Top 5 Old Natural Cures for Headaches, Dizziness, & Nausea

Headaches are a very common condition that anyone from all ages can and will most likely experience occasionally throughout their lives. In fact, around 40% of people in the world have tension-type headaches and around 10% have migraines. Thankfully, not all types of headaches require medication and can be treated at home. Headaches can also trigger other things like dizziness and nausea. Listed below are some natural remedies that are proven to be effective against these symptoms.

Essential Oils

Studies show that aromatherapy is an effective way to reduce pain by absorbing essential oils through topical application or inhalation. When feeling queasy or dealing with a headache, you can massage essential oils on the head, temples, neck and chest as well as breathe in its scent to help relieve symptoms.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil has been found to be a highly effective treatment for tension-type headaches which are the most common type of headache. Its efficacy is comparable to paracetamol and a study shows that it is even effective in treating acute migraine attacks. The menthol found in peppermint has analgesic effects and produces a cooling and numbing sensation. This also helps with vertigo which includes nausea, headaches, and dizziness.

Lavender Oil

Lavender is known for its calming effects and is effective in managing migraines. The scent of lavender oil is very soothing and helps improve sleep quality which is beneficial for people whose headaches are triggered by sleep-deprivation.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil helps relieve sinus headaches as they clear nasal mucus when inhaled. It also has analgesic properties which helps relieve pain. The best way to use it is through steam inhalation.

Ginger

Ginger has long been cultivated to be used as a spice or herbal medicine. It is best known to treat vomiting and nausea. A 2013 study also found that the effectiveness of ginger powder was comparable to the drug Sumatriptan in treating migraines and also caused less side effects. Ginger powder can be taken as a supplement, but another way to take ginger is to make it into a tea by boiling a thinly sliced piece of ginger in 3 cups of water for 10 minutes. Strain and add honey and lemon juice to taste.

Clove

Clove is a traditional spice often used as a food preservative, but it also has medicinal properties and even acts as a natural pain reliever because its main active compound, eugenol, is a natural anesthetic.  For clove tea, you will need to boil 1 to 4 whole cloves in 1 cup of water for 3 to 5 minutes. Strain and add honey to taste.

Water

Some headaches are triggered by dehydration and this happens when your body doesn’t get enough fluids. In the US, most people don’t reach the recommended daily fluid intake of 2.7 liters for women and 3.7 liters for men. Even mild dehydration can cause a headache along with other symptoms such as fatigue, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and dizziness. Dehydration causes headaches because it makes your brain contract and apply pressure on nerves. Drinking water and other fluids plumps the brain back up to its original size and alleviates the pain.

Acupressure

Acupressure is pretty much like acupuncture, but without the needles. Reflexology has been in practice for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine, though its earliest discovery was in hieroglyphic murals in the pyramid in Saggara, Egypt, suggesting it was part of their culture from 2330 BC. It is used to improve health, ease pain, and restore balance in the body by using pressure points. A 2011 review on 43 studies found that acupressure was effective in treating various symptoms including nausea and vomiting due to pregnancy, chemotherapy, and post surgery, as well as fatigue and insomnia. A 2002 study also found that muscle-specific massage therapy significantly  reduced the frequency and duration of chronic headaches.

The Bottom Line

Natural remedies are effective in soothing headaches, nausea, and dizziness. It is even effective enough to soothe migraines which aren’t typical headaches and can greatly affect your lifestyle. As always, be cautious about how these ingredients can react to medication you may be taking. If you find your symptoms do not go away with home remedies and if you experience them frequently and severely, it would be best to consult a doctor to check for possible underlying issues.