There is nothing quite so distracting as a pounding headache. Headaches can range from mild to severe, even temporarily debilitating. There are many different types of headaches caused by any number of things including dehydration, diet, lack of sleep, stress, and hormones.
Because headaches can be so painful, sufferers often desire immediate relief and resort to over-the-counter or even prescription medication. There are several problems with this, including the fact that some prescription painkillers can become addictive and cause other long term health problems.
In addition, people who depend on  popular headache medicine such as Advil or Tylenol, may experience what is known as rebound headaches. Rebound headaches occur when the brain becomes over stimulated. To avoid these serious side effects, there are a number of safe and effective natural treatments to consider.
Magnesium for Migraines
By far, one of the most painful types of headache is known as a migraine headache. Migraine headaches are characterized by extreme pain, light and noise sensitivity and nausea. Some people also experience warning symptoms such as light flashes, blind spots or tingling in legs or arms.
Magnesium is a mineral that helps to calm over excited nerves. Magnesium is essential to energy production and muscle relaxation. Research has found that persons who suffer from migraines are often deficient in magnesium. Even if, you take a multivitamin, you are probably still not getting enough magnesium. Choose amino acid-chelated magnesium instead of magnesium oxide, which is not as easily absorbed. Â You can also increase the magnesium in your diet by eating nuts, seeds and dark green vegetables.
Peppermint Oil for Tension
Tension headaches, often caused by stress, are the most common type of headache. These headaches can be temporary, lasting less than an hour, or, they can last for weeks. Experts believe that tension headaches result  from the contraction of neck and scalp muscles or altered brain chemistry.
The use of peppermint oil therapeutically dates back to ancient Greece. Peppermint oil is derived from ground plant parts. Essential oil applied to the temples, eases tension and can help reduce the pain associated with tension headaches. Peppermint oil contains anti-spasmodic properties the relax muscles. Some people experience skin irritation from the oil. Always dab a little on your arm to test your reaction before rubbing on your temples.
Lifestyle Choices
No matter what type of headache you suffer from, the body is telling you that it is out of balance. Headaches are a symptom of something that is not going right internally and should not be ignored.
If you suffer from frequent headaches, a good place to start is with your diet. A clean diet, comprised of whole fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and probiotics will help allow the body to self regulate.
If you consume a lot of processed foods, it is possible that your headaches are caused by preservatives such as MSG and other artificial ingredients. In addition, sugar and caffeine can also trigger headaches. Drinking plenty of pure water, exercising daily, and managing stress through such things as meditation, should be considered.
It is astounding the power that healthy food, ample, rest, exercise and stress management have on the body. You may find that you no longer have headaches at all once you begin to make healthy lifestyle choices. After all it was Hippocrates the father of medicine, who said ” Let your food be your medicine”.
– The Alternative Daily
