Headaches

It is recommended that if you continue to experience headaches or migraines to speak to a health care professional and have the problem investigated as long-term headaches can be extremely debilitating. While analgesics may help ease the pain it is not a healthy option to keep taking them day after day and a long lasting solution should be sought.

DIET TIPS FOR HEADACHES

• Avoid caffeine as it has a constricting effect of the capillaries which feed the brain
• Avoid any foods that may cause allergies for you, some examples are chocolate, dairy, deadly nightshade family of vegetables (potatoes, capsicum, eggplant), eggs or gluten foods
• Ensure that you are drinking at least two litres of water per day
• Avoid stimulants
• Eat a clean, liver friendly diet which concentrates on whole foods, a variety of foods, easy to digest foods, plenty of greens and health building nutrients
• Eat foods which are high in Magnesium such as nuts, seeds

LIFESTYLE FACTORS FOR HEADACHES

• Run a warm bath and add 1/2 cup of Epsom salts to the bath to provide magnesium to the muscles to help them to relax.
• Take time out to rest and relax away from noise and stimulating environments in a darkened, quiet room
• Relief of muscle tension is helped by a good massage, accupuncture or cranio-sacral therapy
• Take a walk in the fresh air to clear the head
• Yoga practices are helpful to loosen tight muscles and re-balance postural problems. Time out for meditation and deep breathing is also recommended to calm the spirit, switch the brain off and relax
• Address underyling allergies, nutrient deficiencies, bowel health, liver dysfunction and digestive weaknesses

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR HEADACHES

• The essential oils of marjoram, lavender, basil, peppermint, chamomile or rosemary diluted in a base oil of wheatgerm or sweet almond oil may give temporary relief to a throbbing head when massaged into the temple area
• Replenishing the muscles with electrolytes such as magnesium and potassium. Bananas are the richest source of these minerals
• Australian Bush Flower Essences may be of some relief as they help to work on the emotional aspects of the nervous system. Some suggested remedies are Calm & Clear, Purifying Essence or Electro Essence
• Homeopathics may give some relief: Arsenicum, Chammomila, Bryonia, Aconite, Nux Vomica
• The herb Feverfew has been used effectively to help manage migraine headaches by reducing the inflammation that causes them
• Calming herbs that calm the nervous system are Chamomile, Lemon balm, Rosemary, Vervain, Hops, Passionflower, Daimiana
• Herbs such as Kava, Valerian, Ginger, Lavender, Skullcap may help to take the edge off the pain and alleviate some of the muscle tension causing the pain