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Natural Remedies for Headaches

January 25, 2009 by Joyce Priddy  
Filed under Healthy Living, Natural Remedies

As a longtime migraine sufferer, I know how debilitating a bad headache can be for someone. The range of treatments available in your local drugstore or from your doctor can be overwhelming. Some of those remedies have their own unpleasant side effects. They can also interact with other prescription drugs with dangerous consequences. Happily, with the greater acceptance of holistic medicine, there are effective and natural ways to cure headaches.

Headaches can be triggered by many things. We know that stress, food intolerances, and alcohol can all lead to severe headaches. If you do experience frequent headaches, it becomes important to monitor your food and activities to see if there is a common link to their occurrence. The best way to cure a headache is not to get one in the first place. Ensuring that you drink enough water each day is an easy way to prevent headaches, as dehydration is a common culprit.

Frequent headaches, including migraines, can also be a sign that your diet if lacking in key nutrients. By taking a daily magnesium supplement, you can naturally minimize your risk of headaches. Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure which can reduce your risk of getting a migraine. Another natural cure that can help prevent headaches is to eat a diet rich in B vitamins. Most adults do not consume enough calcium, so ensuring that you get enough calcium each day can also prevent headaches.

If you do end up with a headache, it is important to take the time to rest until you feel better. A quiet and dark room, with a warm towel against your head, is a great way to ease the pain. Bright light can cause the blood vessels to dilate even more which will increase the discomfort. By applying warmth and gentle massage to the area, you can naturally relieve the pressure by helping the blood vessels relax.