Headache refers to, as the name suggests, pain in the head region. It may also involve the neck area and it takes place in migraines, cluster headaches, and tension-type headaches. Due to varying pain level, it affects physical and social well-being.
Causes
According to Mayo Clinic, headaches can be primary or secondary and each class has corresponding causes. As per the publication, primary headaches are caused by lifestyle factors, such as stress, skipped meals, poor posture, lack or changes in sleep, processed meat intake, and alcohol consumption. On the other hand, causes of secondary headaches include acute sinusitis, blood clot, brain aneurysm or tumor, carbon monoxide poisoning, concussion, dehydration, ear infection, glaucoma, high blood pressure, influenza, meningitis, pain medication overuse, panic attacks, and trigeminal neuralgia, a condition that affects the nerves that connect the face and the brain, among others.
Home Remedies
While pain medications are available for the treatment of headache, home remedies can also be done to manage the condition.
Cayenne Powder
Cayenne is one of the remedies for headache. According to Everyday Roots, cayenne has an ingredient called capsaicin, which inhibits body elements that are involved in pan perception. As per several studies in “The Clinical Journal of Pain,” as cited by the publication, people who consumed capsaicin reported a considerable decrease in the intensity of their headaches. A person may dilute half teaspoon of cayenne powder in four ounces of warm water. Then, cotton swab is soaked in the solution, which is stirred around. The moist swab is applied gently inside of each nostril until the person feels the heat.
Peppermint
The use of peppermint stands as one remedy for headache. According to Dr. Axe’s official website, peppermint oil yields a long-lasting cooling effect on the skin and studies found that it also enhances blood flow in the skin of the forehead, along with muscle contractions. This way, oxygen levels in the head will improve; thus, it helps reduce the pain.
Massage
Massage is another remedy that provides temporary relief for headache. According to Health, the person rubs his temples or gets a head, neck, shoulder, or back massage. As per the publication, studies found that people with migraine who had six weekly massage sessions had reduced frequency of migraines, as well as better sleep quality during the massage weeks and three weeks after, as compared to the control group.
Headache is not as severe as chest pain; however, it still affects a person’s health and interferes with the activities of daily living. Thus, management is essential, along with medical consult for assessment, planning, and intervention.
