Natural Ways to Heal Headaches and Muscle Aches
Looking for an all-natural homemade remedy for your headache or joint paint? Who Knew gathered their top tips for pain relief.
Headaches
Hit the spot
That pain in your head might actually start in your neck. Use your thumbs, index, and middle fingers to squeeze just below the large muscle that runs from the high point of both shoulders and joins your neck. Or even better, have a partner do it for you. Hold for 30 to 45 seconds.
Tame tension
If you’re prone to tension headaches, you may be unconsciously clenching your jaw when you’re stressed. Try paying closer attention to your body, and the next time you notice yourself clenching, gently place a clean pencil between your teeth and hold it. It will serve as a reminder not to bite down hard. With time, you may be able to train your jaw not to clench, thus avoiding those painful headaches. Try placing colorful notes or stickers around your desk, work area, or home to mentally remind yourself to check and see if you’re stress clenching. (Then stop!)
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Herbal headache relief
If you suffer from headaches but don’t want to rely on pricey painkillers, try taking the herbal route. Feverfew, a relative of the sunflower, has been shown to help reduce inflammation that causes headaches. Look for it in capsule form in your health food store. Ginger can also reduce inflammation—try adding freshly crushed ginger root (about 1 inch) to boiling water to make a potent tea.
Aromatherapy answer
Tension headache getting you down? Head to the health food store and purchase some peppermint oil. Rubbing a small amount into your hairline and temples will create a tingly aroma that will encourage relaxation.
Get a lift from lime
An old-fashioned and effective way to treat headaches is to cut a lime in half and rub it on your forehead. In a few minutes, the throbbing should subside.
Check out Who Knew’s 13 Secrets to Pill-Free Pain Relief
Uncover a hidden cause
Many headaches are caused by dehydration. Before you reach for the pain reliever, try drinking two or three glasses of water or an energy drink like Gatorade. You may find you’re back to normal in no time.
Muscle and joint pain
A kitchen cure
If you have chronic back pain—especially associated with arthritis—or other sore muscles, try adding yellow mustard to a hot bath. Add a few tablespoons for mild pain, and up to a whole 8-ounce bottle if the pain is severe. The bathwater may look strange, but your aching back will thank you.
End desk discomfort
If you find sitting at your desk is causing lower back pain, try slightly elevating your feet. And old phone book is perfect for the job.
Alleviate neck tension
Been leaning over your work too long? Try this to help a hurting neck. Inhale and raise your shoulders up to your ears, pulling them as high as they will go. Then let go with an “ahhh” and drop them slowly back down. Repeat several times to release muscle tension.
Get-Fit Guy can show you Simple Tips for Desk Jockeys to Ease Neck and Shoulder Pain
Hot potato help
Ease a sore neck with the help of a potato turned heating pad. First, pierce it in several places with a fork, then heat it in the microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes, or until warm. Wrap it in a dish towel and place on aches and pains. The warmth will ease sore muscles, and will last for up to half an hour!
If you suffer from back pain, your wallet may be to blame. Sitting on a bulky wallet can cause your spine to become misaligned and your muscles to compensate. Try carrying your wallet in a front pocket (where it’s also safer from pickpockets), or make sure it’s as thin as possible.
Cure everyday aches and pains
If you regularly suffer from sore muscles, cramps, headaches, and other pains, a magnesium deficiency could be to blame. (Be sure to check with your doctor first.) Fortunately, it’s easy to boost your body’s stores of magnesium by a third, just by soaking in Epsom salts a few times a week. The mineral is easily absorbed by the skin, and is great for fighting aches and pains, particularly after strenuous exercise. Just add ¼ to ½ cup to your bathwater before getting in the bath.
Aid arthritis with oatmeal
Believe it or not, you can help relieve arthritis pain with oatmeal. Just mix 2 cups oatmeal with 1 cup water, warm the mixture in the microwave, and apply to the affected area.
Please note that all content here is strictly for informational purposes only. This content does not substitute any medical advice, and does not replace any medical judgment or reasoning by your own personal health provider. Please always seek a licensed physician in your area regarding all health related questions and issues.
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About the Author
Bruce Lubin and Jeanne Bossolina-Lubin are the proud parents of three boys and more than a dozen books. After saving thousands per year using everyday tips and simple lifehacks, they started their own business in the hopes of sharing their knowledge with others. They have been known to go into their friends’ refrigerators to turn their eggs upside down so that they last longer.
