In a world inundated with quick-fix solutions, the age-old wisdom of Ayurveda stands as a beacon of holistic healing. Headaches, a common ailment plaguing many, often call for more than just a temporary reprieve. Enter Ayurvedic medicine, a system deeply rooted in ancient Indian traditions, offering a comprehensive approach to tackling headaches and their underlying causes.
In this blog series, we delve into the realm of Ayurvedic remedies specifically tailored to address headaches. From herbal formulations to dietary recommendations and lifestyle adjustments, we embark on a journey to uncover the time-tested methods that not only alleviate symptoms but also restore balance to mind, body, and spirit.
Join us as we explore the profound wisdom of Ayurveda, seeking natural solutions to one of the most prevalent yet often overlooked health concerns: headaches.
Headaches are very common and most people get them often. The main sign of a headache is pain in your head or face. There are different kinds of headaches, with tension headaches being the most common. Most headaches are not dangerous, but some can indicate a serious health problem.
Ayurvedic medicine is effective for treating headaches and preventing them from returning. Headaches can be complex and come in different types, each requiring specific treatments. Unlike other treatments, Ayurveda can completely eliminate headaches.
Sometimes, headaches can indicate serious health issues like brain tumors or strokes. The most common type is tension headaches, which cause mild to moderate pain. Severe headaches can have unknown causes. Ayurvedic treatment is helpful for those looking for relief from headaches.
Migraines are another common type of headache, lasting from 4 hours to 3 days and occurring one to four times a month. They can cause additional symptoms like sensitivity to light and noise, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Ayurveda believes migraines are due to an imbalance of Pitta and Vata. Ayurvedic treatment is considered the best way to heal migraines.
What is a headache?
Headaches are very common and most people get them often. The main sign of a headache is pain in your head or face. There are different kinds of headaches, with tension headaches being the most common. Most headaches are not dangerous, but some can indicate a serious health problem
Ayurvedic View of Headache
In Ayurveda, a headache happens when too much pitta (a type of energy) builds up in the digestive system and spills over into the bloodstream. This extra pitta then reaches the brain, causing blood vessels to expand. This expansion leads to the hot, sharp, and spreading pain typical of headaches.
Everyone has a mix of three energies: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. One or two of these energies usually dominate our lives. This balance can change with the seasons, stages of life, and other transitions. During these times, like monthly hormonal changes, menopause, or moving to a new place, the energies (doshas) can become unbalanced. This imbalance can make changes feel harder. While all three doshas can cause headaches, Pitta is often the main culprit. Headaches are usually seen as an imbalance in Pitta, but Vata and Kapha can also play a role. Preventing and treating headaches in Ayurveda involves rebalancing these energies in a holistic way.
In Ayurveda, headaches are seen as a symptom of imbalances in the body’s doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, with Vata usually being the primary one affected.
Types of Headaches in Ayurveda
1. Ardhaavabheda: Pain on one side of the head.
2. Anantavaata: Classical migraine.
3. Suryavatra: Morning headache.
Causes of Headaches in Ayurveda
1. Constipation
2. Indigestion
3. Eating polluted (e.g., GMO) foods
4. Consuming oily and spicy foods
5. Stress, sadness, anger
6. Eating too much dry and salty food
7. Excess pungent food
8. Suppressing natural urges
Ayurvedic practitioners use examinations (Rogi Pariksha) and questions to find the root cause and dosha imbalance.
Types of Headaches and Remedies According to Ayurveda
Vata Headache
Symptoms: Throbbing, pulsating pain, feeling of a tight band around the head, neck and shoulder tension, mental stress, irregular sleep, possible constipation, unresolved fear or anxiety.
Remedies:
1. Drink warm water and eat ghee (clarified butter).
2. Use warm sesame oil (5 drops in each nostril).
3. Get massages to relieve tension.
4. Ensure deep rest and relaxation, including naps.
Pitta Headache
Symptoms: Starts in the temples, spreads to the center of the head, shooting/burning pain, nausea, worsened by bright light, heat, sour or spicy foods, associated with stomach issues like indigestion or heartburn.
Remedies:
1. Avoid spicy, salty, and fried foods.
2. Eat cooling foods like cucumbers, watermelon, cilantro, and dates.
3. Massage scalp and feet with warm coconut or brahmi oil.
4. For migraines, put a few drops of ghee in each nostril before bed.
5. Rest and slow down your schedule.
Kapha Headache
Symptoms: Common in Winter and Spring, occurs when waking up or going to bed, often with cough or runny nose, worsens when lying down or bending over, heavy and dull feeling in the face and head, similar to sinus headaches.
