Types of Headaches

Migraine

There are several types of migraine with the two common types known as classic (neurological symptoms) and common (changes in the size of the skull’s arteries). A migraine will begin as a dull ache before developing into a constant, throbbing and pulsating pain. The pain may be felt at the temples or the front or back of one side of the head and is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and noise.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are headaches that attack in groups and are known as the most severe of headaches. There are no preceding symptoms as in a migraine and usually lasts from 30 to 45 minutes, and in some cases, occasionally, for a few hours.

Tension Headaches

There are two types of tension headaches: episodic and chronic.

Episodic Headaches

Episodic headaches tend to be random and typically result from temporary stress, anxiety, fatigue or anger. Symptoms include soreness in the temples, a tightening band-like sensation around the head, a pulling feeling, pressure sensations and contracting head and neck muscles. Symptoms can also include tightness in the neck; certain positions may provide relief. The headache surfaces in your forehead, temples or the back of your head and neck.

Chronic headaches

Chronic headaches are tension-type headache which may occur daily and last for a prolonged period, usually months much unlike episodic headaches. Chronic tension headaches are not usually treated with over-the-counter medications.

The pain, impairment, triggers or impact of headaches vary from person to person and therefore, treatments will also be dependent on each individual.

Home Remedies for Headaches

The following simple home remedies can be used to gain some relief from the gnawing pain, caused due to headaches.

1. using essential oils: A good home remedy for headache relief is the use of aromatherapy. When using essential oils, ensure that they are 100% natural and pure as “mock up” essential oils may actually worsen your headache instead of easing it. Peppermint, sandalwood and lavender are said to be the most effective in fighting headaches. Also great are, eucalyptus and rosemary oils. Mix essential oil with unscented massage or bath oils and add to a warm bath or make a compress by putting 5 drops of essential oil in cold (or warm) water and place it on the forehead and neck.
2. massaging: Use massage techniques as a home headache remedy. Have someone kneel across your shoulders and the back of the neck then have them press on the base of your skull with their fingers, and slowly release. If you are without a partner rotate your fingers over your scalp. Put pressure on the webbed part of your hand, which is the area between the index finger and the thumb.
3. medicinal herbs: Herbal remedies which involve the use of feverfew, peppermint, passion flower, ginko biloba, chamomile and cayenne, are said to be effective in the relief of headaches. Feverfew is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is more popular for migraines. Passionflower has also been identified as an anti-inflammatory painkiller. Ginko is said to improve the flow of blood and increase oxygen supply to the brain.
4. some more natural remedies:

• Drinking lemon tea
• eating a ripened apple with salt in the mornings
• preparing a paste of cinnamon by mixing it with water and applying it over the temples and forehead to obtain relief
• rubbing henna flowers with vinegar and applying it to the forehead

For mild headaches that can be tackled at home, use the above mentioned simple home remedies to combat the pain and discomfort. If the headache becomes too intense or unbearable or if it persists for a long time without respite, it is best to consult a professional medical practitioner for advice.

Migraine Remedies

The natural remedies for migraines incorporate the use of herbal and other natural ingredients to combat one or more of the migraine signs and symptoms. Home remedies offers cheap and quick relief of migraine discomfort without the use of prescription drugs.

Natural Remedies

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)

5-HTP is a naturally occurring compound produced in the body by the amino acid trytophan. Its main purpose in the body is to produce the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin. 5-HTP is available in supplement form, made from seeds of the African plant: Griffonia Simplicifolia.
Since traditional drugs that affect the levels of serotonin are used to alleviate migraines, 5-HTP is being explored as an alternative natural remedy. 5-HTP has the potential to prevent and reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

Magnesium

Magnesium mineral is found naturally in green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, in whole grain foods and in nutritional supplements. The mineral is necessary for more than 300 biochemical reactions and helps to regulate blood sugar levels. Studies looking at the effectiveness of magnesium for migraine have yielded promising results. Some studies find that magnesium reduces the severity and frequency of migraines, but not all studies have confirmed it, so more are needed.

Butterbur

Butterbur is shrub-like herbal plant growing in regions of Asia, Europe and North America. Extracts are taken from the herb and are used to treat migraines, stomach cramps, coughs, allergies and asthma.
Studies have suggested that butterbur is not only good for alleviating, but also preventing migraine symptoms. Butterbur is part of the ragweed plant family, and so people who are allergic to ragweed, marigold, daisy, or chrysanthemum should not use butterbur.
The raw form of the herb, as well as teas, extracts and capsules made from the raw herb should not be used as they contain substances that are toxic to the liver and kidneys, and may even cause cancer. The daily recommended dose of butterbur products is no more than one microgram per day.

Home Remedies

1. Wet a small towel, then squeeze, not wring, some of the water out. Fold it and place it into a freezer. Leave it for 5 minutes or until the towel starts to stiffen. Unfold and refold the towel putting the frozen section in the middle and the wet sections to the outside. When the towel is reasonable frozen all over, place around the head and eyes.
2. Relax in a quite darkened room and allow someone to massage your scalp for about 10 minutes. Massage the head but not the temples. Try massaging with the ice towel wrap on the head and eyes.