Headaches can be debilitating at worst and a nagging inconvenience at best. They can affect work and school productivity, and a bad headache can simply put you out of commission, no matter what your vocation.
Taking medications can help relieve pain, but some of these pain relievers have side effects and, if taken over too long a period, pain relievers can cause a rebound effect when you stop taking them.
Some of the common causes of headaches are muscle tension, dilation and constriction of the blood vessels in the brain, food sensitivities, and hormone fluctuations. Once you’ve seen your health care practitioner and have ruled out anything serious, there are some natural approaches to headache relief that you can try:
1. Cramp Bark (Vibernum opulus)
As the name of the herb suggests, Cramp bark helps alleviate muscle tension and cramps. Vibernum prunifolium is also sold as “Cramp bark,” but it is generally used to relieve uterine cramping. Cramp bark (Vibernum opulus) is touted as a prevention and treatment for muscle tension headaches. It is generally taken in capsule form, but a tea made from the bark can also be taken.
