Headache, in simple words, can be defined as pain in the head. Headache is not life-threatening condition but it is a clear indication that something is going wrong with you and your body. Headache is not a disease but it is a symptom indicating some underlying cause. Headache is indeed bad because it will interrupt your work and will not allow you to concentrate on any damn work you do. There are innumerable causes of headache and headache is therefore treated as symptom and not the disease. However, if the main disease is treated, the headache disappears gradually.
There are many types of headache and some of the main types of headache are described below…
Tension headache
In general, almost all headaches are tension headache. As the name suggests, they all occur from stress, anxiety and tension. Tension headaches are caused by contracting of the layer of muscle around the skull that in turn can decrease the flow of blood to the brain and can create severe headache. This is very steady type of headache and generally very intense.
Migraine
This is terrible and gives throbbing type of headache. Amazingly, some people get migraine without any intense pain and therefore, it is still very difficult to understand this type of headache. Cause is however unknown but researches reveal that migraine is a neurological disorder that is based on an inherited genetic abnormality.
Some other theory suggest that if there is a problem in chemicals of the brain then headache occurs. For instance, change in the serotonin level can produce headache as it also changes the blood vessels. In some cases, migraine headache may accompany with nausea and vomiting.
Sinus headache
A sinus headache could be raised from sinusitis. The sinuses in the human body get inflamed in various condition and this sinusitis will then turn into headache as a symptom. Sinus headache generally comes with other symptoms such as congestion, fever, fatigue and malaise.
Cluster headache
Cluster headaches are another different type of headache, which may not always be a headache. It is rarer as compared to migraine and clusters that are more painful usually attack men. There is no perfect cause found for clusters and therefore the triggers are still a mystery. However, new researches are giving us some idea that may crack the cluster code and provide cure. Cluster headaches can be related to the sinuses or the nervous system. It can also because of altered serotonin levels.
The treatment for any headache will be symptomatically. Generally, painkillers are prescribed. Many doctors prefer non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for better results. Some of the people get headache due to starvation, fasting or acidity and therefore, antacids may work in such cases.
Ayurveda deals headache as ‘shirashool’ where shiras is head and shool is pain or ache. There are many types of headache according to Ayurveda depending upon the bodily humors. The disease is treated according to the Dosha involved in it. Some of the medications such as ‘shirashuladi vajra rasa’,’avipatikar churna’ etc. can be useful.
There are so many reasons for a headache, from the self-inflicted ghastliness of a hangover to the genuinely fearsome migraine (for which you may not have an answer), and these will be looked at under the relevant headings. There are early-morning headaches which can be caused by low blood suger level and are eased by taking a spoonful of honey and there are those headaches which many adults suffer from and which are only cured with an infection of capital, but the majority have their cause in other physical contitions such as colds, catarrh, constipation, cystitis, poor digestion, fatigue, allergic reaction (particularly to food and smell), semotional dramas, period problems, aches and pains, a fall or concussion, high or low blood pressure, strain and tension, wisdom teeth and specific illnesses.
The remedies found under those headings will hopefully relieve the condition and thus the headache. If you suddenly begin to suffer from persistent head aches which have no understandable cause – eye strain, using a V.D.U. without an anti – glare shield, too much sun – take professional advice without hesitation. If you feel headachy and ‘out of sorts’ cut out the obvious nasties: smoking, tea, coffee, chocolate, cheese, milk, red wine, brandy, Drink instead lots of good, clear water, especially carbonated mineral water.
In countries where too much sun is an ever-present problem a snake band around the head or worn as a hat band is still considered to have a function beyond the sartorial in keeping sun stroke and headaches at bay. If the cause of a headache is eye strain obviously one’s eyes should be tested but sore eyes can also be the cause so bathe them morning and night with either eyebright or cold boiled water. The smell of certain flowers can cause headaches, especially lilac, Madonna lilies, heliotrope and gardenia, and many of those perfumes which are pre dominantly musk or gardenia-based have the same effect.
