More than 10 million people in Nigeria suffer from headaches frequently and can be regarded as one of the most complained about.
Many reasons could be attributed to the cause of headaches such as fatigue, sleep deprivation, stress, common colds, viral infections and dental and sinus issues.
While headaches in most cases are treatable with over-the-counter medicine, it can also be treated using other natural measures. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor if symptoms persist after a few days.
Here are the natural remedies that are popular in Nigeria.
Water
Getting a headache could be a sign that you are not drinking enough water. When we are dehydrated, a headache might be a sign that your body needs to be rehydrated. This means you need to drink a few glasses of water. The need to stay hydrated cannot be overemphasised as this ensures that the urinary tract is free from infections. At the first sign of a headache make sure you drink water.
Lemon
Lemon is a very powerful ingredient that remedies a headache. Some headaches are caused by excess gas in the stomach and the best way to stop it is to add some lemon to warm water and drink.
Also applying some lemon paste to stress points on the forehead can make a headache disappear in a jiffy.
Oils & Aromatherapy
Oils and Aromatherapy are also very helpful in subsiding a headache. Lavender, Chamomile and Sweet Marjoram are very helpful and can be purchased at a pharmacy store near you. To get a positive result, mix any of the herbs with a carrier oil, apply 5 drops on the neck and upper back area, massage accordingly.
Relaxation
Stress is usually the main cause of headaches. That is a clear sign you need to relax. You can meditate, engage in prayer or practice deep breathing – the more oxygen you get into your system, the more relaxed you will feel. Once you get calm after practising your relaxation techniques try going to sleep. You will be glad you did.
Peppermint Essence
Peppermint isn’t just a flavour in chewing gum and toothpaste; it is also a great remedy for headaches which can be used in several ways. Because of its calming and soothing properties, it can be mixed with herbal tea and let it mix for around 10 minutes. You can also add some sugar or honey to make the tea taste better, you can also use peppermint oil to your temples to add a cooling sensation and give you instant relief. Peppermint can be inhaled to relieve symptoms of headaches by putting peppermint in steam with a towel over your head.
Apple
When you have a persistent headache, a way of reducing it is to eat a piece of apple by applying some salt and drinking some warm water. The apple has antioxidants in it which will help treat any common colds that might be causing the headache.
Ginger
Ginger has been known to have excellent anti-inflammatory properties as it relaxes the blood vessels in the head and reduces swelling in the brain. It also activates opiates in the brain as it lessens the pain. Ginger tea can be taken three or four times daily to calm the blood vessels.
Credit: AXA Mansard
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