Types of Headaches

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 deals with headaches, this article can help you determine what types of headaches you have. Learn about natural remedies, herbs, and essential oils that can help.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, 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 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 knife-life 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.

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 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.
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

Sometimes, a congested liver can be a culprit. The heat or energy from the liver seems to rise to the head, leading to a hot, throbbing, or pounding sensation. Eating bitter herbs, more dark green leafy vegetables, and sour foods can help if you think this could be you.
Blood flow can be involved. It can be constricting, limiting the blood flow to your head. With constriction, you may feel pressure or being 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.

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 Sun Ancon Chi Machine has helped many clients manage their headache symptoms due to its relaxing rhythmic movement, which provides many benefits similar to 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 symptomatic relief only. 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 headaches. It can also help calm nerves, promoting 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 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 and essential oils that can be helpful. These are some of the more common remedies. It is also helpful to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which requires staying hydrated, eating whole foods, avoiding processed foods, and keeping your environment clean. You can also check out our Sunshine Sharing for more information on types of headaches and natural remedies.