Do you have a headache at night? What to do when that headache is disturbing your sleep? If you want to know about some useful home remedies for controlling headaches, read on in this article.
Causes of Headaches
Causes of Headaches
Before treating headaches, we must first understand why they occur. Headaches are classified into two types: primary and secondary.
A primary headache occurs when there is a malfunction in the pain-sensing structure in our head. It is not a symptom or a consequence of a disease. Primary headaches are caused by changes in the chemical processes of the brain, mainly due to changes in the chemical substances (neurotransmitters) produced by the nerve fibers to transmit a signal to the nerve. Problems related to the skull, muscles, teeth, neck, and sometimes genetic factors can result in primary headaches.
Common primary headaches include:
- Cluster headaches
2.Tension headaches
Some primary headaches can be triggered by lifestyle factors, such as:
- Alcohol, especially red wine
Processed meats containing nitric acid salts
Lack of sleep
Poor posture
Not eating at the right time
Mental stress
Secondary headaches, on the other hand, are caused by the stimulation of the pain-relieving nerves in the head.
Causes of secondary headaches:
- Blood clots, stroke
Brain tumor
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Brain injury
Dehydration
Dental problems
Ear infection
Alcohol-induced drowsiness
High blood pressure
Meningitis
Some Common Headaches
Migraine is a common type of headache. It affects three times more women than men. The nature of migraine pain varies, ranging from mild to severe. It can be described as throbbing, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound. It usually affects only one side of your head. However, if left untreated, it can affect both sides of your head and last from 4 to 72 hours.
Another common type of headache is a tension headache. It affects both sides of your head, and the pain feels like a tight band around your head. The intensity of this type of headache can vary from 30 minutes to 1 week.
Cluster headaches are headaches that affect only one side of your head and the pain may come and go over a period of months.
Evidence-Based Headache Remedies
1. Cold or Warm Compresses
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For Migraines: Applying a cold pack to the neck or forehead can constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation.Studies show that cold therapy can significantly dull the “throbbing” sensation.
For Tension Headaches: A warm compress or heating pad on the back of the neck or shoulders can relax muscles that have become tight due to stress or posture.
2. Magnesium-Rich Foods or Supplements
Research suggests that magnesium deficiency is common in people who suffer from frequent migraines.
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What to do: Incorporate magnesium-rich foods like spinach, almonds, and pumpkin seeds into your diet.
Doctor’s Note: Speak with a Dofody physician before starting high-dose supplements to ensure they don’t interfere with other medications.
3. Ginger Tea
Ginger contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds. A clinical study found that ginger powder was nearly as effective as a common migraine medication (sumatriptan) in reducing pain, with fewer side effects.
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How to use: Steep fresh ginger root in boiling water for 10 minutes to create a potent, natural remedy.
4. Hydration and Electrolytes
Dehydration is one of the most common “silent” triggers for headaches.7 When the body is dehydrated, the brain can temporarily shrink from fluid loss, pulling away from the skull and causing pain.
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Tip: Drink a full glass of water at the first sign of a headache. In the Kerala climate, adding a pinch of salt and lemon (an electrolyte boost) can help rehydrate faster.8
5. Essential Oils (Peppermint and Lavender)
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Peppermint Oil: Menthol helps relax muscles and ease pain.Applying diluted peppermint oil to the temples has been shown in studies to be effective for tension headaches.
Lavender Oil: Inhaling the scent of lavender for 15 minutes during a migraine can help reduce the severity of symptoms.
When to Consult a Doctor Online for a Headache
Most headaches are “primary” headaches, meaning they are painful but not dangerous. These are perfect for a Dofody online consultation. You should book a session if:
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Frequency Increases: Your headaches are happening more often than they used to (e.g., more than twice a week).
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Routine Interruption: Over-the-counter pills are no longer helping, or the pain is making you miss work or family time.
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Predictable Patterns: You notice your headaches are linked to specific triggers like your menstrual cycle, stress, or certain foods, and you need a long-term management plan.
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Medication Guidance: You want to discuss starting a preventative protocol rather than just treating the pain when it arrives.
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Clarification: You’ve been reading about migraines or tension headaches and want a professional diagnosis from a Kerala specialist without the commute.
When to Visit a Hospital Immediately (Red Flags)
While home remedies are great for common pain, some headaches are “secondary” and indicate a medical emergency.2 Go to the nearest ER or call 108 if you experience:
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The “Thunderclap” Headache: A sudden, excruciating pain that reaches peak intensity within seconds (often described as the worst headache of your life).
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Neurological Symptoms: Slurred speech, sudden vision loss or double vision, or weakness/numbness in your arms or legs.
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High Fever and Stiff Neck: If a severe headache is accompanied by a fever and you find it difficult to touch your chin to your chest, it could be meningitis.
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After an Injury: A headache that starts or worsens after a blow to the head or a fall.
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Personality Changes: Confusion, seizures, or fainting alongside the head pain.
Conclusion
Managing a headache is about finding the right balance between natural relief and clinical expertise. Evidence-based home remedies—like ginger tea, magnesium-rich foods, and proper hydration—provide an excellent first line of defense. However, these tools are most effective when you understand your body’s signals.
By using Dofody to consult with a doctor from the comfort of your home, you can move away from “quick fixes” and toward a sustainable wellness plan. Remember, you don’t have to suffer in silence; whether it’s a lifestyle adjustment or a specialist consultation, professional help is always within reach in Kerala.
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