Just about everyone during their life time feels the throb of a headache. They can run the gamut from very mild dull ache, to a throbbing, face crushing, nauseating, debilitating pain. Fortunately, there are several effective natural headache remedies for a variety of headache types.

The first thing to do before treating a headache is to determine what headache type you have.

There are two main types, primary, and secondary.

A primary headache is the most common. This is when the headache itself is the underlying medical condition. These include migraine headaches, tension headaches, cluster headaches, dehydration headaches, etc. These are generally not dangerous, but can be extremely painful and even debilitating. But, what makes it primary is the focus of the condition is the headache itself, not some other condition. So if you treat the headache, you will eliminate the medical problem, so to speak.

Then we have our secondary headaches. These are more dangerous because they are a symptom of a (usually) major health problem. They are usually extremely dangerous, and cannot be cured or treated with normal natural OR synthetic remedies.   For example, a brain tumor can put pressure on the cranium, and result in extreme headaches. Also, a brain hemorrhage can do the same. A sharp blow to the head or other head trauma can cause water on the brain, or other inflammation that can cause a serious headache. All of these are very serious, and a little aspirin or a little lavender won’t do anything to solve these problems. It is necessary to seek immediate professional medical treatment for the underlying cause. Only this will stop a secondary headache.

So, assuming you have a primary headache, here are natural remedies for headaches that are used to treat them:

Feverfew - This is probably one of the best herbs for eliminating migraines. Feverfew reduces the frequency of migraines, the time they last, and the amount of pain the cause. Best to take feverfew every day if you want the migraine relief. It will not stop a migraine once it starts…it is more a preventative measure.

Peppermint oil - Use a 10% peppermint essential oil solution, and gently apply it to the forehead. This can relieve the pain and possibly the duration of a tension or dehydration headache.

Tiger Balm - This is a mixture of essential oils, and it has a similar application and effect as peppermint oil. It is sold over the counter at many health food and supplement stores, or it can be found online. Studies have shown it works as a topical application to relieve headaches.

Melatonin - It turns out this supplement has some studies that demonstrate it will decrease the amount of monthly migraines a person will have. It needs to be taken every day, but it can be a good natural migraine remedy.

There are several other herbal headache remedies , but these are some of the most effective for stopping migraines and tension headaches.

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