Table of Contents
Headache Remedies
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DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
INDIAN OIL CALLED NAVRATNA OIL
[YEA] 11/27/2007: Paa from Pleasanton, CA writes: "Navratna oil: I've recently experienced the benefits of this oil and would highly recommend it to anyone for relieving stress, headaches and body aches. I massaged the oil on my scalp (especially the center of the top of the head) and within minutes felt a cool sensation (like an air conditioner was turned on inside me) spread across my head. My shoulder and head aches disappeared, I felt stress dissolving and I slept well that night. It helped relieve my brother's headache when I tried it on him. You can find it online or in most Indian or Ayurvedic stores. It touts other cures as well, but I only listed the ones that I can testify to."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 06/21/2008: Stella writes: "re: Stiff Neck and Headaches. If you have a constant issue with bad pillows as I have had then a Latex Pillow may be the answer.I have invested so much money in bad pillows. I've tried all makes and models, then I finally bought 100% latex pillow. Wow! it's a dream come true, It's not too high, not too low, It's very cushy and doesn't bottom out, which means no more stiff necks and morning headaches. I never cared for memory foam, but I love latex."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 08/25/2006: Sonia from Los Angeles writes: "Lavender oil cures migraines and headaches. I use essential lavender oil under my nose so I can smell and breath it in. The smell clears your nasal passages and it much easier to fall asleep. I also use an ice pack over whichever side of the forehead I have the migraine. I fall asleep easily and the headache subsides."
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LEMONS OR LIMES WITH SALT AND PEPPER
[YEA] 02/04/2008: Ed from Santa Clarita, CA writes: "Lemons or Limes with Salt and Pepper" remedy for headaches. My wife gets headaches and often, and we have concluded that she gets 2 types of headaches, one caused by her neck/back injury and the other cause is unknown. When the headache is caused by her neck/back, the pain begins in her neck/back and eventually spreads to her head. Usually from sleeping in a poor position, or being at the computer too long, and sometimes it just seems to start for no reason. The only remedy we have found for headaches that begin from the neck/back is painkillers and ice packs on the forehead/temples, which doesn't work very well.
However, sometimes she gets headaches that do not begin from the neck/back, and we have tried the heated lemon with salt and pepper remedy, and it has worked. 4 our of the last 6 headaches did not begin from the neck/back, and it cleared up those 4 within a matter of 5-20 minutes. She has never had a headache last only 20 minutes in the last 7 years, usually they last 12-36 hours, so we know the lemon was the remedy. The other 2 headaches that it didn't work for had began in the neck/back. So I would say that so far it has worked 100% of the time for her headaches that did not begin from the neck/back injury.
She tried the apple cider vinegar, but it didn't work for her headaches. But we now take it daily for all the other potential health benefits.
Thanks earthclinic!"
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[YEA] 09/21/2006: Anj from London, UK writes: "Cut a lemon or /lime into halves or slices, sprinkle about 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of salt and same amount of black pepper. roast/ oven bake/direct on gas fire/ barbecue/ cover it and microwave for 40 seconds, salt and pepper side on top till bubbly juice comes out. Let it cool down but don't let it go completely cold, it should be hot. Suck with the pulp direct from the lemon slices/halves as the peel has secreted some juices that you need. Same method can be used with sour oranges or tangerines.
This recipe came from my mum who used it on all her kids as natural alternative which would not give any side effect, to cure headaches, migraines, cough and colds, flu, as well as when someone feels sick as if they want to vomit. This is a ideal alternative medicine for diabetics and ideal for everyone as you don't have to go shopping, everything you'll have in your home when you have any of these problems. All of us brothers and sisters have been using this all these years, may be it might help someone who wants to try natural alternatives which would not give them any side effects especially if they are diabetics."
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1 WORKED TEMPORARILY
[WORKED TEMPORARILY] 03/29/2009: Lisa from Coto de Caza, CA writes: "For 15 years I had daily chronic headaches with an occasional migraine. I saw many DR's and "headache specialists". Most wanted to put me on anti-seisure meds with horrible side effects. At one point, I was on mobic(prescription pain killer) and muscle relaxants, and sometimes the very popular anti-migraine meds.
I found a "alternative medicine" center in So. Cal. who put me on a Myers' Cocktail IV with additional Magnesium. Within a few days of the IV magnesium, my headaches are gone. It's such a relief! Unfortunaltly, I have to do an IV about once a month or they come back. One side effect is that I'm very relaxed and a little sleepy afterwards. Note: I've taken LOTS of magnesium pills with no help, and have cut out all MSG and other triggers."
