We all get headaches occasionally, but prolonged or chronic headaches are especially debilitating. We’ve got 15 natural remedies to heal a prolonged headache to present to you in this article, but before we do, let’s consider the source of prolonged or chronic headaches.
Prolonged headaches, apart from those specifically a symptom of another illness, are of great concern because they can completely debilitate the sufferer for hours if not days. They are typically classified under one of three categories: tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches. Though not always the case, prolonged headaches tend to be associated with the following causes: constriction of blood vessels, abnormal neuron activity, genetic causes, excessive smoking, excessive alcohol use, dehydration, oversleeping, overuse of pain killers, eye strain, neck strain, and stress. Some even suggest that headaches are connected to food allergies and other triggers in a person’s diet.
These 15 natural remedies to heal a prolonged headache can get you back to normal, but they are not all inclusive. You might need to consult your health care professional in more severe cases to rule out other possible causes.
A prolonged headache can be relieved through the use of a herb that is common in most kitchens, rosemary.
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The active ingredient rosmaranic acid, found in rosemary is a natural anti-inflammatory that brings soothing relief to a headache.
The use of a common household spice, cloves, has great benefits for prolonged headache relief.
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Cloves have a cooling and analgesic effect that makes them particularly useful for relieving pain. In fact, cloves are typically used as a numbing agent before injections by dental professionals.
Basil is another common household herb and you can get prolonged headache relief from this remedy.
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Basil helps to relieve tension and calms the nerves. It is something of a natural muscle relaxant.
Believe it or not, the amount of water you drink can have an extraordinary effect on prolonged headache relief.
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Dehydration is one of the leading causes of all types of headaches, so keeping yourself hydrated by consuming plenty of water can bring relief and prevent prolonged headaches.
Because headaches are often debilitating, exercise isn’t usually considered as a means to achieve prolonged headache relief, but it can be very effective.
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Body tension and poor circulation from keeping your body in a stagnant position for long periods of time can trigger all three types of headaches.
One of the best means of obtaining prolonged headache relief is through the mineral magnesium.
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Studies show that low levels of magnesium contribute to inflammation and tension associated with a prolonged headache.
The soothing relief of lavender oil is one essential oil that can aid in prolonged headache relief.
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The active ingredients, linalool and linalyl acetate, are easily absorbed into the limbic system where they help to regulate nerve tension and pain.
If you’re serious about prolonged headache prevention and relief, you might want to consider a gluten-free diet.
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Gluten sensitivity has been linked as a leading cause of migraines and cluster headaches, additionally, it tends to contribute to inflammation.
Maintaining adequate levels of B vitamins are another home remedy with plenty of prolonged headache relief potential.
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Stress and serotonin are two major contributors to prolonged headaches, B vitamins help relieve vitamins and support a proper balance of serotonin production.
You might have prolonged headache relief in your spice rack. One of nature’s most potent analgesics is cayenne pepper.
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Cayenne pepper’s main component, capsaicin, is a natural analgesic that’s been the subject of many studies.
Apple cider vinegar, one of our super home remedies, also works wonders for prolonged headache relief.
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Over acidity is one of the many triggers for a prolonged headache and apple cider vinegar’s alkalinity helps to balance the pH levels in your body.
Perhaps the simplest and least thought of remedies for a prolonged headache is ice.
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Ice not only reduces inflammation associated with headache pain, but it also has a numbing effect on the pain-causing nerves.
For relief from a prolonged headache, why not give peppermint a shot.
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Peppermint not only has a calming and soothing effect, but it can also open up constricted blood vessels, which are typically associated with a prolonged headache.
Another herb found in most spice racks is turmeric, which is one of the most powerful natural pain relievers and will work on your prolonged headache.
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Studies show that turmeric is equally effective at reducing inflammation and pain as ibuprofen, but without the liver damage.
The last addition to our list, ginger, is another powerful herb that can bring prolonged headache relief.
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Ginger’s anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties are very close to being as potent as those of its cousin turmeric.
Prolonged headache, from whatever cause, can completely disrupt your daily routine. Regain control of the pain and get back on track by making use of any or a combination of these 15 natural remedies to heal a prolonged headache. If you’d like to comment on the successful use of some of these remedies or have others to add to the list, don’t hesitate to comment below.
Images from depositphotos.com and pixabay.com.
