Tension headaches treatment home remedies

Our brain tissues lack pain receptors, but we feel headaches when adjoining pain receptors intercept pressure or contraction in the eyes, ears, sinuses,  mucus membranes, or associated nerves, veins, arteries, subcutaneous tissues and muscles.  Almost 90 percent of all headaches occur due to pressure or muscle contraction in the region of the head or neck. These types of headaches are known as tension headaches. Tension headaches cause tightness or pressure all over the head as if some sort of steel armor is wrapped around your head. The pulsating types of headaches that may occur on one or both sides are known as migraines. In case of migraines, the throbbing pain in your head can be very crippling as may also experience nausea, vomiting and dinginess. Females are more likely to suffer from migraines and often require regular tension headaches treatment.

tension headaches treatment









Headache is considered as a non-specific symptom. Stress, fatigue, sleep disturbances, common cold and viral infections, dental or sinus problems,  and side effects from food articles or medications are some of the most common reasons of headaches. It’s very important to understand the potential triggers in your case because every person may have different headache trigger patterns. You have to watch everything related to your lifestyle and environment. Right from altitude or weather changes to aromas that you smell or refreshing drinks that you consume, anything can trigger headache or migraines. Successful headache treatment depends on the awareness about the possible reasons on your headache.


If you are already having a headache and want a natural alternative, you can use the following home remedies for tension headaches treatment:-


1. Tulsi and Basil Leaves

Tulsi leaves (Ocimum tenuiflorum) are known for their effectiveness in tension headaches treatment, inflammation, common colds and several other health issues. A cup of tea prepared using tulsi leaves can provide immediate relief from headache. In fact, this home remedy is very popular in the Indian subcontinent. Basil leaves (Ocimum basilicum) are also very effective in tension headaches as they work as a muscle relaxant.

2. Lavender or Peppermint Oil

You can expect some relief from this fresh smelling oil. Peppermint oil contains vaso-constricting and vaso-dilating properties. It reduces headache or migraine pain by improving the blood circulation within the affected areas. Lavender oil is another very popular home remedy for its great smell. When it is topically applied or inhaled as vapor (putting two or three drops in steaming water), it can provide relief from headaches.

3, Feverfew

Following a study report in Great Britain, Feverfew became a very popular home remedy for headache treatment. It has been reported that regular intake of feverfew in combination with white willow provides a very effective headache treatment.

4. Omega-3 fatty Acids

Regular intake of fish or flaxseeds can prevent inflammation-related  headaches. Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-oxidant properties and rejuvenation effects.

5. Scalp massages

If you know the right techniques, a self-massage of your scalp can do wonders in headache or migration pains.

tension headaches treatment










6. Headache diary

It has been observed that some food articles and medications can trigger headaches, particularly the more crippling migraine type of headaches. Maintaining a headache diary can help you in tracking the food articles or medications that cause headaches. For example, Tyramine which is found in nuts, seeds, chocolate, beer, ale, red wine and pickled foods trigger a headache in some people. Similarly, tannins can cause headaches when you enjoy your tea, coffee, chocolate, blackberries, apple juice, or red wine. Some nitrates or other ingredients that are used as food preservatives can silently trigger recurring headaches. Unless you maintain a diary, you never know what is causing a headache because it can be as simple as salts and chilled water. Depending on your headache trigger patterns, avoiding foods that contain nitrates, tyramine and monosodium glutamate can be effective in tension headaches treatment.

7. Stress Management

Stress and anxiety can cause muscle contraction around the head and neck. You have to take care of tight muscles that result in recurring headaches. Try to incorporate regular exercise and meditation in your daily schedule. Some Yoga exercises and meditation postures can be very instrumental in managing your stress level. Exercise and meditation can also restore the hormone levels within your body and prevent migraines that are often triggered after menopause.

8. Relax and Sleep well

Irrespective of your busy schedule and responsibilities, don’t try to work late night or cut down your sleeping hours. At least 6 – 8 hours sound sleep in 24 hours is extremely important for preventing fatigue related headaches. Try to relax in a peaceful environment because noisy surroundings may also cause headaches.  If you are already having a headache, a little nap can relieve you. Don’t try to oversleep as it can rebound your headache.

9. Don’t Overstrain your eyes

Eye strains are one of the well-known causes of headaches. Cut down your activities before a television, computer screen or other sources of bright light. If your profession requires you to use a computer screen for longer durations, take some precautions to protect your eyes. If your ciliary muscles are weak, honestly follow the exercise recommended by your eye specialist.

10. Manage Accompanying Conditions

If you are facing recurring headaches due to your dental or sinus problems, follow your doctor’s recommendations to address these accompanying conditions. Headaches can be a sign of high-blood pressure. So, monitor your blood pressure and if recommended by your doctor, regularly take your medications to prevent headaches.

There are a number of good books that you can also read on the subject of tension headaches treatment. One that I recommend has the title of ‘The Migraine And Headache Program‘. Check it out from the above link if you are interested.


Keep fit and enjoy a happy, healthy lifestyle.

James Kelly


High Wycombe, Western Australia,6057