How To Prevent Getting Headaches
If you know what triggers your headaches, then you can use that to avoid getting them in the first place.
I mostly get them from occasional stress, poor sleeping patterns, and spending too many hours looking at my computer screen.
Here is a list of common triggers for headaches and migraines:
- Tense muscles in the neck, head, and shoulder area
- Emotional/mental stress or depression
If your headache is caused by drinking too much alcohol, I recommend that you also read my guide with best herbal teas for treating a hangover.
How To Use Peppermint Or Menthol
Speak with a doctor before taking any supplement, especially if you are on medication.
Peppermint Oil
One drop of peppermint oil can be applied behind each ear, on the neck, and on the shoulders. It can also be used on the temples and forehead, but avoid getting it close to the eyes.
Essential oils are not regulated by the FDA and many are fake. Purchase from a reliable source. Now Foods Organic Peppermint oil is one option.
Aromatherapy
Peppermint oil can be used as an aromatherapy with a diffuser. Here is a popular diffuser that I use.
Peppermint Tea
Steep 1 teaspoon of peppermint leaves in hot water for ten minutes.
Peppermint tea appears to be safe in large quantities, according to the University of Maryland . You can drink peppermint tea four to five times per day to heal the gut and prevent migraines.
Purchase an organic tea that doesnt have high levels of pesticides.
Pesticides are endocrine disruptors that can interfere with your hormone levels, raise oxidative stress, and trigger migraines .
Yogi peppermint tea is great. .
Peppermint Oil Pills
Some of the studies on IBS used 0.2ml capsules of peppermint oil two or three times per day .
Heathers Tummy Tamers are the most popular peppermint oil capsules. Ive used these in the past and they are better than medication for IBS.
Now Foods also makes peppermint oil and the reviews are stellar. Now Foods is a reputable brand.
There are many fake supplements out there, so choose wisely.
Menthol Rubs
Hello Herbal Teas Bye Bye Headaches
All in all, drinking a warm cup of tea made from ginger, chamomile, peppermint, feverfew, or willow bark may be just what you need to ease that headache.
While herbal dietary supplements are generally safe to consume, some may cause an allergic reaction or react with medications you are taking. So if you have some illness and are on medication, you can include these herbal teas in your headache management plan after you speak with your doctor or healthcare professional.
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If You Suffer From Migraines Then Keep These Teas In Stock
- 16 Jun 2020, 13:49 IST
Migraine or severe headaches are difficult to manage especially when you have many tasks at hand. You cannot tolerate any sound, lights, fragrances, it becomes difficult to eat, there are many such problems one has to face due to this disease. However, there are ways in which you can combat the pain and one of the remedies involves just a warm cup of tea. There are different kinds of tea as not everything suits all. It is the caffeine in the tea that helps but sometimes some roots and spices as well do wonders for those fits of pain. So take a look and stock them in your kitchen cupboard.
While there are several tea types and flavours that are easily available in the market, there are still a few of them that can be easily brewed at home using the roots and spices. Though there is no proven evidence that they are effective, people do feel relieved by some of them which I am listing below.
Side Effects Of Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is generally considered safe in small doses. Possible side effects include:
- Heartburn
- Allergic reaction
- Rash or irritation when applied to the skin1
These are not all the possible side effects of peppermint oil. Patients should talk to their doctor about what to expect with peppermint oil as treatment.
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Five Possible Problems With Peppermint
1. Peppermint May Trigger Migraines
The Iranian menthol study that outperformed the placebo in 118 migraine attacks was a problem for two migraine sufferers . The two patients discontinued the study because of a burning sensation that aggravated their headaches.
The TRPM8 research published in 2016 suggested that menthol could potentially be a migraine trigger in some individuals and more research is needed .
Ive seen a few migraine sufferers report online that any potent smells, including peppermint, are their personal migraine triggers. However, the majority of migraine sufferers in research and in online migraine communities have no problem with peppermint.
2. Peppermint, Allergies, and Migraines
Peppermint allergies are unlikely, but anything can be a personal allergen that triggers migraines .
A study published by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health found that peppermint was neither an allergen nor an irritant when patch tested on 4,000 patients .
The study that measured peppermint oil on 164 headaches in 41 patients also found that there were no adverse reactions .
4. Peppermint Side Effects
Side effects may include heartburn and allergic reactions such as flushing, headache, and mouth sores .
If you experience side effects, you should stop using peppermint because increased inflammation could trigger migraines.
5. Drug Interactions
Not a cure, but every little bit helps.
Ginger Tea For Headache And Migraine
Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and works by blocking the chemical messengers that play a key role in the bodies inflammatory response. Like many of the teas listed here, ginger contains no tea leaves. Tea is made right from the ginger root making it a great option if youre sensitive to true tea. You can make it in its most natural form by purchasing a root from the grocery store and boiling a few slices in water. For the sake of ease while Im having a migraine attack, I like to purchase it in bags. I use The Republic of Tea Biodynamic Ginger which has ginger root as the only ingredient.
