Headache is very common, but it can be relieved without medication, thanks to simple measures such as putting cold compresses on your forehead, especially if the cause of the headache is stress, poor diet, tiredness or anxiety, for example.
Most of the time the headache happens with just these simple measures, but when it is constant does not improve over time or when accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, discomfort, vomiting and excessive fatigue, it is important to see the doctor. to test the cause of the pain and proper treatment.
Here are some tips to help relieve headaches without medication
Depending on the cause of the headache, the use of hot or cold compresses may be indicated to relieve pain. The compress should be applied to the head where the pain is felt, for example in the neck or forehead, for about 10 to 20 minutes.
Cold compresses are usually indicated when headaches are migraine-specific, i.e. when they are constant and, in some cases, accompanied by other symptoms. Therefore, compressing with cold water helps tighten the blood vessels of the head and decrease the volume of blood in the area, relieving pain.
On the other hand, warm water compresses are indicated when the headache is tension, that is, triggered by stress. In this case, in addition to heating the compress, you can also bathe in hot water, as this helps dilate the blood vessels and relax the body, bringing a momentary relief from the headaches.
Therefore, it is important that the cause of the headache be identified to determine if it is best to make a hot or cold compress. Learn how to identify types of headaches.
A strong cup of sugar-free coffee also helps to naturally combat headaches, being useful even in the event of a hangover. However, it is important to know the person’s tolerance to caffeine, because in some cases, drinking coffee can increase headaches, in the case of people who already have migraines, or have no effect.
It is also important to drink many fluids during the day, as headache can also be a sign of dehydration.
Head massage is ideal for relieving headaches as it mobilizes blood flow, reduces pain and helps you relax. The massage should be performed with the fingertips, massaging the forehead, neck and side of the head. Discover the step-by-step massage to relieve the headache by watching the following video:
Headaches often indicate that your body needs rest, so a good night’s sleep can help relieve headaches. To do this, it is important to respect the time to fall asleep, avoid staying on the phone or watch TV at rest and create a dark environment, so it is possible to stimulate sleep and allow you to reach the last phase of sleep, which is responsible for a greater feeling of rest.
Discover other tips for getting a good night’s sleep
If the headache doesn’t go away with the steps above, you can drink 1 cup of ginger tea, as it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help relieve headache. Simply place 2 cm of ginger root in a cup of water, boil for 5 minutes, filter, cool and drink. Discover other home remedies options for headaches.
It is recommended to see your doctor if your headache does not improve or worsen after following the above advice, if it lasts longer than 3 days, or if the person has other symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, general discomfort, nausea. vomiting, for example.
In these cases, your doctor may order tests to try to identify the cause of your headache and guide appropriate treatment, which can be done with pain relievers, anti-inflammatory or antibiotics, if necessary.
Some foods can also aggravate headaches and should be avoided, as in the case of ready-to-eat foods, due to excess additives and pepper. On the other hand, others help to alleviate, as in the case of fish, seeds and nuts, for example. To find out which foods improve or aggravate your headache, watch the video below: