Dealing with chronic pain can be absolutely debilitating, and it can affect nearly every aspect of your day-to-day life, whether it’s chronic back pain, chronic knee pain, and especially when it comes to chronic migraines and chronic head aches. In fact, more than one quarter of Americans (26%) aged 20 years and over — or, an estimated 76.5 million Americans — report that they have had a problem with pain of any sort that persisted for more than 24 hours in duration. But it’s important to know that you don’t have to live with the pain forever — there are plenty of treatment options. Here are some natural ways to relieve chronic head aches.
- Peppermint and lavender essential oil:
A lot of people doubt the legitimacy of the effectiveness of essential oils as a pain remedy, but the calming and numbing effects of peppermint and lavender make them perfect for relieving head aches. While peppermint oil stimulates an increase of blood flow to the head and soothes muscle contractions, lavender oil is used as a sedative and mood stabilizer. The combination of these two essential oils provides an invigorating boost and relieves pain. Just put a few drops in your hands and spread it around your neck, temples, and forehead. - Magnesium:
Magnesium is known for its effective head ache relief. Not only is it much safer than taking a pain killer, but studies actually suggest that magnesium may reduce the frequency of chronic head aches in people who have low levels of magnesium. Eating fiber is the best way to increase your daily magnesium intake. Dietary sources include beans, seeds, nuts, whole grains, leafy greens, and more. - Cayenne pepper:
Although this suggestion may seem odd, it’s backed by science. Cayenne pepper stimulates the body’s circulation and reduces acidity. The capsaicin present in cayenne pepper is ideal for treating pain and inflammation. It also depletes the body of the element that causes pain, called substance P, by stimulating another response to pain in a different part of the body. Keep in mind that it must be applied topically to be effective.
While these natural remedies may provide relief for some head ache sufferers, it’s important to take care of yourself and explore other options as well. A health center or pain clinic can provide a more accurate diagnosis and further treatment options. For more information about treating chronic pain, contact B and BHC.