8 Home Remedies for Headache Relief

One of the most common conditions seen in elderly people, headache cause pain in the head along with causing discomfort in the scalp and neck. Headaches are usually mild but there are times, where sudden severe headaches in the elderly can be seen, making it difficult for them to do their work with concentration. It is estimated that almost 8 out of 10 people have at least one headache every month. Various reasons can cause a headache; doctors have identified them into primary reasons and secondary reasons.

The primary causes that lead to headaches are not related to medical conditions; they are usually the result of an underlying development in the brain. These primary headaches can be managed by a few lifestyle changes here and there, and by some headache treatment at home. Some of the common examples of the same are cluster, migraine, tension, and lack of sleep, to name a few.

The secondary causes that lead to bad headache in the elderly are related to underlying medical conditions. A few common examples of the same are-

•    Brain tumour or brain aneurysm
•    Cervicogenic headaches
•    Sinus headaches
•    Post-traumatic headaches
•    Spinal headache

While headaches are treated by medications; most elderly people get sceptical of taking medicines. But, there is nothing to worry about. Headaches are treated well at home using natural remedies too. Here’s listing the 8 most effective home remedies for a headache that you can follow for keeping them at bay as well as for instant relief.

8 Most Effective and Best Home Remedies for Headache Relief

1.    Drink Plenty of Water

One of the hidden reasons for a headache is dehydration. As you age, your body demands adequate hydration so that you feel well and don’t face issues like fatigue, headache, and so on. There are research studies that have shown that dehydration can cause migraines as well. Dehydration also leads to causing irritation that makes the headaches worst. Hence, keep yourself adequately hydrated throughout the day. It is one of the best home remedies for migraine headaches and other types of headaches. Adding to this, it is said that if you are showing headache symptoms, drinking water helps in relieving the symptoms with 30 minutes to 2-3 hours.

2.    Practise Yoga

An effective home remedy for treating headaches at home is practising Yoga. There are special yoga poses that help in releasing the tension, thereby relieving you from the headache and keeping you calm. Today, there are special chair yoga poses for the elderly that helps them in rejuvenating their body while taking out the stress that can cause headaches. This is one of the best head pain home remedies that elderly and senior citizens can try. Yoga has been proved beneficial for the human body for ages and till today is one of the best natural healing processes.

3.    Using Essential Oils

Yet another home remedy that senior citizens can follow to relieve themselves from headaches is using essential oils. They are extremely therapeutic and are known as one of the instant home remedies for headaches. Essential oils can be massaged on the temples, can be applied on the upper lips and inhaled, as well as can be used in aroma diffusers (in case the fragrance is too strong for application). The most common essential oils that people prefer are peppermint oil and lavender oil; however, you can choose the one that suits you well to ensure a quick remedy for your headache.

4.    Have a Balanced Diet

Many a time, elderly people don’t eat their food properly, which leads to causing headaches. It is very important to ensure that elders have a balanced diet and eat foods that are high in nutrients. Adding to this, eating healthy and homemade food is a headache remedy that can keep head pains at bay for a long, long time.

Often the elderly people can face issues like acidity or gastritis that are caused due to a few food items, which in turn, leads to giving them a headache. That is why elders need to eat food that is easy to digest and good for their health. This is one of the easiest ways of headache remedies to follow at home and in daily life. Adding to this, it is said that, whenever you are hungry and don’t eat food instantly, there are high chances of getting a headache.

5.    Trying Herbal Products

Another best remedy for a headache that elderly people and senior citizens can try at home is opting for herbal products. They have anti-inflammatory properties that help in relieving you from headaches and their symptoms. Today, there are a lot of herbal brands available in India, giving you the flexibility to choose from a variety of products. Herbal products are also known as one of the most effective home remedies for migraine pain and headaches. One of the most common herbal products that people opt for is herbal tea like regular green tea, ginger-tulsi (basil) tea, camomile tea, peppermint tea, hibiscus tea, and so on. Not only do they help in reducing headaches but also help in boosting your immunity.

6.    Meditation

Yet another effective home remedies for headache and their symptom is meditation. Often people mistake meditation and Yoga to be the same thing but they are not. Yes, meditation may be considered as a part of Yoga but the technique here is different. All you have to do is sit, close your eyes, think of calm things or your happy places (meadows, beach, temple, church, etc.), and try to relax. You feel all the stress going away from your head and body, giving you a rejuvenated feeling. It is doesn’t matter if you have migraine pain or tension headache, this home remedy works for all. For better results, you can light some aromatic candles or use an aroma diffuser with essential oils and then meditate. Your headache will be gone in no time!

7.    Exercise

As you age, the will to indulge in physical or sports activities start to go away. This is one of the main reasons why elderly people face digestive problems, inflammation, lethargy, and so on that adds up to giving them headaches. Exercising is one of the best ways for headache relief at home – you don’t have to overexert yourselves; just a routine 30-minute walk and some free-hand exercises should do the work for you. Adding to this, there are elderly care services available in India that conduct a lot of physical activities as well as offer easy headache solutions at home. You can opt for them for a better and more enjoyable experience.

8.    Adequate Hours of Sleep

Sleeping disorder or sleep deprivation is a common issue that can be seen in elderly people, which lead to giving them headaches. That being said, oversleeping can also cause headaches in the elderly and senior citizens. That is why ensuring to sleep for adequate hours is very important. It is said that whenever you get a headache or its symptoms starts to show, immediately go to sleep as it helps in relieving the pain. Sleeping is probably the most effortless and relaxing at-home headache treatment. However, you have to also ensure that elders get sound sleep and they are not disturbed by any external noises. If their sleep gets disturbed or they wake up abruptly, they might get a headache again.

These are some of the most effective home remedies for headaches that elderly people can use to get relief from the pain. Of course, if your headaches are related to medical issues, it is best to consult your physician for better treatment. But, these remedies, usually, work well with any type of headache.

Emoha is a leading home health care provider for the elderly and senior citizens. Our team of care angels ensure that the elderly people don’t face any hassles and lead carefree and happy golden years of their life. At Emoha, we always believe in #EldersFirst.