Remedies:
1. Use a neti pot daily with salt to open sinuses.
2. Drink hot ginger tea and consume spices like black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. Inhale eucalyptus steam to relieve sinus pressure.
Types of Headaches
There are more than 150 types of headaches, which fall into two main categories: primary and secondary.
1. Primary Headaches
A. Caused by over-activity or issues with pain-sensitive parts of the head, not by another medical condition.
B. Some people are genetically more likely to have these headaches.
Types include:
A. Tension-type headaches (most common).
B. Migraines.
C. Cluster headaches.
D. New daily persistent headaches (NDPH).
Triggers can include:
A. Alcohol (especially red wine).
B. Certain foods (like processed meats with nitrates).
C. Nicotine.
D. Changes in sleep or lack of sleep.
E. Poor posture.
F. Physical activity (exercise).
G. Skipping meals.
H. Coughing, sneezing, or laughing hard.
Primary headaches aren’t dangerous but can be very painful and disruptive.
2. Secondary Headaches
o Caused by another medical condition.
Non-dangerous types include:
A. Dehydration headaches.
B. Sinus headaches.
C. Medication overuse headaches.
Serious types include:
Spinal headaches:
o Intense headaches from spinal fluid leaks, often after a spinal tap.
o Can be treated at home but may lead to severe complications if untreated.
Thunderclap headaches:
o Very sudden and severe headaches.
o Can indicate serious issues like head injury, brain bleed, or high blood pressure.
o Requires immediate medical attention.
Headache and a Migraine?
A migraine is a kind of headache, but it has special features.
Migraines are a common brain condition that cause strong, pulsing headaches usually on one side of the head. They get worse with movement, bright lights, loud sounds, or strong smells, and they can last from a few hours to several days.
What causes a headache?
A headache happens when signals from your brain, blood vessels, and nearby nerves interact. This activates nerves that affect muscles and blood vessels, sending pain signals to your brain, which causes the headache. Main Cause of Normal headache are
Anxiety: People with anxiety can have migraines or constant tension headaches.
Depression: Depression can cause headaches. Studies show tension headaches are connected to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Smoking: Nicotine makes your blood vessels narrower, reducing blood flow to your brain, which can cause migraines.
Alcohol intake: Drinking too much alcohol can cause headaches.
Symptoms of Serious Headache
Seek medical care immediately if you or your child has any of the following headache symptoms:
1. A sudden, severe headache.
2. Headache with fever, shortness of breath, stiff neck, or rash.
3. Headache after a head injury or accident.
4. A new type of headache after age 55.
Also, get medical help right away if the headache comes with:
1. Weakness.
2. Dizziness.
3. Sudden loss of balance or falling.
4. Numbness or tingling.
5. Paralysis.
6. Speech problems.
7. Confusion.
8. Seizures.
9. Personality changes or odd behavior.
10. Vision problems (blurry vision, double vision, or blind spots).
Ayurvedic Medicine for Headache
It is undeniably difficult to stay present and joyful when it feels like your head is going to explode. Sometimes we can attribute a pounding headache with the binge-watching that kept us up all night, or maybe it was that 3rd glass of wine or bag of salty potato chips. But there are other times when our headaches seem like a total mystery.
The traditional Ayurveda healers, or Vaidyas, would say your headache is a wake up call. And while it is our intention to relieve this suffering it is also an opportunity to take a deeper look into our physical body as well as our current emotional state.
There are many types of head and facial pain that fall under the category of headache. For most of us, headaches come and go, and we often can figure out the trigger (certain foods, outdoors in cold or heat, nervousness, etc). Not all headaches are an issue, but for recurrent ones, or headaches that are severe in nature, we need to pay attention and determine the root cause. Here are some ayurvedic medicinal herbs for headach.
Ginger
Ginger is a helpful remedy for headaches as it reduces inflammation in the blood vessels of the scalp. To benefit from ginger, you can mix equal parts of ginger juice and lemon juice and drink this mixture twice a day. Another method is to create a paste using a teaspoon of dried ginger powder and two tablespoons of water. Apply this paste to your forehead and leave it on for a few minutes to help alleviate headache symptoms.
Marigold
Marigold tea is another effective remedy due to its pain-relieving properties. You can prepare marigold tea and, if desired, add honey to enhance its taste and benefits.
