The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Garlic
Posted by Beverly (Willsboro, New York) on 08/23/2007
★★★★★
I have started taking garlic tablets EVERY DAY Because in the past I have had over the period of 2 yrs flashing bright lights, like lightening) in front of my eyes. Even when I put my head under a pillow I still saw them, and it was very scarey. I went to a nuerologist and had a cat scan of my brain, his conclusion was' he said I have the side effects of a migraine with out the headaches. Well, since taking one garlic tablet every day, I am very excited to say, that I have had NO problems for about 4 years. So of course I told the Doctor. He didn't say much,I guess he was skeptic.
Cayenne Pepper
Posted by Jack (Toledo, ohio, USA) on 04/01/2007
★★★★★
I've read over the different headache remedies and especially the one from Stascee from Rexburg Id. Hers is "VERY TYPICAL" of the many many people who I gave the Canynne Pepper to and told them how to to it, Just a week or so ago I told the cashier at my my bank how to do it and later she told me, "My husband thought I was nuts" but in 5 minutes my pain was gone "So how cares what he thinks"!...God Bless all.....
Acupressure
Posted by Susan (USA) on 02/03/2007
★★★★★
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.
Cayenne Pepper
Posted by Stacee (Rexburg, ID) on 01/17/2007
★★★★★
Wow! This works so well! I have spent the last 4 days in be with strep that even antibiotics hadn't seemed to help. I was taking everything I could think of to make it go away. My throat remained swollen and painful. After not being able to crawl out of bed for 4 days I drug myself to the computer and found this site. I tried your cayenne pepper remedy and it was instant relief! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!! I can actually swallow now with out feeling like my head will explode. After not getting any sleep because of the pain I am looking forward to getting a full night of sleep. Thanks again for the great cure! PS the cayenne also worked on the migraine that I have had along with the strep, so I had 2 cures for the price of one!
Cold Showers
Posted by SP (NYC) on 09/11/2006
★★★★★
Cold water shower is simply amazing. I tried it today after reading the comments
here. First few minutes I was shivering to death. I actually thought of turning the hot water. But I then after few minutes my body temperature got well adjusted to the cold water. It felt so good. I went in with a headache and came out so fresh and renewed. Thanks!
Raw Potatoes
Posted by Nare (Los Angeles, Ca) on 11/05/2012
★★★★★
This is SO funny because my mom told me this same remedy and I thought "momma you crazy! " but it works :D
Raw Potatoes
Posted by Yadi (Nj) on 06/22/2015
★★★★★
It actually works. My mom used to do it all the time for me when I suffered from severe migraines.
Tiger Balm
Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 11/22/2025
★★★★★
Tiger Balm for Headache/Migraine Relief
Tiger Balm can provide temporary relief for tension headaches, which are sometimes associated with migraines, by being rubbed in a small amount on the temples and forehead. Its cooling sensation from ingredients like menthol and camphor may help ease pain, though it is not a cure for migraines. For best results, apply a small amount and rub in a circular motion, but avoid contact with eyes and broken skin.
Authors of a study from 1996 found that applying Tiger Balm to the forehead/temples/back of neck was more effective at relieving tension headaches than a placebo. It was almost as effective as taking acetaminophen (Tylenol).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8839380/
Borax
Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 09/24/2024
★★★★★
I have never heard of doing this and I'm sure you have not either. Since I'm the headache champion 5 years running, I am trying this tonight before bed.
BORAX – Its Value in Catarrh, Throat Difficulties, Inflamed Eyes, Dandruff, etc.
V. – A solution of (1 ½ teaspoon) to soft water, 2 pt., In nervous headaches, wash the head with it, then wash out with cool, clear water, rubbing well with the towel, and take a nap, and generally all headache will subside, and the patient be much refreshed.
NOTE: I'm just leaving it in overnight.
From the Book – Dr. Chase's New Receipt Book and Medical Advisor or Information for Everybody by A.W. Chase MD, page 96-97. 1927.
DMSO
Posted by JKey (WI) on 12/07/2020
Any results on the DMSO and ACV....
DMSO
Posted by Anniem (Virginia ) on 07/20/2022
If it itches after application it is because it was not rubbed it until dry. Take at least 3 minutes to rub it in. If it still itches use less dmso and put a little coconut oil on the area if you can't tolerate the itching. No gloves are necessary, just wash your hands before and after.
Magnet
Posted by John (Atlanta, Ga ) on 03/21/2016
★★★★★
For headache or any other pain, get a very strong hematite magnet & place it wherever you have pain. Hold it there until the pain subsides which should be very soon.
Sungazing
Posted by Courtney (Texas) on 09/22/2015
★★★★★
I was having these dull headaches for months and pain relievers did not work well. Day after day I'd have a slight headache. I read about sungazing by accident and decided to try it. The first time I tried it I kept my eyes closed in the early morning. Almost immediately I felt this warmth enter my eyes and wash over my brain relieving the headache.
The ecstasy of having a slight headache disappear after months was wonderful. My mood improved and my energy increased as well as my physical strength. Thankfully I've never had glasses but both my parents did at my age and I have slightly better than 20/20 vision. I gaze for about 2 minutes with my eyes open now, but I do skip days if I'm busy. I think everyone should do research into this and consider trying it safely.
Ice Packs
Posted by Anonymous (Ohio) on 09/07/2015
★★★★★
For headaches:
Pure and simple use a ice pack or get a freezer bag and fill is with ice apply to temple or where the headache is head will feel like its freezing remove a few min. and the put back on for half to whole hour.