Folklore tells us we should never smell poppies or sleep under the cypress for to do so will give us a pain in the head and lead to madness! However to wear a good bunch of lavender beneath our hats would certainly have ensured immunity, probably as a result of all those lovely antiseptic oils warming up and guarding us against infection. It would undoubtedly have looked and smelled better than the favourite cure for a headache which was the standard wrapping of vinegar and brown paper or the more esoteric combination of goat’s dung and squill (vinegar of ammonia), Poultices were also mentioned frequently: slices of cucumber or raw potatoes laid on brow and temples to remedy sunstroke and headaches caused by sultry weather, houseleek leaves crushed and applied to hot and aching heads and a marvelous compress made of elder leaves crushed with salt which brings immediate relief but unfortunately smells vilely foetid. Herbal teas which will relieve the pain of an aching head but any which will relieve tension will help.
Home Remedies for Headache and other Cures
* Scented leaves Any deliciously scented leaf when rubbed between the fingers and inhaled deeply will clear the head and make you feel more alive. This is one of the reasons, I am sure, that cottage dwellers grew their most scented plants beside the kitchen door. The most effective are lemon verbena, lemon balm, dill, sage peppermint, spearmint, rose, lavender and violet. The smell of hops will soothe whilst cloves of the peel of oranges and lemons invigorate and an infusion of mint, sage or fennel or two tablespoons each of hop tea and vinegar can be inhaled or used on a cool compress.
* A headache pillo from America Mix together 50 g (2 oz) each of lavender, marjoram, rose petals, betony and rose leaf and 15g (½ oz) of cloves. Sew them into a cotton case and keep it neneath your pillow.
* Lavender vinegar Herbal vinegars were considered disinfectant and those that were most frequently used in the sick room were rue and rosemary. Lavender vinegar will refresh and clear a thick head as well as being strongly antiseptic.
Lavender Water
2 tablespoons dried lavender
1 tablespoon dried sweet cicely
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 nutmeg, grated
1 litre (1.75 pints) surgical spirit
put all the ingredients together in s large jar. Seal with a non-metal lid and stand in a wrm place for two weeks. Strain, bottle and seal. It makes a wonderfully spicy and aromatic lotion to use on a compress. Lavender water and eau de Cologne were great favourites amongst ladies of a certain age and could be dropped on to a handkerchief or carried in crystal form.
* Rose Essential oil of rose, that most tranquillizing of perfumes, added a few drops at a time to a warm bath or cool compress will bring exquisite relief.* Attar of roses Cover a jar of fragrant red rose petals with pure alcohol (B.P.not gin). Relieve an aching head.
* Rose petal vinegar Two tablespoons of rose petal vinegar added to 1 litre (1.75pints) of water has a fragrant, refreshing smell which is very soothing. It is also invaluable as a face wash for a patient who is running a high fever. It eradicates the sour odour and helps to restore the acid balance of the skin thus preventing the scaly cracking, particularly of the lips, which often occurs after the disrupting heat of a fever. Mothers nursing small children will find it invaluable on their own harassed brows. Like all herb and flower vinegars, rose petal vinegar is very easy to make. Simply cram a wide – necked jar full of seented red rose petals, stand the jar on a thick cloth and very, very slowly fill it up with hot white malt vinegar. Do not fill too quickly for this will crack the glass. Seal with a non-metal lid and leave on a windowsill for two weeks, shaking every day.
* Malt vinegar Apart from the deliciously fragrant and therapeutic vinegars given above, plain malt vingar can also have surprisingly beneficial effects. The fumes of hot vinegar can be inhaled, it can be used cold on a compress to place on the temples or it can be added to herbal tea instead of lemon to cure a headache.
* Watercress vinegar Boil 600 ml (1 pint.) of vinegar with a handful of watercress and leave to stand fcr two hours. Strain, bottle and keep refrigerated. Use as malt vinegar.
* Massage oil Massage to the back of the neck on either side of the spinal column, the temples and the scalp will ease temples and the scalp will ease tension tremendously, but one of the best ways of curing a thumping headache is to massage your feet or get someone else to do it for you. The particular area to work on is where the toes join the top of the foot. Knead and stroke gently and allow your mind to wander off somewhere else – you will find that this is truly amazing. For the best results massage with one of the following essential oils in a dilution of almond oil: peppermint, rosemary, cloves, aniseed, marigold oil for the temples; wintergreen for the back of the neck. Tiger balm can be popped into a handbag or pocket and taken any where for any emergency.