EC: More info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myers'_cocktail
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1 YEA
[YEA] 08/21/2009: Harriet from Federal Way, Wa, Usa writes: "This is for someone who may have tried EVERYTHING. My daughter had a 2 1/2 year long headache. She lost ages 11 1/2 - 14 because of constant pain. And I do mean constant. It NEVER STOPPED OR ABATED. The headache would be a 3-4 on the pain scale ALL THE TIME but would 'spike' several times daily to 7-8-9. We had CT & MRI which showed nothing.
Believing in alternative care we had her seen and treated by two chiropractors, one being our regular who knew this child's body well, a cranio-sacral massage therapist, theraputic massage, acupunture, and in addition was seen by her own GP, 2 neurologists, was given drugs that did not work: for blood pressure control (hers was fine, but they were throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what would stick), muscle relaxers, vasoconstrictors, migraine meds, OTC remedies, hot packs, cold packs, had her eyes checked, had her dentist look at her, consulted with her orthodontist, had Hashimoto's diagnosed and treated by a specialist, even went through the biofeedback program at Seattle's Children's Hospital. NOTHING worked. She dispaired for her life and we found that she was cutting to relieve the pain.
Thankfully we homeschool and she wasn't under stress of public school's rigid structure. One school year she did nothing more than read 8 books and turn in book reports to me. Yet her year end SAT (require testing) were above average and she isn't an 'A' student!
We didn't do food allergies as we saw no correlation there. After Thanksgiving when she was 13 1/2 the headache level went to an 8-9 all the time with spikes of 10 (or 12 as she put it!). She began throwing up. Over the next 2 weeks she had an urgent care visit with some sort of injected pain killer that didn't help at all. Then an ER visit that helped marginally. During that 2 weeks she ate little, drank little and slept even less as the nausea was everpresent. At the end of that 2 weeks, and on the eve of our final conference with the biofeedback doctor she began throwing up again. She couldn't stop and after a sip of water would egress more than she ingested.
We were so pleased with Children's Hospital's ER staff. She was attended by 4 neurologists including the dept head and was eventually admitted. Morphine did not help; Dilauded helped marginally. She was nearly dilusional by this time, terribly hungry, dehydrated and sleep deprived. It took 4 days of IV Zolfran to calm the nausea to where she could take her thyroid meds and not barf them up.
After about 3 days of constant flow of neurologists, p-shrinks, etc, they came to a diagnosis: "Chronic non-progressive headache w/o migraine". I thought it was a garbage can diagnosis. But they told us they were going to try the anti-depressant "Amitriptyline" with a low dose as they'd found that it raised Serotonin levels in some patients and alleviated the headaches. We even had a neurologist asked us if we'd investigated food allergies and when we said 'no' he retorted "Good! You wouldn't have found anything!"
After 6 1/2 days in the hospital she was released and found that this prescription began to work. Within 4 months her pain was down to a 1 or 2 on the pain scale. They upped the dose slightly and she began living with NO pain. Two days of not getting to the pharmacy for a refill, however, produced the 7-8 pain again for a whole week!
After about 16 months of faithful use she was able to wean off and for 5 months now has had no recurring headaches.
So, yes, this site is about alternative methods, which we tried. But the remedy for this was rather obscure and all alternative methods failed. Doctors were clueless though compassionate while attempting to help with the exception of one neurologist who, after her sample prescriptions didn't work (and had consultated with us for 20 minutes on the 2nd visit) told us that she "had no magic pill...you need to take your daughter to a psychiatrist". We left and never returned.
I submit this for the one or two desperate persons out there who are reading this headache page dispairing of finding something that works because they have exausted all other avenues yet still have themselves or a family member incapacitated. Maybe our child's story will help them find another avenue to pursue. And yes, I may be contacted by email if someone wishes more information. Thanks for this great site. It has been a help to me and I only found it last week."
09/03/2009: Harriet from Federal Way, Wa replies: "Sorry, forgot to say it was ok to publish my email addy."
