I’m not sure why, but many of my clients complain more about headaches during the summer. There are several possible reasons for this that I’ll discuss in this article. First, some stats! (I know, BORING! But I’m left brained so roll with me!)
Headaches are some of the most common ailments affecting the population worldwide—but they can result from a myriad of causes, and everyone experiences their effects differently. They’re the most common form of pain and are a major reason cited for days missed at work or school, as well as visits to healthcare providers. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 96% of people experience a headache at least once in their life. With so many variables involved in headaches, it’s important to support your body holistically. If you’re dealing with headaches that won’t seem to go away, consider a few of the safe, natural methods I’ve outlined below.
Headaches fall into two main categories, primary and secondary. Primary headaches are caused by disfunction or over-activity of pain sensitive features in your head. They are NOT a symptom of an underlying medical condition. (insert sigh of relief!) Some types of primary headaches are tension, migraine, and cluster headaches. Some people are genetically disposed to primary headaches. Some primary headaches can be triggered by lifestyle factors or situations, including:
Alcohol, particularly red wine
Certain foods, such as processed meats that contain nitrates (food-triggered headaches)
Consuming nicotine (nicotine headache)
Changes in sleep or lack of sleep
Poor posture
Physical activity, such as exercise (exertion headaches)
Skipped meals (hunger headache)
Coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose, straining (such as when having a bowel movement), or laughing or crying vigorously (primary cough headaches)
OK, you can see why more people suffer from these types of headaches in the summer! This list looks like a to do list for my vacation! But I digress!
While drinking too much caffeine can be unhealthy, small doses of it can relieve some headaches. Before a headache or migraine occurs, blood vessels tend to enlarge—but caffeine constricts the blood vessels, which can aid in pain reduction. Caffeine is also known to have a positive effect on both mood and energy levels. Try to limit caffeine intake to the morning. Otherwise, it can affect your ability to fall asleep in the evening, which can ultimately lead to restlessness—and more headaches.
Secondary headaches are caused by an underlying medical condition. The good news is that once the underlying condition is addressed, they resolve themselves. Types of secondary headaches would include dehydration, sinus, and medication overuse headaches.
Some suggestions for heading off those headaches before they start are:
Increase of Vitamin B complex
Use of herbs like Feverfew, butterbur and basil
Use of essential oils in a diffuser or inhaler
Several of the B vitamins that have also been shown to relieve headache symptoms— specifically B2, B6, and B12. By taking a B-complex vitamin, you support your body with all eight forms of B vitamins. B vitamins are water soluble, meaning when your body has what it needs, the rest is eliminated through urine. I suggest sub-lingual liquids as they go into the system faster.
Several herbs have also shown effectiveness in reducing the severity of headache symptoms. Feverfew and butterbur both have anti-inflammatory properties, they can be made into a tea. Many people take them to reduce pain from migraines—which would otherwise be debilitating.
Additionally, basil is an aromatic herb that has positive effects when added to tea or simply used as an inhalant when steeped in boiling water. Basil can calm tension headaches often caused by tight muscles. One of the best ways to take advantage of this herb is to boil a few leaves in water, add some honey, and relax with your cup of basil tea.
Whether your headache is caused by tense muscles or high stress levels, essential oils can help you re-center your mind and relax—which, in turn, can relieve your headaches. Several oils are known to reduce the severity of headaches. These are some of the most popular:
Peppermint
Not only is peppermint known for its soothing scent, but it can also be applied topically. Try adding a few drops of it to an ounce of coconut or olive oil and massaging it into your skin. NEVER use Essential oils neat, (undiluted) on the skin. Or, you can add it to a bowl of cool water, soak a cloth in it, and place it on your forehead as a cold compress to help you clear your mind. (Just be careful to keep the peppermint-infused water out of your eyes.)
Lavender
As one of the most popular essential oils, lavender is often used to support healthy sleeping habits and diminish stress levels. Enhance your nightly routine with lavender by incorporating it into your bath before bed or adding a couple of drops to your face cream and then massaging it over your jaw, temples, and forehead. You can also carry a small inhaler of lavender in your purse and inhale its scent to try to ward off a headache in its early stages.
Eucalyptus
If the cause of your headache is sinus issues—eucalyptus has a sharp, fresh scent that is known to help clear nasal passages. If you want to allay the sinus tension that you can’t seem to shake, spend a few hours diffusing eucalyptus, or add to an inhaler.
Chamomile
Often found in tea, chamomile is used to support relaxation and soothe the muscles. As an oil, it has even more uses. Add a few drops to your bath or a pot of hot water and breathe in the steam. Use caution if you are allergic to ragweed.
The pain you experience from headaches doesn’t have to keep you from your day-to-day activities. If you suffer from frequent headaches or debilitating migraines, there are plenty of safe, natural methods that can support your journey toward complete wellness.
There you have it! Natural suggestions to keep your summer almost headache free! (I mean, it’s summer, you are GOING to indulge in a glass of wine and over-exertion, right!?) If you need an inhaler or a tea to help you with these, check out the Apothecary.
Now go out there and make it a great summer! Let's Get Better!
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