Common Types of Headaches and Natural Ways to Find Relief

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Do you suffer from headaches? According to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, headache disorders are among the most prevalent and disabling conditions worldwide. Each day, about 15% of the world’s population has a headache. In the average year, it has been estimated that at least 90% of the population has at least one headache. If you are one of those who deal with headaches, this article can help you determine what types of headaches you have. Learn about natural remedies, herbs, healthy lifestyle habits, and essential oils that can help.

Types of Headaches

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are one of the most common types of headaches, accounting for about 25% of all headaches. You may experience a dull, aching pain that usually affects both sides of your head. Tension headaches are often the result of muscle tension in the neck area, stress, anxiety, and even poor Posture. Regular allopathic care involves over-the-counter pain medications, heat or cold therapy, massage, and lifestyle changes.

Migraine Headaches

Migraines are some of the worst types of headaches and are often debilitating. They affect 14% of the population and usually cause severe, throbbing pain on one side of the head. Many people also experience nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances. The cause of migraines is somewhat unknown. Migraine headaches may be related to changes in blood flow and brain chemistry. Triggers can include stress, hormonal changes, lack of sleep, certain foods and their additives, bright lights, and loud noises. Migraine sufferers often benefit from over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, and lifestyle changes.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are also common and usually affect males (90%). They are very painful and have a knife-like pain behind or near the eye. The episodes can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours and can repeat several times a day over weeks. They are more common in the spring and fall during the change of seasons. Alcohol, smoking, cold or hot air blowing across the face, certain foods, and substances that dilate blood vessels can trigger them. My cousin gets these types of headaches.

Sinus headaches, hormonal headaches, and headaches you can experience due to hypertension are other common types of headaches.

What Contributes to Headaches

• Dehydration is a factor in many of the different types of headaches. Your brain requires a lot of water to remain hydrated. Many foods, like alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods, dehydrate your body. Focus on drinking 6 to 8 glasses of clean filtered water daily. Many people add mineral-rich sea salt and electrolytes to their water for better hydration.
• Allergies or sensitivities to food can trigger migraines or cluster headaches. Keep a food journal to determine what foods or additives contribute to your migraines. Common triggers or allergens include alcohol, chocolate, aged cheeses, processed meats, MSG, caffeine, fermented foods, citrus, bananas, and dried fruits with sulfites. Food sensitivities and allergies can also result from poor gut health.
• Poor Posture can cause tension in the neck muscles, so try to keep computers and cell phones at eye level. Physical therapy may be beneficial if you have poor posture.

Additional Causes

• In some traditional wellness systems, certain types of headaches are believed to be connected to sluggish digestion or liver overload. Eating bitter herbs, dark leafy greens, and sour foods may help support healthy digestion and detoxification pathways.
• Blood flow can be involved. It can be constricting, limiting the blood flow to your head. With constriction, you may feel pressure or be squeezed. Or you can have too much blood flow, leading to throbbing and pounding.
• Emotional issues such as stress, feeling overwhelmed or burdened, and suppressing your anger can all be involved.

Healthy Habits That May Help Reduce Headaches

When we uncover some of the causes of headaches, it’s easy to see how we can improve some of our habits to reduce them. The following can help:

• Focus on eating whole foods and reducing your intake of processed, chemically rich foods.
• Focus on staying hydrated and drinking 6-8 glasses of water each day.
• It’s also important to eat balanced meals with complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Eating these balanced meals will also help with blood sugar swings.
• Develop a deep-breathing routine to help manage stress and improve sleep.
• Taking time to be in nature with a daily walk during your lunch hour or after dinner is also helpful.

Natural and Herbal Remedies

Massage offers many benefits. Massaging the neck and shoulders can help relieve tension. You can also apply topical products containing capsicum or ginger to promote warmth and circulation during massage. Essential oils of Lavender, Chamomile, Peppermint, Basil, and Rosemary are also often helpful. Chiropractic adjustments may also help. The Chi Machine has helped many clients manage their headache symptoms through its relaxing, rhythmic movement, which provides benefits similar to a massage.

Natural Aspirin

Some top herbs containing salicylates (natural aspirin) are Willow Bark, Meadowsweet, and Wintergreen. They work well for reducing inflammation and easing pain, but this is only symptomatic relief. Wintergreen is also available as an essential oil, which can be added to a blend.

Top Herbs and Oils

Copaiba essential oil contains B-caryophyllene, a terpene that acts as a phytocannabinoid on CB2 receptors, modulating inflammatory reactions. This oil has neuro- and hepatic protective effects and may be helpful for various types of headaches. It can also help calm nerves and promote peace.

Feverfew is a popular natural remedy for migraine headaches. It is best taken regularly to help prevent migraines and lessen their severity. This bitter herb also helps clean the liver, relieving congestion and reducing inflammation.

Lavender benefits those of us who are highly strung and wound up. These feelings can lead to tension headaches, vision problems, and tense neck and shoulders. Lavender tea or tincture is one of the best remedies for stress headaches and the beginning of migraines. It helps reduce feelings of stress and tension and relaxes spasms.

Wood betony is a good remedy for tension and some types of migraines. It benefits those who are dealing with physical stress, facial pain, or who tend to overthink.

Ginger is a warming herb or essential oil with excellent analgesic properties. It has been found beneficial mixed with other herbs and essential oils for relieving pain, promoting circulation, relieving nausea, and helping with migraines.

These are some of the herbs, essential oils, and natural approaches that may help support headache relief alongside healthy lifestyle habits.

Many different types of headaches are often linked to stress, hydration, diet, sleep, posture, and other daily habits. Supporting your body through healthy lifestyle changes may help reduce some common headache triggers and improve overall wellness. Small daily habits can make a meaningful difference over time. Start building healthier routines that support hydration, stress management, digestion, and overall wellness with The Healthy Habits Challenge.