Natural relief for headaches?!
Question:
Natural relief for headaches?
I always get a severe headache/migraine on the first day of my period. Are there any supplements I can take ahead of time to alleviate the headaches?
Answers:
It sounds like part of the PMS package...
Caffeine relieves headaches. I have a friend who drinks Coke as per her doctor's suggestion whenever she feels a migraine coming on. Caffeine dilates the blood vessels and relieves pressure.
Because you are asking for natural relief... you might consider trying green tea, very strong. That has caffeine in it. I don't know if you've tried feverfew herb, sometimes that helps migraines as well I've been told by other migraine suffering friends.
In my local health food store, there is a specific product made for migraines, it contains feverfew and a few other herbs. I cannot remember the name of it, but I"m sure if you inquire at a health food store they can point you in the direction of several products from among which you can choose to try.
Something else you might try is lavender essential oil, either put a few drops on a cotton ball, wrap the ball in a handkerchief, and take it out once in a while and "sniff". Lavender is a natural emotional relaxer and might help in conjunction with any supplements you might try. Getting emotional stress relief is half of the battle, because once the headache starts, the emotional turmoil makes it worse. Or, you could measure out a tablespoon of olive or sunflower oil into a small bowl, add 3 drops of lavender oil, and rub on temples, forehead, back of neck, etc for a massage too.
A homeopathic remedy might be another option, but my book does not recommend anything specifically for migraines, so a health food store clerk may be better able to provide some suggestions for that. There is also Bach Flower Remedies that help relieve emotional stress, including the stress caused by pain, but I haven't worked with those much, and again a health food store clerk would have booklets and knowledge on that to help you consider. There is one particular product within the Back line called Rescue Remedy. That is a good all-around tonic for all distress, and might be a good addition to herbal supplements as well.
Good luck... don't give up your search for resolution, the effort will be well worth it. Each individual is different, so some things may work and others may not. Be patient and persistent, and the solution will come.