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Headache

 

 

During the last year alone, nearly 80% of men and 95% of women have had at least one headache. While most headache sufferers resort to man-made drugs and pain relievers to treat their symptoms, many are now turning to natural headache remedies to provide a safe but effective solution for their headaches.

There are two general types of headache: primary and secondary. Primary headaches include tension, migraine, and cluster headaches, which are not caused by any underlying medical condition. Nearly 90% of all headaches that occur are primary. Unlike primary headaches, secondary headaches are caused by medical conditions, such as infection or increased pressure in the skull due to a growing tumor. These account for a very small percentage of all headaches.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches, like migraines, are extremely painful. They tend to occur in clusters of several intense headaches during a short period of time, after which additional headaches may not be experienced for many weeks. Cluster headaches have been known to last more than one year and less than a few weeks. Cluster headaches that extend over a year are considered chronic and are difficult to treat.

    Nutrition supplementsm that may help:

    • Melatonin (reduce headache severity and frequency)

    Herbal supplements that may help:

Migraine Headaches

Migraines are severe headaches that many times begin in one area of the head and then spread to other areas. Migraines may become more severe with exposure to light and are usually preceded by symptoms that may include depression, irritability, restlessness, loss of appetite, and visual disturbances such as flashing lights or localized blindness. Migraines many times cause extreme nausea, vomiting, and altered vision.

    Nutrition supplements that may help:

    • Magnesium (reduces frequency of migraines)

    • Vitamin B2 (decrease frequency and severity of migraines)

    • 5-HTP (reduces frequency and severity of migraines)

    Herbal supplements that may help:

Tension Headaches

A tension headache is usually experienced as a dull, yet persistent pain in the back of the neck extending to the base of the head. Tension headaches many times are associated with sensitive points in the neck called trigger-points or in the neck muscles themselves. Individuals with a tension headache may also complain of pain, throbbing, and a sensation of tightness in the head. Tension headaches often include irritability, insomnia, and extreme fatigue.
 

Information provided by the following books: The Green Pharmacy by James A. Duke, Ph.D. and The Herbal Drugstore by Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster

Statements on this web site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 

Photographs by Barbara Taylor Images



 
 
 
 
   

   

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