Lavender
Lavender oil is known for its soothing scent, which helps relieve stress-induced headaches. You can inhale the aroma by placing a few drops of lavender oil on a tissue or clean towel. Another method is to add two drops of lavender oil to boiling water and inhale the steam. Additionally, applying a mixture of two or three drops of lavender oil with a tablespoon of almond or olive oil to the forehead can provide relief from headaches.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is also a great remedy for headaches. You can grind cinnamon and mix it with water to make a thick paste. Apply this paste to your forehead and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
Cloves
Cloves offer cooling and pain-relieving properties that can help with headaches. You can mix two drops of clove oil with one tablespoon of coconut oil and a pinch of salt, then apply this mixture to your forehead. Alternatively, smelling the aroma of cloves wrapped in a blanket or clean towel can reduce headache symptoms.
Basil
Basil leaves are beneficial for headaches as well. Boil three or four basil leaves in a cup of water and let it sit for a few minutes. You can add honey if you prefer. Chewing a few mint leaves or applying a mixture of mint oil and coconut oil to the forehead can also help relax muscles and relieve minor headaches caused by muscle tension.
Boswellia
Boswellia, also known as Indian Frankincense, originates from the Boswellia tree found in regions like India and the Middle East. Esteemed in ancient times, it holds compounds that aid in reducing inflammation and pain. While it pairs well with turmeric for pain relief, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness against headaches, though a small study suggests potential for cluster headache relief.
Passionflower
Passionflower, flourishing in the southern United States, has been a traditional remedy for calming nerves and improving sleep. Recent studies indicate its promising role in alleviating nerve pain, possibly by supporting key brain functions. Additionally, it shows potential for reducing headaches and improving sleep quality, making it a versatile herb worth exploring further.
Chamomile
Chamomile, a widely recognized calming herb, boasts a rich history of aiding in digestion, stress relief, and sleep promotion. Its anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to various beneficial compounds, suggest potential benefits for headache management, especially when applied topically. Despite variations in preferred forms like teas or essential oils, chamomile remains a versatile option for those seeking natural remedies for various ailments.
Butterbur:
Butterbur, named for its large leaves used to wrap butter, is a shrub found in Europe and Asia. It’s been traditionally used to treat various health issues like coughs and fevers. Most commonly, it’s used for headaches and migraines. Butterbur contains petasins, which have anti-inflammatory properties and widen blood vessels, potentially reducing migraine attacks. However, it’s important to ensure that butterbur supplements are free of harmful chemicals like PAs (pyrrolizidine alkaloids) to avoid liver, lung, and circulation issues.
Dong Quai:
Dong Quai, also known as Angelica Sinensis, is a perennial plant found in high mountain regions of Japan, China, and Korea. In Chinese cuisine, it’s used as a spice. The root of Dong Quai is thick and light brown, and it’s used to treat various conditions. It contains anti-inflammatory properties and acts as an anticoagulant, potentially helping with migraines by widening blood vessels. However, caution is advised due to potential side effects like skin rash and increased sun sensitivity, and it’s recommended to consult a doctor before use.
Feverfew:
Feverfew has been used for centuries to treat fevers and migraines. It contains parthenolide, which reduces pain and nausea associated with migraines. However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, children under two, individuals with diabetes or liver issues, or those taking anticoagulants due to potential adverse effects.
Lemon Balm:
Lemon Balm is an easy-to-grow herb known for relieving migraine symptoms by soothing the nervous and digestive systems. It acts as a vasodilator, widening blood vessels to reduce head pressure. Making a tincture with Lemon Balm and Feverfew may help alleviate migraine symptoms.
Valerian:
Valerian is a wildflower known for treating sleep problems, anxiety, and stress. While it may not directly help with migraines, it can prevent them by reducing stress levels. Consulting a medical professional before using valerian is recommended, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals or those taking other migraine medications.
Rosemary:
Rosemary is commonly used in essential oils and lotions. It’s been studied for its effectiveness in reducing migraines by reducing stress and anxiety, thus relaxing muscle tension. Applying rosemary directly to painful areas like the temples, forehead, or neck may help alleviate migraine symptoms.
Skullcap:
Skullcap, belonging to the mint family, has sedative effects on nerves, resulting in muscle relaxation. It’s used to lessen headaches and migraines associated with stress, anxiety, and tension. It’s important to ensure that natural herbs are purchased from reputable sources to avoid harmful substitutes like germander.
Cayenne:
Cayenne peppers contain capsaicin, which can dull pain signals to the brain. Consuming cayenne regularly or applying a cayenne powder and water mixture inside the nostrils may help prevent and alleviate migraine headaches.
Home Remedies for Headache
Headache is a common pain in the head that many people get often. It happens when we’re stressed or tense. We see our friends and family getting headaches too. Usually, people don’t go to the doctor for headaches. There are lots of reasons for headaches, and each one can have different signs. But there are easy things you can do at home to feel better. Different types of headaches need different treatments. It’s important to take headaches seriously because they can lead to other serious illnesses. Here are some home remedies for headch.