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1 YEA
[YEA] Katie from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio writes: "Cut a potato into 4 pieces, place 2 in the center of your forehead and two at your temple (Hold the ones at your temples in place). Lay down in a dark room and close your eyes. It takes a while to work but it takes away the throbbing. Something in the potato has a pain reducer. It sounds crazy (I thought my mom was a loony) but it works when you try it."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 02/03/2007: Susan writes: "For headaches, my acupuncturist suggested massaging the bottom of the feet -- probe around til you find the most painful, tender spots, and rub them. I've stopped several headaches, including a migraine, as well as vertigo, using this method."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 07/09/2008: Jason from LA, CA writes: "I've had a sinus headache for months and have been at wit's end. I wasn't even sure it was a sinus headache because I felt it in my forehead more than my nose. I didn't expect anything from Jeannie's Spicy Tomato Tea recipe, but I followed her instructions regarding ingredients, measurements and sipping (slowly, holding it in, inhaling while the tea is in the back of the throat) and the next day I noticed less sinus pressure. I couldn't believe the instant relief. Over the last few days I've drank the tea in the morning, night or both and it's had amazing results. I have only a tiny bit of pressure left. When drinking the tea, my nose only runs slightly, if at all, and my eyes sometimes water a tiny bit, so I don't know where the sinus congestion is going, but I know it's leaving my head and upper nose. My head feels almost totally clear again. I cannot thank Jeannie enough for the relief from tremendous and previously uncurable pain. This recipe has worked wonders for me, and I'm a major skeptic. Note: I read that many sinus headaches are caused by repressed grief or anger. I know this is true in my case, so I'd advise others to consider that as well. Regardless, the tea heals."
EC: Read the recipe for tomato tea here.
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1 YEA
[YEA] 11/26/2005: Ginny from La Quinta, CA writes: "I look forward to trying apple cider vinegar for my acid reflux but would like to pass on some headache help. My mom and I have been chronic headache sufferers for several years combined. Four months ago I bought and read "The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook" and changed my life. I began using "trigger point" self massage and was able to get rid of my pain meds. Not even pain meds worked on my mom so when "trigger points" worked for me, I tried them on her. They worked wonders. I taught her how to self massage and she has all but eliminated over 30 years of chronic, debilitating headaches."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 09/03/2008: Kari from Murfreesboro, Tenn writes: "I decided to take some Turemic followed by a glass of water to help with my joint paints. When I took it I had a headache and later was going to take some pills for that. Within 30 minutes I realized my headache was gone! I have NEVER had that to happen so fast before. I was amazed. From now on when I have headaches I am going to start taking Turemic. I put about one tablespoon and a little bit of water in it. Mixed really good and drank it really fast. Still am so very amazed that I took that for something else and it helped with my headache and cured it. I highly recommend TURMERIC for headaches to see if it helps any."
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1 YEA
[YEA] Anonymous writes: "I am 49 years old and have suffered with very severe headaches since I was a young girl. I have tried many medications and remedies, but this simple and inexpensive thing can relieve the pain, sometimes within minutes. Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar. Make a "tent" with a bath towel over your head and breathe in the vapors, deeply and slowly. (If it makes you cough, cut back on the vinegar.) A few minutes of doing this will cure most headaches as well as pills or shots."
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1 YEA
[YEA] Anonymous writes: "An old fashioned remedy for any headache was to soak a piece from a brown paper bag with cider vinegar and apply it to the forehead. Something about breathing the fumes helps in some cases, anyway."
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2 YEA
[YEA] 09/07/2008: June from KC, KS writes: "Almost without exception, if I have a headache and drink a couple large glasses of water it will get rid of my headache. Why? Because the extra water helps eliminate toxins in the bowels! I have been doing this for years and I rarely get headaches. If I do, I drink as much water as I need to go #2 and I almost always get instant relief. A naturepath friend of mine used to say: If you've got problems with your head, start with your tail! I believe in almost every instance headaches are caused from toxic buildup. At work I see many people gulping down otc pain meds when really they are just dehydrated and suffering from toxic overload!"
[YEA] 03/27/2009: Amber from Portland, Oregon replies: "This one is so simple, I often forget how well it works. I too, have had success with drinking lots of water upon getting a headache. I've also used it for general aches in the body, or stomachaches. I got the idea after reading about 'The Water Cure' which generally stated that almost any ailment can be helped by drinking lots and lots of water. So far when I've remembered to try this, it has worked.
I've also had some successes with doing just a little bit (5-10 minutes or so) of cardio exercise for getting rid of headaches, although it sure isn't tempting to do it when the pain is on! But you would be surprised. Do not, however, attempt this if you believe you may be coming down with a cold or other illness; in that case, let your body rest."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 03/27/2009: Amber from Portland, Oregon writes: "White Willow Bark helped immensely when years ago I was getting intensely-amazing headaches, each afternoon, which I could not get rid of with even the strongest otc med: exedrin, and most certainly there was no end in sight. I was using so many otc headach pills that I developed gastrointestinal bleeding. This was the first time I consulted a health food store owner for natural remedies, and successfully was cured. She suggested White Willow Bark, and peppermint tea. The WWB didn't work immediately, but I believe within a few days that my headaches absolutely vanished, and never came back, at least in those circumstances."
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