Headache-relieving Herbs

[Beankeeper]

I'm trying to take the all-natural route in everything I do. I have also been cutting coffee out of my diet because I feel it is more of an addiction for me and that can never be a good thing, especially with stimulants. Unfortunately, I've been having major withdrawal headaches lately because of it but I can't stand the idea of taking pills. I know I could do a simple internet search but I'm wondering if any of you have personally used your home-grown herbs to help alleviate headaches?

 

[claudine]

When I'm having a headache, I smell lavender. It helps a little
I go natural too I stopped using store-bought cosmetics, I dye my hair with herbs and I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables from my garden. I must say that it makes me feel great!

 

[aas1277]

I would love to know if there is an herb that would alleviate my headaches. Mine are mainly caused by stress or monthly hormonal changes. I was on prescription medicine until I quit my job as an attorney. At that point they vanished until recently. I've started a new career and financially things are a little crazy so I've been waking up with migraines almost every morning. I usually take some IB and lay down with an ice pack. An herbal remedy would be so much better!

 

[Sunny]

I love drinking peppermint tea when I have headaches. I fell more relaxed and I enjoy inhaling its gentle steam before drinking. It would be best to follow it with a head massage using a natural ointment made with ginger and peppermint. I also put some of the ointment on my nape just before sleeping. I feel relieved from headache that way.

 

[aas1277]

Sunny....how do you prepare the ointment?

 

[Sunny]

I use coconut oil, beeswax and grated ginger. You may substitute coconut oil with olive oil if that's what's available.

I found a similar instruction online http://homegrownandhealthy.com/diy-peppermint-eucalyptus-vapor-rub/
I preferred to limit my herbs to ginger and peppermint though. I wanted it stronger and warmer, that's why I used ginger. Hope this helps.

 

[Trellum]

I heard that eating a green apple can helps, even smelling it. I have no idea tho, since when I have a headache I don't really feel like eating anything. Sorry, haven't heard about herbs that can actually help relieve headaches

 

[zigs]

Meadowsweet is a natural source of Asprin As is Willow Bark.

 

[Beankeeper]

Wow! I've posted a lot lately on this forum but this was the thread I was most hoping for a response because the headaches are horrible! You have all given very awesome suggestions. I think I'm going to try them all, even smelling and eating an apple. Plus, having lavender around to smell just in general would make my days more relaxing and calming anyway. Then there's the suggested peppermint, which is good for us anyway. I'm going to try each one separately when I get a headache and keep you all informed. Keep coming with more ideas! Whenever I quit caffeine, I get headaches for months, not just two weeks or so.

 

[zigs]

Have you tried just cutting down? Gradual withdrawal?

 

[MindyT]

I have gone through caffeine withdrawal headaches! They hurt beyond all get out! First at foremost, do it slowly. Gradually cut it out like Zigs suggested. Drink a ton of water. This helps more than you think it would. Also, I will smell eucalyptus essential oil. That helps my headaches. If all else fails, sleep.

 

[Beankeeper]

I'm so bad at gradually doing anything. If I try to cut down to 1-2 cups a day, I end up giving in and drinking a whole pot. I am just so bad at it. So, when I realize I have made a bad habit out of it again, I try making only enough for one cup of coffee and if that fails, I tend to pack up or give away my coffee pot. Then, someone in the family unpacks it or buys another. I am just a terrible quitter of anything and I am so grateful I never started something like smoking because then I'd never quit. I wish I had a pantry monkey around that would slap me any time I reached for coffee or sweets. That's the only plausible way I'd be a gradual quitter or a quitter for good. lol

So, I never considered eucalyptus. That's an excellent idea!

 

[zigs]

I'm the same, it's called addictive personality. Which is why i've not gone near Heroin.

When you do get off it, roasted Dandelion roots make a good caffeine free drink, I have it with milk and 2 sugars

 

[Rosyrain]

Also, try rubbing on the back of your calf muscle when you feel a headache coming on; this sometimes makes it go away. I read about this in a magazine once. Good luck on quitting coffee...it is so hard to do!

 

[MindyT]

I'm so bad at gradually doing anything. If I try to cut down to 1-2 cups a day, I end up giving in and drinking a whole pot. I am just so bad at it. So, when I realize I have made a bad habit out of it again, I try making only enough for one cup of coffee and if that fails, I tend to pack up or give away my coffee pot. Then, someone in the family unpacks it or buys another. I am just a terrible quitter of anything and I am so grateful I never started something like smoking because then I'd never quit. I wish I had a pantry monkey around that would slap me any time I reached for coffee or sweets. That's the only plausible way I'd be a gradual quitter or a quitter for good. lol

So, I never considered eucalyptus. That's an excellent idea!

I am not a coffee drinker. My addiction to caffeine is all because of a Dr! Dr Pepper that is! If you find yourself a pantry monkey, send a sister or brother my way! Thanks.

In all seriousness, I hope you get some relief from your headaches.