Headaches are something many people deal with on a daily basis.
There are a several types including, the most common, a tension headache. This affects both sides of the head and can also cause tightened neck muscles.
Others consist of a migraine, which is usually felt as a severe throbbing in the front or side of the head and cluster headaches, which occur in one place for about a month or two at a time.
As well as trying medications to treat headaches, there are a number of natural methods to try.
Healthline, a medical website, recommended trying these five natural methods for soothing headache pain.
Drink water
It may sound daft, but drinking enough water and having more when suffering a headache could help.
“In fact, studies have demonstrated that chronic dehydration is a common cause of tension headaches and migraines,” said Healthline.
“Thankfully, drinking water has been shown to relieve headache symptoms in most dehydrated individuals within 30 minutes to three hours.”
The NHS recommended drinking six to eight glasses of water a day.
“To help avoid dehydration headaches,” said the website, “focus on drinking enough water throughout the day and eating water-rich foods.”
Drink less alcohol
Alcohol can trigger tension or cluster headaches in many people due to widening of the blood vessels, according to Healthline.
“While having an alcoholic drink may not cause a headache in most people,” said Healthline, “studies have shown that alcohol can trigger migraines in about one third of those who experience frequent headaches.”
The NHS also drew a link between alcohol and headaches, saying if someone is drinking they should also aim to stay well hydrated.
Use a cold compress
Putting a cold flannel or cold compress on your head can help reduce headache pain.
“Applying cold or frozen compresses to the neck or head area decreases inflammation,” said Healthline, “slows nerve conduction and constricts blood vessels, all of which help reduce headache pain.”
It is possible to make a cold compress at home by filling a waterproof bag with ice and wrapping a soft towel around it. Then applying it to the back of the neck, head or temples for relief.
Do some yoga
This may sound bizarre, but doing these exercises can relieve stress, possibly decreasing headache pain.
“Taking up yoga may even help reduce the intensity and frequency of your headaches.”
Take magnesium supplements
“Magnesium is an important mineral necessary for countless functions in the body,” said Healthline.
“Interestingly, magnesium has also been shown to be a safe, effective remedy for headaches.
“Evidence suggests magnesium deficiency is more common in people who get frequent migraine headaches, compared to those who don’t,” they continued, citing a 2012 study in the Journal of Neural Transmission.
