The key to getting rid of headaches is addressing the cause instead of masking the symptoms.

Even if you eat a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly it’s possible for headaches to still creep up on you.  Many things can cause headaches including excessive screen time, certain foods, excessive caffeine or alcohol, etc. Fortunately, there are many natural remedies that can help you get back to feeling normal without turning to pain medication.

If you start to get a headache, try to avoid computers, cell phones, and TVs if possible. Also make sure you are eating at regular and consistent intervals since a common starting point for headaches is a drop in blood sugar.

Essential oils offer many natural remedies for alleviating headaches. The two most common oils you can use to relieve headaches are peppermint and lavender oil. Peppermint can help open up the blood vessels, which will start to reduce your pain. Peppermint can also help with nausea and general pain relief. Lavender oil can help bring back a sense of calm and relaxation, which will help release the tension causing your headache. Thyme or rosemary oil can also help with headaches.

Several food items can also be a good natural remedy for headaches. Ginger and cinnamon specifically can be a great remedy. Cloves also have cooling properties that help with pain relief. Basil can also act as a natural analgesic and will relax your muscles.

Hydration is also an important part of preventing headaches so make sure you are drinking the proper amount of water on a daily basis. You can also give yoga and meditation a try for prevention and treatment. Focusing on your breathing can help relieve your headache pain by relaxing your muscles the same way oils and food items would.

These are all great solutions to try the next time you find yourself dealing with a headache. If you are getting headaches on a regular basis or the pain is worsening over time, this could be a sign that there’s something more serious going on. Make sure you seek the proper medical opinion if this is something happening with more frequency.