Diagnosis of headache
Your doctor can mostly determine the type of headache that you are experiencing
based on your description of the condition. This description would include the type
of pain, the pattern of the attacks, the frequency and the duration of pain.
Sometimes, when your headache is particularly complicated, your doctor may request
you to undergo certain tests such as blood tests and brain scans such as CT scan
or an MRI scan.
Home Remedies to cure headache
'Do it yourself' Scalp massage-
A very old and effective method of alleviating headache. Not only does it relieve
headache but is also makes you refreshed. Brazilian researchers have shown that
massaging the back of the head at the base of the skull helps to reduce migraine
pain. Reflexology that is massaging certain points in the hands and the feet has
been also proven to be useful to treat migraine pain
Wonders of Oils
Rosemary oil
Application:
This oil has anti-inflammatory properties which are very useful to relieve headache.
You can massage your scalp with this oil.
Other ways:
You can also make a Rosemary herbal tea by boiling one teaspoon of crushed rosemary
leaves and one teaspoon of crushed sage leaves in a cup of water. Cover it while
boiling. After boiling, let the tea cool to room temperature, and then drink it.
You can have this herbal tea two to three times a day. If both the herbs are not
available, you can make the tea with either of the two herbs alone.
Lavender Oil
Application:
Indeed an oil with great fragrance. This oil works great for migraine headaches.
You can apply this oil on your head and relax.
Other ways:
You can also put some oil in hot water and inhale it. Repeat this several times
a day for good results.2
Please note: Do not take this oil orally.
Peppermint Oil
Application:
Peppermint is a wonderful home remedy that is shown to be of great use to
combat migraine headaches. This fresh-smelling oil works upon the blood vessels
and regulates the blood flow through these vessels. Poor blood flow is one of the
main causes of headaches and migraine pain. Therefore, peppermint oil is effective
especially for such migraines. Take some oil and massage it on your forehead, back
of the jaws and temple.
Other ways:
You can also put some drops of peppermint oil in boiling water and inhale it. Peppermint
oil is also useful to relieve sinusitis and helps to ease breathing.
Herbal Relief
Basil:
All pizza lovers know about this herb. It has a good taste and a wonderful fragrance.
Basil has muscle relaxing properties and is thus useful for headaches
caused by tension and tight muscles. For mild headaches, you could either apply
basil oil on your head or chew a few basil leaves. You could also drink some basil
tea. All you have to do is to put some fresh basil leaves in a cup of boiling water
and let it sit for a few minutes. Take some sips and you will surely feel better.
Cloves:
These are very effective in relieving tension headaches. Cloves can be used in many
ways. You could crush some cloves, make a paste and apply it on your forehead. You
could also crush some and keep in a handkerchief and inhale it. This is tried and
tested and it really works.
Cinnamon:
It is a wonderful cure for treating headaches arising due to common cold. You just
have to take a stick of cinnamon with water to make a thick paste and apply this
paste on your forehead for a few minutes. You could also add two teaspoons of cinnamon
powder in hot milk and drink it.
Ginger:
It has anti-inflammatory effects and it reduces inflammation of the blood vessels
in the head. In order to relieve headache, add some ginger on your regular tea and
have it twice a day. You could also boil ginger in some water and inhale its vapors.
Some people also chew a small piece of fresh ginger and it has been proven to be
effective. Ginger candy are available in the market, chew one when you have a headache.
Mint:
Menthol present in mint has been to proven to be an effective remedy for relieving
headaches. You could apply some mint juice on your forehead and temple to relieve
headache.
Fever-few:
It is a well-known herbal remedy in the West. In 1980s, a study was conducted in
Great Britain which showed that 70 percent of participants had less migraine pain
after taking feverfew daily. After this landmark study, many researchers have been
working to find out the effects of feverfew in treating headaches and the results
are mostly positive.
Flaxseed:
Flaxseed is rich in omega 3 fatty acids which are helpful in reducing inflammation.
Thus, these wonder seeds can effectively relieve pain caused due to inflamed blood
vessels of the brain. This can be applied on the forehead as an oil or it can
be consumed as seeds. 9