Tight deadlines, annoying bosses, long hours at work, stressful commutes, bad diets and short sleep schedules – the fast-paced lifestyle does take a toll on our health. And more often than not, this toll manifests in the form of a headache. Today, tension headaches, cluster headaches, sinus headaches and migraines are more common than one can think of.

Be it mild or intense, a headache has the power to wreak havoc on your day. It steals your focus and aggravates irritation; all you want at that moment is relief from it and you are willing to do just about anything for the same – the first option being popping a pill.

However, OTC pills are not a viable option for headache relief as their long-term use is harmful. Therefore, it is better to turn to natural remedies for headache that can help combat headache symptoms and provide relief.

Drink more water – Dehydration is one of the most common reasons for a headache. Sometimes you lose water by way of sweating a lot and sometimes you just forget to drink enough water. Therefore, it is essential to monitor your water intake and restore the electrolyte balance in your body.

Use essential oils – Research suggests that peppermint and lavender essential oils have relaxing properties that assist with headache relief. Lavender oil is said to reduce stress and anxiety while peppermint oil is said to be an analgesic that numbs the pain. Peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil may also reduce congestion which leads to sinus headaches. Apply a little amount to your temples or add a few drops to a bath or steam water for relief.

Use a cold or hot compress – Heat packs are more suited for tension headaches which are caused due to a stiff neck or shoulders. Draping a heat pack or heated towel over the neck or shoulders is advised for relief from a tension headache. Similarly, using a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a towel over your neck, head/forehead or temples reduces inflammation and opens up constricted blood vessels thus relieving the symptoms of a headache.

Massage the pressure points – Massage is one of the natural remedies for headache relief. Applying pressure to certain points on your body is a proven technique to reduce your headache. For example, rubbing your temples with your thumbs in a circular motion or using your index fingers to apply pressure at the midpoint of the eyebrows are some ways to relieve a headache. Rubbing the spot in between your thumb and index finger, near the base of the thumb for four to five seconds is thought to ease stress, headaches, and other types of pain.

Sip on herbal tea – Herbal tea contains antioxidants and is said to provide relief and comfort while suffering from a headache. It hydrates the body, reduces inflammation, relieves stress, blocks pain signals and has aromatherapy properties. The best teas to drink to sort out your headache woes are chamomile tea, peppermint tea, ginger tea and lemon tea among others.

Sleep well – Oversleeping and insomnia can both trigger a headache. Therefore, sleep regulation is a must. Practice good sleep hygiene by maintaining a sleep schedule. Maintain a cool, dark environment to ensure that you sleep through the night.

Eat regular meals – Avoid highly processed sugary foods. Consume a nutrient-rich diet that includes fruits and vegetables. Magnesium deficiency is one of the major nutritional causes of cluster headaches therefore it is essential to prioritize magnesium-rich foods in your diet like flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds and chia seeds.

Exercise – Two common causes for a headache is stiff muscles and stress. Exercising, especially yoga can be an effective remedy to reduce the frequency of headaches. Focus on deep breathing and gentle stretches that improve flexibility, decrease muscle tightness and maintain spinal alignment.

Apart from these natural remedies for headache, using a roll-on for headache relief made with Ayurvedic actives is also advisable. Your one-stop solution for all kinds of headaches is Zandu Roll-On. This ayurvedic solution is quick and provides long-lasting results. The non-greasy and the non-sticky formula helps combat headaches “on the go.” The roll on has a menthol aroma that makes it easy to use anytime, anywhere, without anybody knowing.

If you have a persistent headache, avoid self-medication and visit a doctor.