Headache can be described as a pain or discomfort in the head, occasionally extending to the face or the nape of the neck. The pain can be sharp, throbbing, or dull in nature. Headaches can differ in location, frequency, type of pain, and severity. Based on this and the associated symptoms, we can interpret what type of headache it is. The most commonly occurring types of headache are – tension headache, migraine, and cluster headache, which, in most cases, are not due to a major cause. There are few headaches which are caused due to underlying illnesses. Being aware of such conditions and treating them beforehand can prevent any mishap in the later stages of life. Homeopathic medicines for headaches are made from natural sources and can be administered safely without worrying about any side effects.

Role of homeopathy in treating headaches

Homeopathy can be of great help as the medicines are derived from natural sources and are safe to consume. Homeopathic approach is such that it cures the underlying cause of the condition so that each time you suffer, it should not be of the same intensity. Along with treating the root cause of the condition using the signs and symptoms, it also focuses on the emotional state of the individual so that a complete remedy picture is created and is matched with the remedy of the materia medica that is then given as the constitutional medicine for that specific individual.

 Six effective homeopathic medicines for headaches

Belladonna (Bell.)

Common name: Deadly nightshade

Belladonna is indicated for headaches that are throbbing and pulsating in nature with intense pressure on the vertex. There is a feeling of fullness in the head and the pain comes in sudden and violent attacks. It mainly causes right-sided temporal region pain along with pain in the eyes. The headache of belladonna is triggered by exposure to cold or by heat of the sun, from the slightest noise, light, or motion. In most cases, tight bandaging or hard pressure can relieve the pain.

 Natrum muriaticum (Natrum mur.)

Common name: Common salt

Natrum mur. is  recommended for headaches due to sun exposure. It mostly affects the left side of the head. Pain is mostly throbbing in nature and feels as if a thousand little hammers are knocking on the brain, and it is chronic in origin. It is said to be a female remedy because the headaches appear more commonly during menstruation. The headache is mostly found in anemic people and those with a loss of vital fluids. The complaints are aggravated by the heat of the sun, from sunrise to sunset, and are relieved by perspiration and when in open air.

 Glonoinum (Glon.)

Common name: Nitroglycerine

Glonoine is for headaches that are pulsating and bursting in nature. The head feels too large with fullness and intense pain. The pain is violent, acute, and throbbing in nature and aggravated in the sun. Great heat as if from a sunstroke with general weakness and trembling of the tongue. The face appears flushed and is relieved by bending the head backward and also by covering the head. It is a good remedy for treating summer headaches.

 Spigelia anthelmintica (Spigelia)

Common name: Pinkroot

Spigelia is a good medicine for left-sided headaches that covers the left temporal region, forehead, and eyes. The pain is violent, pulsating, and throbbing in nature. It usually begins in the occiput and settles in the left eye. Headache can also be associated with pain in eyeballs which is worse with bending forward and by the least motion of eyeballs and is usually better on lying.

 Kali bichromicum (Kali. bi.)

Common name: Potassium bichromate

Kali bichromicum is a very effective medicine for sinus type of headaches. There are tough, stringy discharges from mucus membranes that can be drawn into long strings. The pain is usually in small spots and can be covered with the tip of a finger. It is caused by suppressed catarrh and the frontal sinus feels congested. Another characteristic feature is the mucus which is yellowish-greenish in origin and drains into the throat of posterior nares. The headache gets aggravated by light and noise and is relieved while lying down.

Carbo vegetabilis (Carbo veg.)

Common name: Vegetable charcoal

This medicine is used when the headache is caused by excessive build up of gas in the stomach particularly in the epigastric region with frequent eructation and passing of flatus. Pain is relieved by passing flatus and by eructation.

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 Causative factors for different types of headaches

Primary headaches 

  • Tension headache
  • Migraine
  • Cluster headache

These primary headaches can be triggered by factors such as:

  • Stress
  • Lack of sleep
  • Poor posture
  • Hunger headaches –caused by skipping meals
  • Alcohol
  • Processed foods such as meats
  • Smoking –nicotine intake

Secondary headaches 

  • Sinus headache
  • Dehydration headache

Symptoms 

There can be several underlying causative factors for headaches which might become fatal in the long run. Observe any other signs or symptoms that appear along with headache. The listed below can be a call to seek medical intervention.

  • Headaches with fever, shortness of breath, or rash
  • Headaches that occur more often
  • Headaches occurring after a head injury
  • Headaches that are very severe in intensity
  • Dizziness, blurred vision
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Seizures
  • Mental confusion
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Epistaxis

Treatment and management of headaches

Primary headaches can be treated by remembering most of the triggers first, and then learning how to prevent them by speaking to your healthcare provider.They help you figure out various ways to handle a trigger better. For example –your headache is getting triggered by continuous eye strain while you work on a laptop, once you know this, it will be easier for you to lower your screen time thereby preventing the situation. Not every headache should need medicine all the time. Factors that trigger headaches should be avoided at any cost in daily life.

How to manage headaches? A few of the managements are listed below:

  • Applying cold or heat packs on your head.
  • Massages to relax the muscles of your head, neck and back.
  • Resting in a room with darkness or dim light
  • Drinking water or ORS to treat headaches due to dehydration.
  • Stress management – It helps you with ways to cope with stressful situations. It includes breathing exercises, relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation, taking a walk to help you clear your mind, and music to ease your stress levels.

Self-care treatments to prevent headaches:

  • Exercising and meditating daily.
  • Following a proper sleep schedule and getting enough sleep.
  • Drink enough water.
  • Avoid strong scents, and perfumes that might trigger headaches.

Diet and lifestyle modification for headaches

Few headaches are caused by dehydration. Make sure you drink enough water to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.

  • Avoid foods and drinks that trigger headaches.
  • To track your personal food and lifestyle triggers.
  • Do not skip meals.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Establish a sleep schedule.
  • Practice good posture.
  • Quit smoking.

Conclusion

Headaches are experienced very commonly by all of us in day-to-day life. Hence, figuring out the cause of headache and treating it accordingly with the help of a healthcare provider is important. If possible, you may try to write down how you feel when you experience a headache for more precise information.

Homeopathy has been treating headaches by considering the symptoms as well as the overall picture of the individual to eliminate the condition from the core. Being treated with homeopathy can be more beneficial as it is a safer and more effective way of treatment. Consulting a homeopath instead of self-medicating is highly advisable.

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