Many people who experience headaches or migraines seek natural remedies, preferring to avoid taking drugs or medications.

A headache is defined as an ongoing pain in the head, whether it’s a chronic daily tension headache caused by muscle contractions, or a full-blown migraine. A migraine is a stabbing, stabbing pain that can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. It can come from sensitivity to noise or light, and often has an appearance of nausea or an upset stomach.

In addition to over-the-counter or prescription medications, there are a number of natural headache remedies that have been shown to be effective in studies. These are some of the most studied and the chart below has some additional options.

B vitamins

In a study from Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia, scientists studied 52 people diagnosed with migraines. They were divided into two groups, and half received a daily dose of B vitamins that included 25 milligrams of B6, 2 milligrams of folic acid (vitamin B9), and 400 micrograms of B12. After six months, there was a significant decrease in migraine. disability and symptoms from 60% to 30%. No reduction was observed in the placebo group.

peppers

The powerful active ingredient in cayenne pepper is known as capsaicin. It is known for its ability to remedy pain and inflammation. A study on capsaicin for headache relief was published in the Clinical Journal of Pain. The researchers noted that capsaicin inhibits Substance P in the body, which is a substance that helps transmit pain signals. Substance P is part of what creates feelings of pain, and capsaicin helps eliminate it. The study found that when capsaicin was applied topically to the nostrils, participants found relief from headaches, while those taking the placebo did not. Capsaicin is available in pill, skin cream, or nasal spray form.

gluten free diet

In the search for natural remedies for headaches, scientists have investigated whether or not there is a connection between migraine headaches and gluten found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats. Gluten is a protein-like substance that gives grain dough its elastic texture. A study in the journal “Neurology” found that following a gluten-free diet relieved migraines in 9 out of 10 participants. This leads to the possibility that gluten-containing foods can trigger headaches.

Magnesium

Studies have found that people with migraines have low concentrations of magnesium in their bodies. The word “cephalea” literally means headache or headache. In a German study of 81 migraine sufferers published in the journal “Cephalalgia,” 42 percent of people taking oral magnesium reduced both the duration and intensity of their migraine attacks. They also reduced their reliance on medication to control migraines.

Natural headache remedies can be a good first defense against headaches and migraines and can help you avoid harsh medications that can have side effects.