Headaches can stem from an array of physical, psychological and emotional factors. Stress is one of the most common causes of headache. This is a very common condition that most people will experience at many points in their lives. Headaches may vary in location, intensity and duration. When the pain-sensitive regions such as blood vessels, sinuses, nerves and muscles of head and neck are triggered, it leads to headache. Some of the common causes of headache are dehydration, lack of sleep, stress and food habits.
Why are the types of headaches?
Following are some of the types of headache-
· Tension headache.
It is the most common type of headache many people deal with. One experiences mild to moderate pain and tension headache is triggered by muscle tension and stress. The pain is a pressing sensation on both sides of the head. The intensity of this pain can be severe on some individuals.
· Migraine.
Unlike tension headache which has mild symptoms, migraine has severe symptoms. One is likely to feel a pulsing sensation or severe throbbing pain in the head. The pain is also accompanied by nausea and sometimes, vomiting. The pain could lead to disruption in your day-to-day activities. Doctors prescribe medicines for migraines to make them less painful. However, it is also important to perform self-help remedies for alleviating the pain of migraine.
· Cluster headache.
This type of headache is unlikely to occur in some individuals. However, if it does, one should visit the doctor as soon as possible. In cluster headache, you feel pain only on one-side of your head. It could also involve tearing of the eyes. This ailment is associated with your body’s sudden release of histamine. It can be triggered by cigarette smoking, alcohol, cocaine, heat and bright light.
· Sinus headache.
Associated with sinusitis, an infection, sinus headache involves congestion and pain and pressure in the face and sinuses. The symptoms of sinus headache are a runny nose, fever and blocked nasal passage. Some of the most apparent causes of this ailment are exposure to irritants and changes in the air pressure.
Ayurvedic medicines for headache
Unlike other medicine sciences, Ayurvedic therapy not only helps navigate the symptoms of headache, but also plays a pivotal role in correcting the dosha imbalances. It focuses on giving permanent relief from headache.
If you follow the conventional path and seek for any kind of medical assistance, the pharmaceutical stores will prescribe you allopathic medicines that could cause side effects and if this treatment doesn’t ease the symptoms, it is inevitable to seek other herbal remedies that prove beneficial in the long run. In this quest of getting hold of the right kinds of medicines, many people opt for Ayurvedic medicines for headache.
In Ayurveda, headache or migraine is classified as ‘Ardhavabhedaka’ and it is linked to Vata-Pitta imbalance. Herbal medicines emphasize on pacifying doshas, calming the nervous system and improving digestion. Following are some of the best Ayurvedic Medicines for headache-
1. Kwath.
Tired of popping pills and getting no results? Does it annoy you when the headache doesn’t go away even after doing all the measures necessary for eradicating it? Turns, out you are at the right place! Kwath or Pathyashadangam Kwath is the ayurvedic medicine used for experiencing relief from migraines. This traditional ayurvedic decoction is made by boiling herbs in water. Their medicinal extract is removed from the leaves and is used for treating digestive imbalance, sinus and migraine.
The medicine should be taken in the morning and evening on an empty stomach. Patients can take it once or twice in a daily. However, the severity of symptoms differ from one person to another.
2. Triphala Kwath.
Consisting of a perfect blend of ingredients such as Haritaki, Amla and Vibhataki, Triphala Kwath is the churna that alleviates the ill effects of headache. It has an array of health benefits. Its unique ability to address ailments makes it the perfect Ayurveda medicine for headache. The main bioactive compound in the medicine is Polyphenol. These compounds offer health benefits such as migraine control and relief from acute headache. The medicine works wonders in pacifying headaches caused by toxin buildup. It is effective especially when headache is related to imbalance of Vata-Pitta. Constipation is one of the triggers that cause headache and as Triphala has a mild laxative effect, it relieves constipation.
3. Bramhi Kwath.
This perennial herb has memory enhancing properties. A powerful combination of milk and Bramhi helps rejuvenate brain. The herb has medicinal properties that improves cognition. It calms the nervous system which makes it ideal for sleep-related headaches. For better results, one can combine it with Godanti Bhasma and Sutshekhar Ras. The headaches caused by mental fatigue, anxiety and stress are related to Vata-Pitta imbalance and Bramhi Kwath is enriched with Brahmi herb also known as Bacopa Monnieri known for its relieving properties. The anti-inflammatory properties related with Bramhi Kwath soothes brain tissues.
Mixing the medicine with Jatamansi can prove beneficial as it provides an instant relief from migraine. Excessive usage of Brahmi is not recommended as it may cause drowsiness in some people.
4. Gingko biloba for headache.
Primarily used to improve blood circulation and support functions related to brain function. The medicine is derived from the leaves of gingko tree. If any person is suffering from migraines, vascular headaches and any other types of headaches, doctors suggest Gingko Biloba. The herbal component of the medicine improves cerebral blood flow in the brain and also provides a relief from brain fog or dizziness.
The medicine being antioxidant protects brain from oxidative stress. The herb is enriched Ginkgolide B, a compound which reduces the frequency of migraine by inhibiting platelet activating factor.
5. Dashamool kwath.
As the name signifies, Dashamool is a combination of ten dried roots of ten different plants. This churna is prescribed for headache, migraine and issues related to brain disorders. Through its potent herbal properties, this medicine also provides a relief to the people suffering from arthritis.