5 Natural Headache Relief Remedies to Try

When many people get a headache, they reach for tried-and-true OTC treatments, like Vanquish.¹ However, there are also natural remedies that may bring relief without the prolonged use of medication. All-natural headache relief remedies can work well alongside headache medications to reduce pain symptoms quickly and prevent them from coming back. Individuals with headaches may wish to try one or more of these natural remedies on their own or in conjunction with a powerful headache medication that has brought relief in the past

1. Magnesium-Rich Foods

Eating a nutrient-rich diet is one of the best ways to prevent and alleviate headaches, but perhaps the most important nutrient in this regard is magnesium. Individuals who have frequent headaches often have low magnesium levels, and increasing those levels can bring all-natural headache relief. Doctors recommend taking 200-600 milligrams of magnesium per day to prevent headaches. It can be taken in capsule form with supplements or through healthy foods like whole grains, beans, broccoli, nuts, and seeds.^2,3

2. Lavender, Basil, and Peppermint Oils

Essential oils are used in many natural remedies, and lavender oil is a great one for natural headache relief. This oil can be applied topically to the temples, or add a couple drops into boiling water and inhale the vapors without actually ingesting any of the oil. Another idea is to draw a footbath and add lavender oil to the hot water to ease pressure on the blood vessels. Other useful oils for headache relief are basil oil and peppermint oil.^2,3,4

3. Feverfew and Butterbur Herbs

A third suggestion about how to relieve a headache naturally is to try using herbs like feverfew and butterbur. In research studies, participants have reported less migraine pain after taking feverfew, for example. Feverfew may also help reduce other migraine symptoms, such as nausea and sensitivity to noise and light.^2,3 Another herb called butterbur is known to headache sufferers for its anti-inflammatory effect because inflammation often triggers headaches. It is possible to find these herbs in fresh or dried form, or to purchase them as capsules or a liquid extract.³

4. Vitamin B-12 Foods and Supplements

Another nutrient that aids in natural headache relief is vitamin B-12. Many people do not get enough of this vitamin in their diets, so it may be necessary to supplement with vitamin B-12 capsules. Upon a doctor recommendation, headache sufferers may find natural headache relief by getting more vitamin B-12 on a daily basis. Healthy foods that contain this vitamin include fish, almonds, and sesame seeds.^2,3

5. Chiropractic Care and Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments are also sometimes recommended for headache sufferers as part of a headache treatment strategy. This type of natural care can reduce oxidative stress, which prevents free radical damage in the body. Clinical trials have shown that basic spinal manipulation techniques can treat headaches and reduce their recurrence because they help reduce overall stress in the body.

References for 5 Natural Headache Relief Remedies to Try