are many
other types of remedies, from inhaling essential
oils to soaking in a herbal bath; applying a compress
to relaxing with a footbath - and there are a number
of delicious herbal teas which can step in to handle
most types of headaches.
Herbal
Teas
Headaches linked with digestive upsets can be eased
by a cup of Chamomile,
Lavender, Limeflower, or Peppermint tea - even sipping
plain ol' warm water may help.
Nervous tension headaches may benefit from calming
Lemon Balm, Limeflower or Marjoram tea.
If you've over indulged on the alcohol the night
before an infusion of Lavender flowers makes an
ideal cuppa for calming the throbbing pain of a hangover. It
also soothes the digestive system and assists the
liver.
Thyme tea will ease both
the headache and the queasy stomach associated with hangovers.
Rosemary tea can be
used to great effect in the morning when you wake
up with a stuffy head - you could also try a brisk
walk and get some fresh air into your system [preferably
in the countryside, but not everyone has that luxury!],
or splashing your face, head and nape of neck with
cool water. [Rosemary tea should not be drunk too
often and is not suitable for epileptics. Do not
use during pregnancy].
Wood Betony has long been prized as a herb which
cures all pains and aches of the head, partiularly
as a preventative tea for those disposed to nervous
headaches.
Herbal
Baths
Soaking in a warm bath with the addition of essential
oils or a strong herbal infusion will allow you
to take a bit of quality time out for yourself.
If stress or anxiety has caused your headache then
some relaxation will do you the world of good. If
you have herbs to hand, make up a strong infusion
[just like you would for a pot of tea], strain and
add the infusion to your bath water - Lavender and
Rosemary are both good choices - the Rosemary will
help refresh your mind and throw off a groggy headache,
and Lavender is one of the best relaxation herbs
- particularly if you're having a bed-time bath,
try blending it with Marjoram. Any of the herbs
mentioned in the Herbal Tea section above will be
suitable for a herbal bath.
If you prefer essential oils, be sure to dilute
them first in a base / carrier oil [almond, jojoba,
vegetable oil etc...] or some milk. About 6 drops
of essential oil will be sufficient for an adult
bath [no more than 3 -4 drops for chidren]. If the
headache is a result of stress or anxiety you may
find Patchouli suitable, if your anxiety is linked
to the weather [S.A.D] try Grapefruit to lift your
mood. If your headache is part of a cold or infection
try antiseptic oils such as Lavender, Peppermint,
Rosemary or Eucalyptus - which will help to relieve headaches, clear congestion
and fight the infection. Bergamot is another useful
oil for relieving headaches, as well as lifting
the mood.
Steam
Inhalation
To shift headaches caused by colds, catarrh or sinus
infections try adding Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary
or Eucalyptus oils to a bowl of very hot water.
Place a towel over the back of your head to keep
the steam in, lean over the bowl and breath in the
steam. If you find the heat too much, you can add
a drop or two of essential oil to a tissue and inhale
as and when you feel the need. Chamomile is another
useful oil for soothing inflammations and sinus
problems.
The use of an oil burner with any of the previously
mentioned oils can be used effectively if a steam
inhalation is not practical, or desired.
Compress
My favourite headache remedy is an ice cold compress
placed on my forehead or nape of neck [or better
still, alternated between the two]. Fill a bowl
with ice cold water, add a few drops of Lavender
or Peppermint oil, or both [like the Gaia's Garden
'ice' headache
remedy], soak a cloth, wring it out and place directly
onto forehad or nape of neck. Resoak the cloth as
it warms up.
An ice cold compress of witch hazel is another alternative,
or try an infusion of Chamomile flowers [or a few
Chamomile teabags], soaking a cloth in the infusion
and applying as above.
Raw cucumber slices placed on the brow can ease
a headache caused by too much sun, with the added
benefit of soothing over-exposed skin.
Some headaches, and migraines, are a result of not
enough blood reaching the head. If you suffer from
these kinds, try a warm compress with Marjoram,
which wll cause the blood bessels to expand slightly.
If your headache is the type caused by too much
blood to the head try one of the cold compress'
or a hot footbath :
Footbath
A strong infusion of Lavender, Rosemary, Limeflower,
Peppermint or fresh Ginger can be added to a hot
footbath to dissipate heat and help draw the blood
from the head.
Massage
Massaging a little Lavender oil on and around your
temples can help relieve a headache - you may wish
to dilute it in a suitable carrier oil, but for
emergencies Lavender can be used neat, in small
amounts.
Headaches caused by tension, stress, or over-work
can respond well to a head, neck and back massage
- if you have a willing partner ask them to try
and relax your muscles with a massage using oils
such as Lavender, Marjoram,
Chamomile - or if you have a favourite oil try that
one. [Be careful of Ylang-Ylang,
too much of this oil can actually trigger a headache].
Migraines
About 10 years ago or so Feverfew hit the market
as a Migraine break-through and is readily available
in pill form in healthfood shops. Fresh Feverfew
leaves have been recommended slapped between two
slices of bread, but the fresh leaves can cause
mouth ulcers, and the herb shouldn't be used as
a tea / infusion. If you want to try Feverfew, the
capsules and pills found in healthfood shops are
probably the wisest choice,
However
you choose to treat your headache, the best method
is a preventative. Ensure you have a good nights
sleep and allow yourself to rest [this doesn't mean
being lazy, sitting around all day doing nothing
can lead to headaches too]; drink water; avoid too
much caffeine and junk foods filled with additives,
colourings and preservatives; take regular exercise
- yes, a brisk daily walk counts as exercise; find
some time to relax - try Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation,
or just some time off for yourself to chill out;
and try to avoid being stuck inside in a stuffy
room which has little or no fresh air circulating
- your body needs oxygen! Computer screens can lead
to headaches too so remember to take regular breaks! [note to self...]
With Migraines the culprit is quite often a trigger
food - dairy products, food additives, red wine,
chocolate, wheat, sugar - keep a food diary and
see if a pattern emerges. [Red wine and red peppers
are my trigger foods - thankfully not chocolate!].
Once you've found the culprit cut it out from your
diet and see how the situation improves.
If
you suffer from persistant headaches or migraines,
or they are a result from a fall or blow to the
head, be sure to tell your doctor or healthcare
professional immediately. All to often headaches
are dismissed - remember to listen to your body,
and treat it well.
The
herbal remedies mentioned in this article are not
intended to replace professional advice. Any medication
you are on should also be taken into consideration
- always check with your healthcare professional
if you are on prescription drugs before taking herbal
remedies. |
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