One study showed ginger to be as effective as Sumatriptan in aborting a migraine attack . It works best when used at the very beginning stages of an attack. Turmeric and ginger belong to the same family and turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory in its own right making it another great option for migraine symptom relief. I use The Republic of Tea Biodynamic Turmeric Cinnamon because turmeric and cinnamon are the only two ingredients.
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Keeps Bad Breath At Bay
Theres a reason why peppermint is found in toothpaste, mouthwash, chewing gum, and candy: its strong flavor and scent is good at masking bad odors, such as those found in the mouth as a result of halitosis.
But not only that, peppermint leaves are antibacterial so they actually kill some of the bacteria that contribute to the bad breath, allowing for cleaner, fresher-smelling breath.
Fantastic Health Benefits Of Peppermint Tea
Peppermint teas health benefits are plentiful. Health practitioners wanting to provide relief without drugs have used peppermint tea for over 10,000 years, as documented by archeologists.
The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health has found that a cup of the beverage will help with heartburn and upset stomach. Here are the top 15 peppermint tea benefits.
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Different Forms Of Peppermint Oil To Use For Migraines
Where can you find peppermint oil for migraines? Peppermint oil is available online or at health food stores in many different forms, including liquid oil, enteric-coated soft gel capsules, tea form, incense sticks, and candies or other chewables.You can also find peppermint essential oil in skin creams, shampoos, conditioners, soaps, and air fresheners.
It is also important to note that you should buy peppermint oil from a highly reputable source, since there is a chance that some herbal remedies may be contaminated.
Cayenne Pepper For Migraine Relief
Cayenne pepper is said to regulate the digestive system, reduce inflammation, lift your mood and promote hair growth. Its pain relieving properties make it one of the best teas for migraine. Just like the teas above this one is not actually made from tea leaves.
To make this spicy brew dissolve about ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper in warm water. Let it steep a while as youll want it to be completely dissolved. The capsaicin in cayenne pepper can block the neurotransmitters that are responsible for sending pain impulses to the brain. At the 2016 Migraine World Summit Dr. Greger said that this is especially helpful for cluster headache . You can even put a bit in the nose to exhaust the trigeminal nerve and eliminate pain. The capsaicin found in this one makes it spicy hot which is a great combination when paired with a bit of honey. Just plan to sip this one slowly.
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Thirteen Reasons Why Peppermint May Relieve Migraines
1. 2015 Menthol Gel Migraine Study
In a 2015 Thomas Jefferson University Study, a menthol-based gel was applied on the neck and behind the ears of 25 patients during migraine attacks .
After two hours, 28 percent of patients had no pain and another 28 percent of patients had only mild pain.
The results were impressive, but there was no placebo group.
2. Menthol on 118 Migraine Attacks
In 2010, Iranian researchers used menthol to treat 118 migraine attacks in 35 patients .
Menthol was superior to the placebo for pain relief, pain freedom, nausea, vomiting, phonophobia , and photophobia .
3. Placebo Effect of Menthol and Beyond
Placebos that are topical ointments work better than pill placebos .
Therefore, its impressive that menthol outperforms the high placebo effect of a topical ointment .
Use positive thoughts while applying peppermint oil to harness the placebo effect .
4. Tension-Type Headache Relief
A German study published in 1996 found that peppermint oil applied to the forehead and temples was just as effective at controlling tension-type headaches as 1,000 mg of acetaminophen .
The study analyzed 164 headaches in 41 patients.
Peppermint oil was also more effective than the placebo. However, the co-author of the study, Dr. Göbel, disclosed to The Wall Street Journal that peppermint oil had no benefit over the placebo for migraines in unpublished work .
5. Nausea Relief
More than 90 percent of all migraineurs report nausea .
7. Menthol Treats Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Who Should Not Take Peppermint Oil For Migraine
As with many herbal supplements and natural migraine remedies, peppermint hasnt been studied enough in children and therefore shouldnt be given to children.
Peppermint oil should not be applied to the chest of children or infants as inhaling the oil may cause serious side effects to children.1
Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should talk to their doctor about the risks of using peppermint oil.
Before using peppermint oil, talk to your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are using. Some of these can interact negatively with each other and could cause harmful effects.
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For Pcos And Hirsutism
Another benefit of peppermint tea is its impact on hormonal balance. Many use peppermint tea for PCOS in particular, due to its anti-androgen effect. This can ease PCOS symptoms like acne and stress while also improving unwanted, male-pattern hair growth in womenalso known as hirsutism.
What does science say about peppermint tea and hirsutism? Research has shown that regular peppermint tea consumption significantly reduces free testosterone and increases hormones beneficial for hair growth, such as estradiol and luteinizing hormone.
Potential Health Benefits Of Peppermint Tea
Essential oils are released when you steep peppermint leaves in hot water. This process is what gives the herbal tea its refreshing flavor and potential health benefits.