* Lemon Salted lemon juice or cut lemons applied to the temple are old fashioned methods of easing the pain.
* Basil leaves These should be chewed.
* Lavender oil Take 3 drops on a cube of sugar to ease an aching head.
Soothing Teas
* Voilet, viper’s bugloss, vervain, elderflower, chamomile, lime, lavender, mignonette, valerian or marjoram tea . all these gentle, tranquillizing teas are reputed to ease a sore head.
* Camomile, mint and catnip tea One level teaspoon of each to 600 ml (1 pint) of water will cure a sick headache. One of the best home remedies for headache.
* Camomile and dandelion tea Add a generous squeeze of lemon to a cup of this tea and take for kidney and digestive problems which are causing the type of headache usually associated with overindulgence.
* Dandelion root Simmer 25g (1 oz) in 600 ml (1 pint) of water for 15 minutes. Strained and drunk warm this has a detoxifying effect on the system.
* Meadowsweet tea The flowers and leaves contain the same salicin which is found in willow and which is a component of aspirin. How much more soothing and pleasant to simmer meadowsweet in water for 10 minutes and drink three cups daily to rid oneself of a clinging headache. One of the best home remedies for headache.
* Indian tea Take without milk but with the addition of 3 cloves.
The kids are yelling. The phone’s ringing. And your husband’s complaining about work. This is more than just tension. You feel like your head’s in a vise and it’s getting tighter all the time.
Your body responds to stress in a lot of different ways, and one of the most common – and painful – is headaches. Studies show that as about 90 percent of headaches are caused by tension. It’s no wonder that people spend up to a billion dollars a year on over the counter pain pill such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
It is not only tension that can cause “tension headaches.” Despite the name, this type of headache can be caused by anything from muscle tension in the neck and shoulders to eyestrain, allergies, too much coffee, and jaw problems. Any one of these problems, or a combination of them, can cause a head-pounding, jaw-clenching headache.
Keep a cool head. If you act quickly, applying cold may stop a headache by constricting throbbing blood vessels and reducing inflammation that can lead to pain. The easiest approach is to put some ice cubes in a plastic bag, wrap that in a towel, and apply it where you hurt the most. Hold the ice in place for fifteen or twenty minutes. If you’re still hurting later on, you can repeat the treatment every few hours.
But warm up your muscles. Since many headaches are caused by these muscles the neck and shoulders, applying a heating pad or hot water bottle can be very helpful. Or simply take a hot bath or a long, steamy shower. When your muscles begin to relax, your headache should feel better, too.
Give your eyes a break. Headaches are often caused by nothing more than eyestrain – especially when you’ve been spending time in front of the computer or the television. Take a few minutes to give your eyes some rest – simply closing them for a few minutes can help relieve the pain. Or soak a towel in cool water, wring it out, and drape it over you eyes for few minutes.
Cut back on coffee. The caffeine in coffee can cause blood vessels in your head to contract and then dilate, putting pressure on tender nerves. if you suspect that coffee may be part of the problem, switch to decaffeinated tea for a few days to see if things improve.
But sip a little coffee when you take an aspirin. Aspirin is one of the best headache remedies you can find. To make it even more effective, wash it down with a little bit of coffee or cola. Researchers have found that caffeine works with aspirin to make it act more efficiently.
Take advantage of massage. Rubbing your neck shoulders and the base of your skull can quickly relax muscle tension, which may be all you need to stop a headache. The most relaxing massage, of course, is one that’s given by your spouse or a friend. But you can always do it yourself. Your muscles don’t care who gives the massage, as long as it helps relieve some of the tension.
Know what you’re eating. There are many foods and ingredients in foods that can cause headaches in some people. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), for example, is one of the worst offenders. Many restaurants are happy to prepare your meal without MSG, if you put in a request. Chemicals found in processed foods and smoked meats may also cause headaches. Even red wine can be problem for some people. So the next time a headaches strikes think about what you’ve been eating lately. There could be a connection.
Headache, in simple words, can be defined as pain in the head. Headache is not life-threatening condition but it is a clear indication that something is going wrong
