Herbal teas are not only delicious and refreshing but amazing natural healing agents too for numerous ailments. Most people use a hot cup of herbal tea to fight a cold or a soar throat but how many know that it could also help with a bad headache? From a simple tension headache to more severe cases of migraines, they can be disturbing for the patient and cause immense discomfort. Of course there are oodles of headache medicine out there but regular use of them may cause unpleasant side effects. So for those who would prefer a more natural approach to headaches, a cup of tea can be lifesaving.
In this post, I will introduce you to 4 herbal teas that will help you get rid of those annoying headaches naturally.
Ginger Tea
For centuries ginger tea has been used in Asia for the treatment of various ailments including nausea and headaches. It is a natural anti-inflammatory and could be a great alternative to over the counter or prescription anti-inflammatories with the added benefit that it doesn’t cause any stomach irritation like many medicine would. On the contrary it can sooth an upset stomach that often may accompany a headache. Ginger tea works by blocking prostiglandins which stimulate muscle contractions, control inflammation and also affect certain hormones. Ginger tea can be amazing for treating minor headaches and preventing migraines so don’t overlook it next time you get one.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is known for its mild sedative and relaxing properties. Many times the cause of a headaches can be stress and tension so a hot cup of chamomile tea is the best choice to get relief from this debilitating feeling. Chamomile tea is especially known for treating nervous disorders like irritability, anxiety and even insomnia by slowing down your nervous system’s activity and also reducing pain and inflammation. It might take more that one cup to ease a bad migraine and calm you down but it is best to consume chamomile tea when you first get signs of it to prevent it.
Peppermint Tea
Many of you might have heard that rubbing peppermint oil on your forehead can be especially beneficial for treating a headache but drinking peppermint tea is just as good. According to Audrey L. Halpern, M.D., the director of the Manhattan Center for Headache and Neurologyhere’s “the is evidence that peppermint may reduce spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, which can relieve headache symptoms”. Also, “neuro-chemical changes in the brain brought on by headaches can also affect the part of the brain that stimulates nausea,” says Halpern. We all know that peppermint tea is a perfect natural remedy for stomach issues. So making a cup of chamomile tea can be a great solution if you suffer from occasional headaches. The refreshing aroma of it will also relax and uplift you while invigorating your senses.
Feverfew Tea
Many would think that feverfew or featherfew because of its name would be an herbal remedy for fever. However, feverfew is one of the oldest herbs used for the treatment of headaches. It is believed to help migraine sufferers because of a chemical compound in it called parthenolide, which helps relieve smooth muscle spasms. Also it helps stop the brain’s blood vessels from contracting and prevents inflammation. When suffering by a stubborn migraine, a cup of feverfew tea will instantly reduce some of the intensity of it. Also, feverfew neutralizes the chemicals known as prostaglandins which have been known to cause pain and swelling. By consuming a few cups of feverfew tea you will will not only get relief from migraine attacks but overtime you may get fewer headaches since it improves the tone of your blood vessels.
Tea Preparation and Drinking Tips
- To prepare any of these tea you would use 1 tsp of dried leaves per 1 cup of hot water and let infuse for 5 to 10 minutes depending on how strong you like your tea.
- You can add some extra flavor to your tea with some honey and cinnamon which are also great for headaches.
- All of these herbs can be combined together or along with other teas and herbs to create a more complex flavor and add extra health benefits.
- You can consume 3-4 cups of any of these teas daily for optimal results.
Please note: The information contained in this post is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice and/or treatment by a licensed physician. This is not meant to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects. Even though these herbs are relatively safe to use by anyone and side effects are rare you might want to consult your physician before adding them to your diet since they may interfere with other medications.