Holistic Headache Relief
What do you do for headache relief? The questions we’ve all asked when trying to avoid over-the-counter pain killers, but not wanting to suffer through the pain. I’ve struggled with headaches for most of my life, and while I work hard to steer clear of over-the-counter pain relievers, I know how tempting it is to reach for the Ibuprofen when the pounding starts. After walking through a few *very* intense headaches during a recent sickness, I felt it was the perfect time to share some of my favorite holistic ways to find relief.
*I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. I am only sharing my personal experience.
Why I don’t reach for pain killers
I used to use NSAIDs, Tylenol, and other painkillers quite regularly, but over time, more research left me wanting more natural ways to handle headaches. There are many studies out there that link excessive NSAID or Acetaminophen use to liver injury, hypertension, gastrointestinal issues, increased risk of heart failure, and more. It’s fast and effective, yes. But no drug comes without possible side effects. It’s great for
I’ve learned there are more supportive remedies available. Ones that don’t come with a laundry list of side effects or put extra stress on your liver and other organs. My hope is to encourage you with natural options that not only bring real relief but also support your body’s overall health.
Side effects aside, a headache is your body’s way of sending a message that something is off. Numbing the pain can never address the root cause. In short, I’ve chosen to avoid using it regularly. I noticed how easily one ‘occasional’ dose could turn into monthly, then weekly use without me even realizing it. While I still see it as a fantastic tool for dire situations, I decided it wasn’t the best fit for my everyday headaches, and it wasn’t worth the risks.
What I do instead
It’s taken me years to find my triggers and rhythms. Yours might be different, but with a few simple steps, I’ve learned to stop headaches in their tracks before they take over with these tools:
1. Earthley’s Pain Potion Tincture
This remedy is by far the fastest, most travel-friendly, and easiest way to relieve the pain from my most common headaches. It’s an herbal blend that supports the body in managing pain rather than simply masking the symptoms. The tincture uses powerful herbs to reduce inflammation, which can help tremendously with tension headaches. I take it at the first sign of discomfort, and about half the time, this alone does the trick.
Shop Earthley here and use code “acresandaprons10” for a discount.
2. Pranamat (Acupressure)
This one is more of an investment piece. But 15 minutes on this mat helps increase blood flow and release tension in my neck, shoulders, and upper back, my usual headache zones. The relief is almost immediate. If the above tincture doesn’t do the trick, this mat usually will. Acupressure is a proven way to activate key points, boost circulation, and revitalize muscles, and I love having such a simple, effective tool right at home. Consistent use has helped me keep many headaches from ever starting, and for that I am beyond thankful.
Shop Pranamat here and use code “acresandaprons” at checkout for a discount.
3. Regular Chiropractic Care
Consistent chiropractic visits have helped me prevent tension headaches before they even start. Since subluxations in the spine can disrupt the nervous system and trigger pain, regular care has made a big difference for me. Not only has it resolved many of my headaches, but when one does come up, I’m usually able to find relief quickly with an adjustment.
If you don’t see a chiropractor regularly, it’s something my family has done for 10+ years and will never go without.
4. Homeopathic’s
A safe and gentle way to support your body when struggling with headaches is to use a homeopathic like Hyland’s Migraine Relief.
5. Staying Hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial for avoiding headaches, but I’ve learned that plain water isn’t enough. Most of what we drink is filtered (which is important) but that process also removes many of the minerals our bodies need. Without those minerals, the water you drink can actually strip minerals from your system, instead of replenishing them. Sometimes the more plain water you consume, the more dehydrated you will get (on a cellular level.) To avoid that, I like to add liquid minerals, a pinch of high quality sea salt, or sometimes electrolytes to my water. I love rotating all 3 throughout the week so I am always getting something different. It’s a simple step that helps with hydration, and I’ve noticed it makes a real difference since dehydration is such a sneaky, common headache trigger.
Hydration products I use and recommend
- Mitigate Stress Master Mineral Drink (code “acresandaprons” for a discount at checkout)
- Baja Gold Sea Salt, I order in bulk from Azure Standard
- Paleo Valley Electrolytes
- Just Ingredients Electrolytes (code “acresandaprons” for a discount at checkout)
By focusing on prevention and gentle support, I rarely have to suffer through a headache. These methods allow me to address the root cause, rather than just masking the pain.
Peer-reviewed studies and articles from PubMed that you might be interested in exploring as you study holistic headache relief for yourself:
1. Recognizing the Risks of Chronic Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Use
This study highlights how chronic NSAID use increases the risk of peptic ulcer disease, acute renal failure, and cardiovascular events like stroke and myocardial infarction. (PMC)
2. The Dangers of NSAIDs: Look Both Ways
This article discusses how all NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, myocardial infarction, and stroke. (PMC)
3. Exceeding the Daily Dosing Limit of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Among Ibuprofen Users
This study found that 11% of ibuprofen users exceeded the recommended daily dosing limit, which can increase the risk of adverse effects. (PubMed)
4. Short-Term Use of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Adverse Effects: An Updated Systematic Review
This systematic review examines the adverse effects of short-term NSAID use, including gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal issues. (PubMed)
5. A Comprehensive Review of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
This review provides an overview of the adverse effects of NSAIDs, including gastrointestinal bleeding, cardiovascular side effects, and nephrotoxicity. (PMC)
Have you ever chosen to fast? I have learned so much about the process, the benefits and what to expect from my recent experiences. I shared about it in a blog post that you can read here.
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