5 Plants and Herbs for Headache Treatment

Headaches are commonplace in our lives and many of us use aspirin tablets to relieve ourselves. There are, however, natural solutions to soothe headaches and transient migraines. Here are 5 plants that naturally relieve you.

1. Feverfew

Chamomile has a strong reputation for anti-migraine, recognized by the World Health Organization. In an infusion, feverfew is very good at relieving headaches. For this, infuse 1g of chamomile in 200ml of boiling water, filter and drink the infusion. The infusion of chamomile is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women.

2. Rosemary

Rosemary is renowned for its anti-inflammatory action, an asset that makes it an ally against migraines and headaches caused by cold. It is traditionally used in infusion or inhalation to calm headaches.

For an infusion, brew 2 g of dried rosemary in 150 ml of boiling water for 10 minutes, filter the preparation and drink the infusion. In case of persistent pain you can drink up to three cups a day. If you’re more intoxicating, boil a handful of dried rosemary in 1L of water and pour into a large bowl. Cover your head with a towel and breathe the vapors until the pain disappears.

3. Peppermint

In essential oil, peppermint is known to relieve tension headaches. A study has shown that the application of peppermint essential oil in a circular motion on the forehead, temples and neck was as effective as a dose of paracetamol to treat headaches.

To calm your headaches, mix 2 or 3 drops of peppermint essential oil in almond oil then massage your forehead, your temples and your neck with the preparation. Be careful not to spread the oil too close to the eyes.

Be careful, essential oils are not recommended for pregnant women and children.

4. Meadowsweet

Rich in flavonoids and salicylates, the Meadowsweet is recommended against headaches. Like aspirin, it contains salicylic acid, but unlike the drug, it has the advantage of having no side effects on the stomach since it protects the gastric mucosa. To benefit from it, infuse 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried flowers in 250 ml of boiling water and filter. You can drink up to three cups of herbal tea a day.

Be careful, because of its salicylic acid content, its consumption is not recommended for people allergic to aspirin.

5. Lavender

Lavender aspic (and not true lavender) is known for its anti-inflammatory, healing and painkiller properties. It is particularly recommended to relieve migraines and headaches. To relieve a headache, dilute the lavender essential oil in vegetable oil and massage your temples with the preparation.

Be careful, some essential oils of lavender aspic contain a large amount of camphor, a substance that can be toxic, check the rates on the package. This oil is also contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women and in children under 8 years old.

And when your headache is gone, take a look on 15 Unusual Vegetables You’ve Never Heard Of.