Clove Remedy:
To alleviate headaches quickly at home, cloves can be a potent remedy. Begin by crushing five cloves into a fine powder. Next, bring a glass of water to a boil and add the crushed cloves. Let the mixture simmer until the water reduces to half its original quantity. Once done, strain the liquid and stir in half a spoon of sugar until it dissolves completely. Allow the mixture to cool until it’s comfortably warm to drink. This concoction is renowned for providing instant relief from headaches.
Ginger and Basil Tea:
Ginger and basil, when combined in a soothing tea, offer a natural remedy for headaches. Start by boiling a cup of water and adding eight basil leaves along with grated ginger. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes before pouring it into a cup. Allow the tea to cool for about five minutes before consuming it. For effective relief, drink this tea two to three times a day.
Neem and Turmeric Mix:
A mixture of neem leaves and turmeric powder, along with other ingredients, can work wonders in alleviating headaches. Simply mix a few neem leaves, a pinch of turmeric powder, two amla balls, and grated ginger in a glass of water. Boil the mixture until it blends well. Once ready, drink the warm concoction to experience instant relief from headaches.
Lavender Oil Massage:
For a more tactile approach to headache relief, consider a soothing massage with lavender oil. Gently massage your forehead and temples with a blend of lavender oil and sesame oil. This simple act can help alleviate tension and promote relaxation, providing relief from headaches.
Beetroot, Cucumber, and Carrot Juice:
A refreshing blend of beetroot, cucumber, and carrot juice can offer relief from headaches. Mix equal parts of beetroot juice, cucumber juice, and carrot juice. Consuming this mixture can help alleviate headaches and provide a refreshing boost of nutrients.
These home remedies, when used individually or in combination, can provide effective relief from headaches without the need for medication. Additionally, incorporating lifestyle adjustments such as maintaining proper hydration, managing stress levels, and ensuring adequate rest can further contribute to long-term headache prevention.
Herbal Teas for Headaches
If you get headaches, herbal teas can help. They have natural ingredients that can relieve pain and make you feel better. Some herbs like willow bark, peppermint, lavender, feverfew, and ginger are good for headaches.
Headaches can be caused by different things like viruses, bad posture, eye strain, not drinking enough water, stress, or low blood sugar. Most headaches aren’t serious and will go away on their own. But they can still be really painful, especially if you can’t rest.
Some people prefer natural remedies for headaches instead of taking pills. Herbal teas are a good option. They can also help you relax and hydrate if your headache is from stress or not drinking enough water.
Here are some herbs that are good for headaches:
1. Willow Bark: It’s like nature’s aspirin. It helps with pain and inflammation.
2. Peppermint: It’s calming and can reduce tension headaches.
3. Lavender: It’s relaxing and has been proven to help with headaches.
4. Feverfew: It’s good for fevers and headaches. It can also prevent migraines.
5. Ginger: It relieves pain, reduces inflammation, and helps with nausea.
These herbs can be made into tea to help with headaches. They’re natural and can make you feel better without pills.
Primary Tips for Headache
A headache is when your head hurts. It can feel mild or intense. Many people don’t think headaches are a big deal, but they’re actually quite common all over the world. Headaches can happen because of stress from work or family, not getting enough sleep, spending too much time in front of screens like laptops, or having a condition like insomnia. When people have a headache, they often take certain medicines without a doctor’s advice, which can cause side effects and other problems. To learn more about headaches, it helps to know about the different types.
Here are some simple tips for dealing with headaches:
1. Don’t drink alcohol.
2. Stop smoking and using tobacco.
3. Use your phone, TV, and computer less.
4. Avoid loud music or sounds.
5. Go to bed early.
6. Get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
7. Sleep in a comfortable position.
8. Try to relax and reduce stress.
9. Drink herbal tea.
10. Stick to a daily routine.
11. Drink plenty of water, at least 8 glasses a day.
12. Limit how much caffeine you have.
13. Pay less attention to your surroundings.
14. Do things you enjoy.
15. Eat healthy foods.
16. Try doing yoga to help with headaches.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Headaches
Shirovasti:
This treatment involves holding oil on the head using a special cap. It is very effective for treating migraines and chronic headaches.
Ksheera Dhara:
This treatment involves pouring herbal milk on the forehead or over the whole body. It helps with headaches, insomnia, and mental irritability.
Abhyanga:
In this therapy, the entire body is massaged with warm, herbal oils for 45 minutes. It is good for treating osteoarthritis, body aches, migraines, and obesity.
Yoga Asans for Headache
These are some yoga poses that might help you if you get headaches often. It’s good to do them every day to stop headaches before they start. But if you need to take pain pills, that’s okay too. They can help, but it’s better to stop headaches from happening in the first place.
