Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, are generally safe when taken as directed โ but they may not be your best bet, especially if you suffer from kidney disease, stomach ulcers, heart problems or liver disease. The Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care recommends that you don’t take pain medications for an extended period of time, and MedlinePlus says ibuprofen and aspirin can irritate your stomach or cause liver damage in doses higher than 3,000 milligrams daily.
When you have a headache, it’s not easy to think straight, but it might be time to think outside the box โ or the bottle, as it were. On the other hand, there are a lot natural remedies out there worth giving a try.
1. Caffeine
Drink a cup of coffee or tea to nix headaches before they become severe. Mayo Clinic says ingesting small amounts of caffeine may treat migraines, and the American Migraine Foundation says that many migraine sufferers find a strong cup of coffee can prevent attacks.
2. Massage
Trigger-point, release-focused massage also offers relief, according to a European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine study. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine says Thai traditional massage may reduce headache intensity in people with chronic tension headaches and migraines. Recruit a loved one to rub down your shoulders, neck and head. You can also press firmly on your temples or the sides of your forehead for seven to 10 seconds, repeating as necessary.
3. Rest
Sometimes, rest is simply the best medicine. Fatigue can make your head achy, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. MedlinePlus suggests resting in a dark room or practicing relaxation techniques for pain relief. Simply lie on your back, close your eyes and take some slow, deep breaths.
4. Ginger
Ginger is a natural headache remedy, according to a review in Phytotherapy Research. Results showed that ginger powder has fewer side effects but is just as effective as sumatriptan (a prescription migraine medication). In an ISRN Obstetrics and Gynecology study, ginger was found to ease headaches brought on by premenstrual syndrome. Try over-the-counter ginger supplements, but ask your doctor first.
5. Peppermint Oil
Applying soothing peppermint oil to your head and neck may help banish tension headaches, according to an abstract from a German medical journal. Mix peppermint oil with an ounce of an unscented oil, and rub away. Peppermint oils come in different concentrations, so ensure you read and adhere to your bottle’s instructions for dilution.
6. Aerobic Exercise
As if you needed another reason to exercise more, a Current Pain and Headache Reports study suggests that cardiovascular exercise decreases migraine pain intensity and may help prevent migraine attacks. Consider power walking, biking or jogging next time you feel a migraine coming on.
7. Fluids
Boosting water intake is a low-risk, cost-effective way to alleviate headache pain, according to a study in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice. Try a cool glass of water with chunks of frozen fruit.
8. Heat and Cold
Submerge your body (or at least your head) in hot or cold temperatures when your head is throbbing. MedlinePlus recommends hot or cold baths or showers, or even a cool cloth on your forehead. Experiment with different temperatures to find out what works best.
Headaches are seldom a cause for alarm, but Cleveland Clinic lists out some instances where you’d want to reach out to your doctor. Next time you’re at home and a garden-variety headache comes on, take a few minutes to yourself and give one of these methods a try.
