Scientifically Proven Natural Headache Remedies

Scientifically Proven Natural Headache Remedies

A typical expression of a headache

Most of us get the occasional headache and when we do, we usually reach for the closest headache pill in our cabinet. This would be fine, only there are major problems with using pharmaceutical painkillers, especially if you're using them regularly on a long term basis.

The Problem with Pharmaceutical Pain Killers

Paracetamol/Acetaminophen can cause liver damage and overdose is the leading cause of acute liver toxicity.

Aspirin may seem innocent enough, but the problem with aspirin is it can wear out your stomach lining leading to ulcers and eventually internal hemorrhaging.

Codeine based painkillers are addictive.

Combinations containing caffeine tend to cause rebound headaches.

Ibuprofen and other NSAID's have similar problems to aspirin.

The Solution

 

There can be three aspects to your headache; Pain, Tension and Inflammation. If you don't eliminate all three aspects you will remain uncomfortable. 

We can eliminate the pain and tension fairly easily, to do this all you need is a menthol containing oil such as peppermint, spearmint or eucalyptus and something to dilute it in, preferably ethanol. 

A study published in 1999 from Germany showed that applying a 10% peppermint oil, 90% ethanol solution to the forehead, temples and back of the neck with cotton 3x over 30 minutes was as effective as 1000mg of Paracetamol with zero toxicity!

You can read the study in all its glory here.

I have tested this myself and it works great, but for more serious headaches something else needs to be added to remove the underlying inflammation.

As it turns out Ginger and Turmeric are extremely anti-inflammatory and most people have some lying around in their kitchen, by taking one or a combination of the two and making a tea out of it you can achieve the same levels of anti-inflammatory properties as with Aspirin. The dosage works out to 1.2tsp of ground dry herb to get the same effect as 300mg of Aspirin. To make it even more effective use honey as a sweetener.

Give this a try the next time you have a headache, it certainly works for me.