Got an aching head? Before you reach for the pill bottle, try some of these natural cures for headaches to ease your noggin.
Cayenne Pepper
The capsaicin in pepper works incredibly well for treating pain and inflammation. Add a couple of pinches to your tea or coffee or mix cayenne pepper into mayo as a spicy dip.
Almonds
These helpful little nuts contain salicin which helps to ease the pain of headaches. Not for those who have nut allergies or for whom almonds are a migraine trigger food.
Feverfew
Headaches are caused by expanding blood vessels in the head which put pressure on the nerves. Plants like feverfew work to constrict those blood vessels and relieve headaches. Through a substance called parthenolide, feverfew is also able to reduce inflammation. Make a feverfew tea by steeping 1 ounce of fresh or dried flowers in 1 pint of boiling water.
Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil is also instrumental in relieving the pain associated with migraines and headaches. Put a few drops in a bowl of steaming water and breathe in the vapors. Apply a drop to your pillow to breathe in the soothing scent.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil helps to open and close blood vessels to promote blood flow and relieve the pain of migraines and headaches. Use it in the same way you would use lavender oil.
Ginger Tea
Ginger tea relieves pain and reduces inflammation while also combating nausea. Make ginger tea by cutting a 4-inch piece of fresh ginger into a small pot and adding 2 ¼ cups water. Boil gently for 15 minutes and drink with some natural honey. This makes enough for two cups.
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