Headaches: natural practices & wellness

Headaches are becoming increasingly common among adults and children.They can vary in intensity and duration. Headaches can be caused or aggravated by nasal congestion, nervous stress, muscle tension, posture-related issues, and also by excessive alcohol consumption.

They can also be caused by exposure to environmental toxicity, and when digestive issues manifest.

Spending a lot of time glued to technology, and having little contact with nature, can also cause frequent headaches.

When headaches are recurrent, they may be related to allergies to certain types of foods.

General recommendations

Try to identify the cause of the frequent headaches to treat them properly.If necessary, consult your doctor.This may include reviewing aspects of your lifestyle to manage stress properly; a cause that is becoming increasingly common for those who suffer from headaches or migraines.

Avoid prolonged sun exposureIf you have a medical diagnosis that links your headaches to stress orpostural issues, I recommend visiting an osteopath and/or chiropractor. Don't rule out reviewing your diet and possible food allergies: functional medicine is ideal for this. Always and in all cases, increase your connection with nature and walking.

Movement suited to your needs - daily exercise - is essential.

Medicinal herbs

Medicinal herbs are a super effective supplement for the prevention and treatment of migraines. We need to take the other previous points into account first, and know if any of the herbs can cause interaction in case weare taking allopathic medication.

My favorite herbs chosen and the ones we study the most in herbalism to soothe and treat headaches:

Chamomile, its flowers have a sweet and mild flavor, which is suitable forthose who are sensitive to tastes. Additionally, it helps relieve digestive discomfort (which often has to do with frequent headaches).#Melissa (lemon balm) another excellent herb to take in a warm infusion.#Mint a favorite that is also digestive. I recommend taking mint in spring and summer because it is a herb that cools quite a bit. Also ideal for stomach heat.

Aromatherapy

Evidence and clinical studies have shown that various essential oils have sedative and antispasmodic effects and can help reduce the nervous tension that causes headaches.

Lavender, Roman chamomile, and lemon balm are three oils that were studied particularly.

Other excellent essential oils for treating headaches are frankincense,rosemary, and mint. These three combined with lavender are spectacularand it's the blend I prepare for my clients who suffer from migraines orheadaches. (incense, rosemary, mint, lavender)

When headaches are due to tension or muscle contractions, the blend of lavender and rose is excellent. Applied to the temples, neck, and jaws, this blend is another one I prepare for those who tend to suffer from headaches, congestion, and stress overload.

When the headache is due to allergies, nasal congestion, or frequent colds,I recommend a blend of mint and eucalyptus, which I prepare with the appropriate dilution since they are both quite intense scents.

This preparation is used on the chest, on the nape of the neck, the top of the head, and the throat. I do it with jojoba carrier oil; back; diluted inappropriate amounts to enjoy it and not be intense.

A steam (aromatic-vapor) from these two plants is incredibly effective for decongestion.

For work or home environments, I recommend a water diffuser, whereessential oils are placed.

The resulting vapor is super beneficial for all aspects of our health, including the prevention and treatment of headaches. In addition to addressing the physical aspect, essential oils acton our emotions and thoughts, so by knowing how to use them and having supreme quality, we will feel great health benefits.

Other delicious blends for the diffuser, at home or at work.

Mint and lemon

Lavender and rosemary

Chamomile and lavender

Eucalyptus and mint

A daily self-massage with macerated tulsi oil has been effective for several of my clients. I prepare it with the leaves and flowers of this incredible herb, revered by #ayurveda medicine.

Self-massage is a practice that weshould all incorporate daily due to the many benefits it brings to ourhealth, and because stress is increasingly a frequent cause of many health imbalances. If you haven't read about this yet, do it here.

And as always, the more you can be in nature, breathe fresh air, prioritize your tasks, move your body, and consciously use technology, the more positive changes you will feel in your health.

To go much deeper and find your best natural solutions for your own health, please email me at hola@nadianedelchev.com I offer you a free 30-minutes session to address your wellness, the natural way.

Nadia.