Treating and Preventing a Headache Without Medicine

Headaches can be a real drag, especially for those of us who have them a lot. Some people don't like to take pain relievers for their headaches, either. These are some ways you can treat or prevent a headache without medication.

Moderate exercise like swimming or a brisk walk can relieve a headache. Exercise gives your blood circulation a boost, and relaxes your body while relieving tension.

Tension headaches can be relieved with a hot bath. This will not only relax your body in general, but will also release contracted muscles.

Headache sufferers may want to turn to aromatherapy. Peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender can help provide relief. Additionally, acupressure or acupuncture can help with chronic headaches and stress.

Massage can also help, as it releases muscle tension in the shoulders, neck and head. This can in turn help with tension headaches.

Regular sleep and plenty of water can help prevent headaches also. Some headaches are caused by too much or too little sleep, or dehydration.

Sitting or standing in one position too long can strain your neck. Maintaining good posture will not only relieve neck strain and headaches, but minimize strain to ligaments, bones and muscle.

For some people, caffeine, red wine, chocolate, nuts and cheese can trigger a headache. Avoiding or consuming these foods in moderation may help prevent your headaches. Bright lights trigger headaches for some people too.

You may also want to try a hot or cold compress. This can relax you and relieve most types of headaches.

Taking vitamin B and Magnesium may help with migraines. However, you may want to check with your doctor before taking new supplements.

Some think that a folk remedy may relieve a headache when taken at the onset of symptoms. Specifically, mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and two teaspoons honey with eight ounces of water. Some swear by this remedy, while others have taken it and had no luck with it.

Another folk remedy for headaches is to wrap a vinegar soaked scarf around your head, or to breathe in the steam from boiling vinegar. However, at the time of writing, no research was found proving this helps.