Over 75% of the world’s adult population can expect at least one headache over the next year. Headaches are – well, a real headache. Significant absenteeism from work and school is due to headaches. Those unfortunate to suffer from frequent headaches or even migraines, may become depressed or anxious.
Headaches can take a toll on relationships and personal accomplishments.
There are over 150 types of headaches, which fall into two main categories: primary and secondary.
Primary Headache
A primary headache is just a headache and not caused by any sort of underlying disease. Tension headaches are the most common type of primary headache. Migraine and cluster headaches are also considered primary headaches. According to the Mayo Clinic, a primary headache is caused by overactivity of or problems with pain-sensitive structures in your head.
Chemical activity in your brain, the nerves or blood vessels surrounding your skull, or the muscles of your head and neck (or some combination of these factors) can play a role in primary headaches. Some people may also carry genes that make them more likely to develop such headaches.
Secondary Headache
A secondary headache is a symptom of a disease that can activate the pain-sensitive nerves of the head. Causes may include:
- Acute sinusitis
- Concussion
- Dehydration
- Ear infection
- Hangover
- COVID-19
- High blood pressure
- Brain tumor
Medicinal Plants That May Help
There are several medicinal plants with proven benefits for relieving the pain associated with headaches. But it’s important to match the plant with the type of headache you’re having.
For example, if you suffer from the common tension headache, consider these medicinal plants:
PASSIONFLOWER – Some researchers believe that passionflower may increase levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical the brain makes to help regulate mood. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter – it counters neurotransmitters that cause excitement, and so it may have a calming effect – including reduction of common headache pain. Passionflower is available as a tea, capsule, tablet and liquid extracts.
CHAMOMILE – Normally taken as a tea,chamomile is a soothing herbal tea for when you have a headache. Chamomile has also been shown to help lessen stress and anxiety, often a contributing factor to headaches.
GINGER – Another possible headache squasher, ginger is available in tea form, capsules and ginger water. Most people can also receive health benefits from consuming small quantities of fresh or dried ginger root. Do not combine ginger supplements with blood thinners because of potential drug interactions.
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For more severe headaches, like migraines, the following medicinal plants are strongly recommended by herbalists:
FEVERFEW – This little white flower with a big yellow heart has been used for centuries for migraine and severe headache relief. According to research, 50-150 mg of feverfew powder can be taken once daily for up to four months. You can also buy feverfew tea at Walmart among other places. Be warned that this tea has a bitter taste. Feverfew is not recommended for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
BUTTERBUR – Research indicates that butterbur extract may reduce the number of migraine headaches by almost half. This root extract is generally taken over 16 weeks and can reduce the number and severity of migraine headaches and the length of time they last. The extract is available through Amazon.
PEPPERMINT – A soothing cup of peppermint tea can help with both tension and migraine headaches. Peppermint oil and its active ingredient, menthol, is available in liquid capsule form. A 2010 study published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice found that menthol was effective at stopping migraine pain and easing nausea when applied to the forehead and temples in a 10% solution.
Note: As with all medicinal plants, it’s best to first discuss their possible use with your health professional. Allergies and other conditions (especially if pregnant or breastfeeding) could result in side effects.
