For those looking to alleviate headaches naturally, several effective remedies can provide relief:
1. Hydration: Dehydration is a common cause of headaches. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can prevent and relieve headaches. If you feel a headache coming on, try drink as much water as you can stomach.
2. Essential Oils: Peppermint and lavender oils are known for their headache-relieving properties. Applying diluted oil to the temples or inhaling the scent can help reduce headache symptoms.
3. Herbal Teas: Ginger tea and chamomile tea have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help alleviate headaches. A spring of rosemary steeped in boiled water is also a wonderful way to help relieve a headache.
4. Magnesium: Low magnesium levels can contribute to headaches, particularly migraines. Increasing magnesium intake through supplements or magnesium-rich foods (like spinach, almonds, and avocados) can be beneficial.
5. Acupressure: Applying pressure to specific points on the body, such as the web of skin between the thumb and index finger (LI-4 point), can help relieve headache pain.
6. Regular Sleep: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can prevent headaches triggered by sleep deprivation or irregular sleep patterns.
7. Stress Management: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help reduce stress, a common trigger for headaches.
8. Dietary Adjustments: Avoiding common headache triggers can help reduce the frequency of headaches. Caffeine. Alcohol, especially red wine. Foods made with nitrates such as pepperoni, hot dogs and lunch meats. Foods containing tyramine such as aged cheeses. Skipping meals. Sensory stimulation such as bright lights.
9. Ginger: Consuming ginger, either in tea or supplements, can reduce inflammation and provide relief from headache symptoms.
A warm drink before bed is a good remedy for both a good nights sleep and for fighting off a headache. Warm plant based milk is best, with a teaspoon of a spice mix which includes turmeric, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon and honey.
A useful recipe to keep
Homemade Almond Milk Recipe
Ingredients:
– 1 cup raw almonds
– 4 cups water (plus more for soaking)
– 1-2 dates (optional, for sweetness)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
– Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Soak the Almonds:
– Place the raw almonds in a bowl and cover them with water.
– Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. This softens the almonds and makes them easier to blend. This also reduces the phytic acid levels, an anti-nutrient that can impede the absorption of essential minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium. By soaking the almonds, these minerals become more bioavailable ensuring better absorption. (I don’t know whether you would like to add this).
2. Drain and Rinse:
– After soaking, drain and rinse the almonds thoroughly under cool running water.
3. Blend the Almonds:
– Place the soaked almonds into a blender.
– Add 4 cups of fresh water.
– If using, add dates, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
– Blend on high speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is creamy and the almonds are finely ground.
4. Strain the Milk:
– Place a nut milk bag, cheesecloth, or a fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl or pitcher.
– Pour the almond mixture through the strainer, allowing the liquid to flow through while catching the almond pulp.
– Squeeze or press the almond pulp to extract as much milk as possible.
5. Store the Milk:
– Transfer the almond milk to a clean glass bottle or jar.
– Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Shake well before each use, as it can separate over time.
6. Optional:
– Save the almond pulp to use in other recipes, like smoothies, baking, or as a base for homemade almond flour.
Enjoy your fresh, homemade almond milk in coffee, cereal, smoothies, or simply on its own.
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