1. Bend forward with your legs straight or wide apart. Hang your head down and let your upper back and neck relax. Take 20 deep breaths. But don’t do this if you’re pregnant, and if you feel dizzy, stop.
2. Gently lean your head to one side, reaching with the opposite hand. Hold for 30 breaths.
3. Stretch your shoulders. Cross your elbows in front of you, reach behind your back with one hand, and hold. Or try putting one hand between your shoulder blades and reaching around with the other hand. Another option is to clasp your hands behind your back and open your chest.
4. Arch your back like a cat and then drop your head like a lion. Repeat a few times to ease spine tension.
5. Bend forward with your elbows bent and your hands together behind your head.
These poses can help relieve tension and prevent headaches.
In conclusion, Ayurvedic medicine offers a holistic approach to managing headaches by addressing the root causes rather than just treating the symptoms. Through the use of herbs, dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and stress management techniques, Ayurveda aims to restore balance to the body and mind, thus alleviating headache pain and preventing future occurrences. While individual experiences may vary, incorporating Ayurvedic principles into your daily routine may provide long-lasting relief and overall well-being. However, it’s essential to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before beginning any new treatment regimen to ensure it’s tailored to your specific needs and health conditions.
Reference
https://easyayurveds.com/ayurvedic-medicine-for-diarrhea/Medicinal Plants for skin Burns
Medicinal Plants for Hair Health
30 Medicinal Herbs For your Home
50 Medicinal Plants for Inflammation
50 Medicinal Plants Used as Spices In Nepal
Medicinal Plants for Penis Size Enlargement
Medicinal Plants for Skin diseases
Medicinal Plants for High Blood Pressure
Medicinal Plants For Diabetes (High Blood Sugar)
MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS LISTS OF NEPAL
Medicinal Plants Of Nepal ! Genetics, Classification, Preservation, and Applications
100 Rare Medicinal Plants of Karnali Nepal! Impossible to Find Other place.
Top 25 Medicinal Plants For Boosting Memory and Treating Alzheimer
Top 15 Expensive Medicinal Plants of Nepal! Numerous Among Them Are Uncommon Globally
Shashwot Khadka Songs Lyrics and Chords
Samir Shrestha’s Top Songs Lyrics And Chords
Nepali Song Lyrics And Chords of Prabesh Kumar Shreshta
All Songs Lyrics Of Wangden Sherpa
Top 10 Ankita Pun Songs with Lyrics and Chords
Strum Along: Top 24 Sushant KC Songs with Lyrics and Chords
Famous Nepali Poems of Sarita Tiwari सरिता तिवारीका कबिताहरु
Famous Nepali Poems Of Man Prasad Subba मन प्रसाद सुब्बाका कबिताहरु
Top Poems Of Dinesh Adhikari दिनेश अधिकारीका कबिताहरु
Best Poems Of Prakash Sayemi प्रकाश सायमीका कबिताहरु
Famous 10 Poem Of Siddhicharan Shrestha
Best Nepali Poem OF SaruBhakta सरुभक्तका कबिताहरु
100 Nepali Famous Haiku Poem In Nepali
Arjun Parajuli ka Nepali Kabitaharu
Some Nepali Poem Of Shekhar Dhungel शेखर ढुङ्गेलका कबिताहरु
Some Poem Of Motiram Bhatta मोतिराम भट्टका केही कबिताहरु
Some Poem Of Lekhanath Paudel लेखनाथ पौडेलका केही कबिताहरु
25 Famous Poem Of Gopal Prasaad Rimal गोपाल प्रशाद रिमालका केही कबिताहरु
Some poem of Kali Prasad Rijal काली प्रसाद् रिजालका केही कबिताहरु
Some Famous Poem Of Bhinidhi Tiwari भिमनिधी तिवारीका केही कबिताहरु
Top Poem Of Madhabh Prashad Ghimire राष्ट्रकबी माधव प्रशाद घिमिरेका कबिताहरु
10 Famous Nepali Poem Of Mahakabi Laxmi Prashad Devkota
Exploring the Literary Legacy: Bhanubhakta Acharya and His Top Ten Poems In nepali
11 types of poetry with Beautiful Short Nepali Poem
Ten Nepali Poems with English Translations for Poetry Enthusiasts Worldwide
The history of Nepali Poem And famous poets of Nepal
I am searching the reason of headache and i am satisfies reading this blog https://Www.nepalayurveds.com
I visit every day some web pages and information sites to read
articles, but this webpage provides qualiity based articles. https://Www.nepallyrics.com