Drink a little warm green tea in conjunction with this. Hope it helps.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Jon (Australia) on 03/03/2015
★★★★★
Getting rid of Gluten from our diet stopped the recurring headaches. If some gluten is ingested the headache comes back. Try it for youself by going gluten-free for 2 weeks.
Lemons
Posted by Mindy (Temple, Pennsylvania, United States) on 02/07/2013
★★★★★
Often if I have a headache, I'll pour a generous amount of lemon juice on a paper towel and dab it or lay it on my forehead. I don't know why, but this usually helps lessen the headache or make it go away completely!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Mary (St. Petersburg, Florida, USA) on 02/23/2012
★★★★★
Hi Everyone, Last week I wrote in complaining of throbbing headaches and received very helpful responses. The first thing I did was remove MSG from my diet and the headaches ceased literally overnight. I am here to report that I am still HEADACHE FREE.
I went through my kitchen and cleaned out the canned/processed/added-chemical food items. I started shopping at stores where they maintain a meat department that offers fresh items, especially chicken. Frozen chicken has "broth" added. I found that there are very few canned items that are acceptable and without added chemical components. There is even added stuff in the simplest items like cream for the coffee. Why does simple cream need anything added? Did you know that it is illegal to sell "raw" milk or cream here in Florida? So unless you own a cow or goat you have to take what they sell in the stores.
One responder suggested considering an alkaline diet. I find that eliminating processed food items and switching to fresh makes great strides toward alkaline without really trying very hard. I still need to get some pH test strips and see how I am doing.
A big plus for alkalizing and eliminating MSG is that I eat less. I know the MSG makes you crave a particular food and we know MSG is in almost everything. That makes you crave almost everything. I have often wondered why, as a grown adult person, I could not control my food cravings. I thought something was wrong with me. I'm sure others have felt this way too. These last few days of being chemical free have been a real eye opener for me. Grown adult people are well able to control their food habits when they are not being influenced by brain-chemistry altering substances.
OK, and now the bonus points. I am sleeping better. I have been able to go to sleep at night and stay in the bed. That is not my usual. In the past I would always toss and turn, get up and down. Prowl around the house because I couldn't sleep, etc. Etc.. On and on. It is wonderful to be able to lay down and sleep peacefully.
Thanks again to all who responded to my questions.
Mary
Headache Triggers - Barometric Pressure
Posted by Louie (New Mexico) on 05/01/2016
★★★★★
Atmospheric pressure changes can have an enormous effect on your whole body. During a career of flying airliners, with pressure changes several times a day, it can be debilitating. The problem is that sinuses have very small drain holes that can be easily plugged with mucus. This traps a volume of air in your sinuses and when the atmospheric pressure rises or falls, creates pressure, negative or positive, in your sinuses that can cause a whole range of symptoms. Sometimes it just makes you feel tired and worn out; sometimes headaches; it may feel like your eyeballs or teeth are going to be pushed out of your head. Look at a picture of a skull to see how close your sinuses are to things you really don't want to be pushed on. Things it's like eyes, teeth, brain. The material between your sinuses and these other things is extremely thin. I have more than once had a dentist trying to inject Novocain in my gums, pop through into a sinus cavity and have the Novocain run out my nose. That's how thin it is and how easy it is for that pressure to push on surrounding things. The trick is keeping those little drain holes open.
Breathing Technique
Posted by Mark (Melbourne, Australia) on 10/21/2011
★★★★★
Sometimes solutions can be so simple. All you may need to do to relieve this may be to cup your hand gently over your nose and mouth and breathe gentle slow breaths for a few minutes... If this works you are habitually but mildly hyperventilating. Other times it could be a matter of drinking more water.
Vitamin C
Posted by Robin (Rural, Va) on 10/11/2010
★★★★★
I find that a megadose of vitamin C (2000 mg) will take care of a sinus headache. Repeat when it starts bothering you again.
Cayenne Pepper
Posted by Monica (Twinlake, Mi) on 11/14/2011
I'm just reading along... Then bam... That post was hilarious!! ... I must say... But sorry that happened- lol.
Cayenne Pepper
Posted by James As Cmmonly Called ;-) (Rugby, Warks) on 11/18/2012
Honestly, Bonnie with the pepper up the nose and cupboard ACTUALLY had me crying with laughter :-D
Cayenne Pepper
Posted by Jolly (A2 Michigan) on 11/15/2015
Yes Thank you EC and Thank you Bonnie for the laugh - your humor echoing through the years - now 2015! I've been with this head ache for two days and looking for a remedy here on EC. Laughing with your post has helped relieve a big piece of the tension! As others have shared - yes, sorry for your experience, but thank you so much for sharing it in such a humorous and healing way!
Cayenne Pepper
Posted by Valerie (New York) on 07/18/2018 2 posts
I've never heard anyone suggest SNORTING cayenne pepper for a headache or to clear sinuses, but adding some to any kind of smoothie, juice or tea is a better way to take an ample amount without it burning or creating a queezy feeling in your tummy. Many people get results with cayenne hot sauce or powdered cayenne, but clear liquid cayenne tincture is nicer to add to something you're going to drink, then shake or stir well. Start with the smallest recommendation, diluted in order not to burn, then gradually increase if necessary, to test efficacy for headaches or sinus conditions.
