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Headache
Headache affects everyone
at one time or another. Although it is a nuisance, it does not
require medical attention in most cases. However, if a person
experiences a change in the pattern of headaches, e.g. from rare to
frequent, from mild to severe, or suffers from cluster or migraine
headaches with severe and debilitating pain, medical diagnosis will be needed.
The most
common type of headaches is tension headache. Tension headaches are
caused by muscle tension in the neck, shoulders and head as a result of
uncomfortable body position, stress or fatigue. The person would
feel tight pressure around the head. Migraine headaches are more
serious headaches. A person with migraine headaches feels intense,
throbbing pain on one side of the head, sometimes both sides, and may
experience visual, neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Cluster headaches are less common than tension headaches and migraines.
They usually start suddenly, come in groups and are extremely painful.
Headaches are usually
treated by OTC analgesics. Severe headaches can be controlled by
prescription drugs. Eating a healthy balanced diet, avoiding
foods that may trigger headache attacks (MSG, aspartame, caffeinated
beverages), maintaining a good body posture when working, using
acupressure and acupuncture can also help to prevent and relieve
headaches.
Food
supplements for headaches:
5-HTP
A study has shown that 5-HTP provides
significant improvement to people suffering from migraines. It
reduces the duration and intensity of migraine attack. Another study
shows that taking 5-HTP can reduce chronic daily headaches. 5-HTP
may boost endorphin levels by increasing serotonin. Endorphin is our
body's natural pain reliever.
Feverfew
Feverfew helps to relieve migraine attack.
Feverfew contains parthenolides, compounds that prevent the constriction
of brain arteries. You may take feverfew as a tea or as capsules of
freeze dried leaf.
Ginger
Ginger is a safe herb to use for headache.
It helps ease headache pain and nausea.
Passionflower
A gentle relaxing herb for tension headache.
Take the tincture or steep 1/2 teaspoon of dried herb in 1 cup of hot
water for 10-15 minutes and drink the tea.
Valerian
A stronger herb than passionflower. It
is sedating, relieves tension and improves sleep quality.
Now Foods, 5-HTP
Nature's Way, Feverfew Leaves
(use code "WAN045" - get $5 off your first order)
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