These essential oils are also antiviral and antimicrobial, which can benefit your immune system and help your body fight infection.
Additional health benefits from drinking peppermint tea may include:
Improved Digestive Function
Peppermint has been used for centuries as a remedy for digestive issues like nausea, gas, and bloating. Thereâs a lack of research specific to peppermint tea leaves, but studies have found that peppermint oil improves the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Studies also show that peppermint has a relaxation effect on the gastrointestinal system, which can help relieve cramps and menstrual pain.
Cold and Allergy Symptoms Relief
Menthol, one of the essential oils in peppermint leaves, is known as an effective decongestant. It can help to relieve stuffy noses, coughs, and sore throats caused by colds or allergies.
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Should I Steer Clear Of Caffeine
Although many people and even studies find that caffeine can actually help to ease headaches, caffeine can also cause headaches or make them worse which is why wed recommend opting for herbal teas that do not have caffeine in, just in case.
This article originally appeared on our sister site, Yours.
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Types Of Tea For Migraine
Tea is second only to water as the most popular drink in the world. It is also a popular remedy for people with migraine. However, there is no solid science to confirm that teas prevent or stop a migraine attack. Some of the most popular teas used by people with migraine are:1
- Green tea
- Willow bark
- Ginger
Some research shows that green tea can improve mental alertness and relieve headaches and digestive issues. This is most likely due to the caffeine in green tea.2
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Side Effects Of Peppermint And Who Must Not Consume It
Mint is a widely used herb and has varied health benefits when consumed through tea or in aromatherapy. Peppermint oil has a calming effect, which combined with its mild antibacterial and antiviral powers, makes it useful for treating a variety of health conditions. It has many benefits in treating indigestion, headaches and irritable bowel syndrome and shows promise for treating other conditions, including bad breath, congestion and nausea.
But excessive use of peppermint tea, peppermint oil or the herb can cause some side-effects. So check for these symptoms before using peppermint as a herbal remedy.
Inhale Peppermint Oil With Steam
A steam inhalation might also be a great way to use peppermint oil for migraines.
Simply pour hot water into a bowl and add three to seven drops of peppermint oil. You will then cover your head with a towel, close your eyes, and breathe through your nose. Do this for about two minutes.
A steam inhalation is effective for headaches, especially if you also have congestion.
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Chamomile Tea For Headache Relief
In the Migraine Strong Facebook group we often discuss the importance of practicing intentional stress reduction techniques. Chamomile has such a lovely, natural calming effect making it a great tea to have on hand when you need to unwind. We all know how hard it can be to rest with a migraine attack. Chamomile is great for relaxation and to aid in sleeping making it a real winner for migraine relief. Its one of the most effective teas available to depress the nervous system which relaxes your whole body and relieves anxiety too. It may be worthwhile to try chamomile tea for headache relief.
This is another tea that is not made from tea leaves making it a good option for those that are tannin sensitive. Its made from the flowers so proceed with caution if you have an allergy to ragweed. Twinings of London makes a yummy Pure Chamomile tea with chamomile as the only ingredient.
The 6 Best Teas For Treating Migraines
Migraines are a type of headache that can cause severe pain and symptoms including nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and dizziness. Millions of Americans suffer from chronic migraines, making it one of the most commonly experienced ailments.
If you’ve ever had a migraine headache, you know how difficult it can be. The pounding headache. The searing pain from bright lights. Luckily, there are several different types of tea for migraines that can help ease symptoms. Read on to find out which teas you can drink to help soothe migraine pains. Want to treat a migraine by drinking tea? Check out our collection of the best tea for migraines right here.
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When To Drink Peppermint Tea For Maximum Benefits
In this section, we will detail when to drink peppermint tea for maximum benefits and how much you should be drinking.
Peppermint tea can be consumed during breakfast, in mid-morning, half an hour before dinner, or as snack at night. Drinking a mixture of appetite-suppressing peppermint tea and green tea in the morning is an excellent way to increase your metabolism.
At the same time, peppermint tea before bed may allow you to sleep better due to its relaxing menthol content. Try having a cup of peppermint tea while reading a book in bed. This will set you up for a peaceful rest.
When it comes to peppermint tea, how many cups a day should you drink? For maximum benefits, it is best to consume two to three cups daily.
How do you consume peppermint tea? For an easy peppermint tea recipe, use one tablespoon of chopped fresh peppermint leaves and add a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for about five minutes, strain the peppermint leaves, and enjoy.
What Is The Truth About Caffeinated Teas For Headaches
For some people, green tea and other caffeinated teas provide amazing relief for migraines. Green tea contains powerful phytochemicals called catechins with significant health benefits. It also has a balanced amount of caffeine .
However, in other people, caffeine actually provokes headaches. Its a common trigger for migraines and it can also cause withdrawal headaches. If youre not sure in your case, keep track of what you eat or drink right before migraines appear. If caffeine seems to be the culprit, steer clear of green tea. Knowing what tea is good for headaches for you personally can help you experience the most relief.
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