Headaches are most often tension headaches caused by anxiety, nervous tension, eyestrain, poor posture, or tight muscles in the shoulders, neck, or head. Headaches also occur as a symptom of a wide variety of conditions, including colds and flus, PMS, allergies, and digestive problems. Migraine headaches are caused by an expansion of blood vessels in the head and often cause severe pain, usually on one side of the head, that may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Relaxation techniques such as biofeedback training, yoga, and deep breathing can help prevent and relieve both tension and migraine headaches. Chiropractic Care Nutrition and Supplements Herbal Remedies Homeopathic Remedies Essential Oils Chiropractic Care  coming soon BACK TO MENU Nutrition and Supplements Certain foods can trigger headaches (particularly migraines) in some people and should be avoided. These include chocolate, caffeinated beverages, aged cheeses, alcohol, aspartame (NutraSweet), and foods containing nitrates, sulfites, and monosodium glutamate (MSG). Hangovers and caffeine withdrawal are frequent causes of diet-related headaches. Some common nutrients used to treat or prevent headaches include: calcium and magnesium, in a 2:1 ratio (for example, 1,000 mg calcium and 500 mg magnesium): to help relax tight muscles that may be contributing to headaches essential fatty acids, 250-1,000 mg daily: for their anti-inflammatory effect niacin, 50-100 mg: increases circulation; take with a balanced vitamin B complex for best results coenzyme Q10, 30-60 mg daily: to increase oxygenation BACK TO MENU Herbal Remedies Take either of the following herbs for headache pain relief. Both contain salicin, an aspirin-like compound. A common dosage is 1/2 teaspoon of tincture three to four times daily: white willow bark meadowsweet Also use any of the following herbs to help reduce the nervous tension that frequently contributes to headaches. A common dosage is 1/2-1 teaspoon of tincture, 1 cup of tea, or two capsules three to four times daily. valerian passionflower skullcap chamomile According to several studies, some headache sufferers may benefit from taking the following herb because of its ability to increase cerebral blood flow: ginkgo, 40 mg of a standardized extract containing 24 percent ginkgo heterosides, three times per day The following herb has been found to prevent migraines when taken regularly: feverfew, 25 mg of the freeze-dried leaves twice a day BACK TO MENU Homeopathic Remedies Common single remedies for headaches include: Belladonna: for a pounding, throbbing headache accompanied by fever and dilated pupils Bryonia: for an acute frontal headache that may be accompanied by constipation Nux vomica: for hangover-type headaches Combination remedies often include these single remedies along with others such as Aconite, Arsenicum, Gelsemium, and Ipecacuanha. BACK TO MENU Essential Oils The most effective applications of essential oils for headaches include massage or compresses to the forehead, temples, neck, and shoulders. Use any of the following essential oils: chamomile: analgesic, nerve sedative lavender: analgesic, antispasmodic, nervine peppermint: analgesic, antispasmodic, nervine PAGE TOP Powered by ProfessionalPlanets.com™ Copyright 1999 © ProfessionalPlanets.com™ All rights reserved. Terms of Use