Having a headache can range from being a mere nuisance to a disabling event. If you suffer from frequent headaches, you’re not alone. According to the National Headache Foundation, more than 45 million people in the United States experience chronic, recurring headaches. Included in this alarming number are 28 million sufferers of migraines. Headaches don’t only affect adults. Approximately 20 percent of kids and teens get them too.
Headaches cause more absences from work and school than any other condition. Many headache sufferers seek solace from both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Unfortunately, some of these medicines can cause uncomfortable, serious side effects or become addictive. Thankfully, a natural alternative exists, herbs. The following herbs can cure headaches fast.
Willow Bark
The medicinal use of willow bark dates back to the era of Hippocrates around 400 B.C. At this time, people believed chewing on willow bark helped to diminish fevers and inflammation. It’s been used throughout the centuries in China and Europe.
The bark of the white willow tree consists of salicin. Salicin is a chemical similar to aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid. When combined with willow bark’s powerful anti-inflammatory plant compounds, referred to as flavonoids, salicin is felt to be responsible for the pain-diminishing and anti-inflammatory effects of this herbal remedy. Interestingly, salicin was utilized in the development of aspirin in the 1800’s.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, research suggests willow bark is as effective as aspirin for alleviating pain and inflammation. Even more compelling, you may require a much lower dose of willow bark than aspirin to feel better. In addition to headaches, willow bark is used to treat low back pain, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis.
Ginger
Native to Asia, the Chinese have utilized ginger for more than 2,000 years. Indian and Arabic medicines have also contained ginger since ancient times. Ginger is touted for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
A 2014 research study conducted by Maghbooli M, Golipour F, Moghimi Esfandabadi A, and Yousefi M discovered that ginger powder’s benefits were comparable to those of sumatriptan, a popular prescription drug for migraines. The patients in the experiment who took ginger powder also suffered less side effects than those who consumed sumatriptan. Besides headaches, ginger has been utilized as a remedy for stomach pain, arthritis, nausea, neurological problems, and cold and flu symptoms.
Linden
European and Native American cultures have used the blossoms of the linden tree, also referred to as lime tree or Tilia, in medicinal teas. Believed to possess sweat-producing and sedative properties, linden has been utilized to ease sinus and tension headaches, induce sleep, and calm the mind. The flowers of this tree have also been used to decrease both nasal congestion and blood pressure levels.
Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle originated in Asia. Japanese honeysuckle began being cultivated in North America in the 1800’s. This plant’s leaves, stems, and flowers are thought to possess anti-inflammatory powers that can provide pain relief comparable to aspirin. It may be a viable solution for migraine pain. Honeysuckle is also believed to have anticancer and antimicrobial properties.
Butterbur
Butterbur is a plant located in wet, marshy areas of Asia, Europe, and North America. People once wrapped butter to preserve it with the leaves of this plant during the hotter months of the year. This practice is how butterbur got its name. People have used butterbur throughout history to cure a variety of conditions such as headaches, asthma, cough, allergies, fever, and gastrointestinal issues. Dioscurides, a Greek physician, originally utilized butterbur to treat skin ulcers.
Headache, including migraine, sufferers often take the pill form of butterbur’s purified root extract, Petasites. A 2012 research study published in Neurology validates conclusions from other studies that Petasites can prevent migraines when you consume two 50 to 75 milligram doses daily.
Catnip
Catnip is an effective sedative that can help you diminish stress and relax. This herb is thought to be able to relive the pain of headaches, even migraines. However, you might need to take a significant infusion to completely alleviate a severe migraine.
Because headaches can be so unpredictable and disrupting, possessing effective, safe solutions to your pain is crucial. If avoiding both prescription and over-the-counter medications is at the top of your priority list, consider trying one or more of the aforementioned herbal headache remedies when your next pain strikes.
Before utilizing herbs for medicinal purposes, you should read all instruction labels carefully. Some herbs aren’t suitable for people with certain allergies or other medical conditions to take. Herbs can also interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Therefore, consult with your trusted doctor before using any new herbs.
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