Are you tired of reaching for over-the-counter pain relievers every time a headache strikes? While these medications can be helpful, they may come with side effects or the risk of overuse.

If you're looking for natural alternatives to alleviate headache symptoms, you're in the right place. In this blog, we'll explore three effective natural remedies that can help you find relief from headaches.

1) Essential Oils for Soothing Headache Relief

Essential oils have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties. Two essential oils, peppermint and lavender, have gained recognition for their effectiveness in reducing headache symptoms.

Peppermint Oil: Known for its refreshing and invigorating scent, peppermint oil has shown in studies to help relieve headaches [1]. To use it, apply a drop of peppermint oil on your temples. However, be cautious not to touch your eyes, and wash your hands thoroughly after application.

Lavender Oil: Lavender oil is prized for its calming and soothing qualities. Research has shown that inhaling lavender oil can help reduce headache symptoms [2]. There are two options to try: use a diffuser to disperse the aroma throughout the room, or put a couple of drops on your palms, rub them together, and then place your hands over your mouth and nose. Take a few deep breaths to inhale the relaxing scent. You can repeat this as needed to help ease headache discomfort.

2) Yoga and Stretching for Headache Relief

Regular yoga practice has been shown in research studies to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. However, if you're currently experiencing a headache, you can try a short, targeted stretching routine to find relief.

Focus on stretching the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Tension in these areas can contribute to headaches. Here's a simple routine you can follow:

Neck stretches: Gently tilt your head from side to side and forward and backward to release tension in your neck muscles.

Shoulder rolls: Roll your shoulders in a circular motion to alleviate tension.

Upper back stretches: Stretch your arms out in front of you and round your back like a cat, then arch your back, looking up to the ceiling.

Perform these stretches slowly and mindfully, and repeat them as needed to ease headache discomfort.

We also love Yoga with Adriene on Youtube - she has a whole host of fantastic short yoga stretching routines, like this one that we love.

3) Temperature Therapy for Headache Relief

Temperature therapy, whether through cold or heat, can be a valuable tool in relieving headache pain. A significant change in temperature can impact blood vessel constriction and muscle tension, both of which are often associated with headaches.

Cold Compress: If you feel like cooling down, try using a cold compress on the neck for about 30 minutes. The cold can help reduce blood flow to the head and alleviate discomfort.

Heat Therapy: On the other hand, if you're feeling tense and tight in your upper body muscles, heat therapy may be more appealing. You can take a warm bath, use a hot water bottle, or a heating pad. Place the warm compress or pad across your shoulders and neck, then lie down and relax for about 15 minutes. This can help relax muscle tension and provide headache relief.

Remember that everyone's experience with headaches can vary, and these natural remedies may not work for everyone or in every situation. It's essential to listen to your body and find what works best for you. Additionally, if you experience chronic or severe headaches, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions, and then look at getting to the root cause.

At KOEO we work with you to get to the root of your headaches. To get started book yourself in via our booking page.

[1] Göbel H, Schmidt G, Dworschak M, Stolze H, Heuss D. Essential plant oils and headache mechanisms. Phytomedicine. 1995 Oct;2(2):93-102. doi: 10.1016/S0944-7113(11)80053-X. PMID: 23196150.

[2] Sasannejad P, Saeedi M, Shoeibi A, Gorji A, Abbasi M, Foroughipour M. Lavender essential oil in the treatment of migraine headache: a placebo-controlled clinical trial. Eur Neurol. 2012;67(5):288-91. doi: 10.1159/000335249. Epub 2012 Apr 17. PMID: 22517298.