Plants and Herbs Against Headaches

Minor headaches can leave sufferers searching for relief, but the mere mention of migraines may leave some people running for cover with bad memories of nausea, crushing head pain, as well as light and sound sensitivities. Research is unclear as to the cause of headaches, but there is generally an underlying cause, often resulting from stress, fatigue, diet or another lifestyle factor.

Migraines, however, appear to be in a class of their own. There is no medical ‘cure’ for headaches and migraines, and the most a sufferer can do is deal with the pain. There are a host of different pills to help reduce headache pain, but for a more natural approach, there are also a number of plants and herbs that will help alleviate headaches and migraines

1. Peppermint

Peppermint Photo: Gürkan Sengün commons.wikimedia.org

Peppermint is a common herb used to calm upset stomachs when consumed as a tea, but it is also a popular herb for headache pain. Instead of drinking as a tea, peppermint essential oil is applied directly to the skin in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil. Just a few drops are required, and applying the peppermint oil infused carrier oil to the forehead at the hairline helps to alleviate headaches.

2. Valerian

Valeriana officinalis Photo: Lairich Rig commons.wikimedia.org

Commonly used as a sleep aid, valerian has a sedative and relaxing effect. It seems to be particularly useful for migraines. Research is unclear exactly how it helps with migraines, but perhaps the calming effects on the central nervous system are enough to lessen the severe effects of a migraine.

3. Lavender

English Lavender Photo: Ken Irwin commons.wikimedia.org

Another popular natural headache remedy is lavender oil. The dried blossoms and buds of this distinctive smelling herb can be made into small pillows and pouches that can be laid onto your forehead. Alternatively a lavender bath is a soothing way to relieve headache pain. Lavender oil can also be inhaled when 2-4 drops are placed into 2-3 cups of boiling water, or applied topically to the forehead (similarly to peppermint oil).

4. Coriander Seeds

Coriander Photo: Novalis commons.wikimedia.org

It was common practice in some ancient cultures to use coriander seeds to treat headaches and migraines. Most commonly used as an inhalation remedy when 1 teaspoon of crushed coriander seeds are added to 2 cups of boiling water. The resulting tea can also be steeped for 10 minutes, strained, and then consumed with a small amount of sugar to sweeten the tea.

5. Feverfew

Feverfew flowers Photo: Dr Paul G Tuli commons.wikimedia.org

Feverfew is an interesting herb in that is primarily used as a preventative measure for migraines, and does not appear to be as helpful with regular headaches. As a preventative, it is suggested that sufferers of chronic migraines take daily dried leaf capsules of feverfew to help reduce the incidence of migraines.

6. Sage

Sage Photo: David Monniaux commons.wikimedia.org

Sage is particularly useful in digestive headaches after overindulgence at holiday meals, or the consumption of too much animal fat. Also useful for hormonal headaches and accompanying hot flashes. Larger doses of sage have also been successfully used to treat tension headaches, radiating from the forehead.

7. Licorice

Wild licorice Photo: Dcrjsr commons.wikimedia.org

Licorice appears to be particularly useful in kidney yin deficiencies or other headaches caused by adrenal insufficiency. However, as these are sometimes difficult to pinpoint, licorice can be a good choice if you particularly enjoy the scent. Although, licorice may not be a good choice for all headache sufferers, as it has been reported to aggravate headaches in some people.

8. Vervain

Jamaica vervain Photo: Janine commons.wikimedia.org

Vervain is a lovely purple flowering herbaceous plant. It useful herb dealing with PMS or tension headaches, as well as headaches caused by nerves or anxiety. Only a small amount of fresh plant tincture is required, alternatively, vervain can be consumed as a tea.

9. Skullcap

Blue skullcap Photo: Fritzflohrreynolds /commons.wikimedia.org

Skullcap is an herb useful in treating headaches due to extreme tension. Sufferers of extreme tension headaches may find that that they grind their teeth, suffer from jaw pain and often clench their fists as well. Skullcap works as a sedative and relaxant, and helps to reduce anxiety, thereby possibly also lessening the headaches associated with stress.

10. Ginger

Ginger Photo: Frank C. Müller commons.wikimedia.org

Ginger root has been used as a medicinal plant for centuries. It is particularly effective in helping to ease headaches to due colds, viruses and sinus infections. Ginger controls inflammation and this can greatly help to reduce the pain associated with headaches. Fresh ginger can be crushed and added to boiling water to create a tea, alternatively crushed ginger added to water can also be inhaled. Both forms work to reduce the intensity of headaches.