When it comes to headaches, there are different kinds — and different causes. There are tension headaches, cluster headaches, migraines and more. (Not-so-fun fact: There are actually 150 different types of headaches.) Headaches can be brought about by a variety of triggers, including stress, dehydration and lack of sleep. They can be merely uncomfortable, or they can be downright debilitating.
But for all of the differences, there’s one thing pretty much everyone can agree on, and that’s the fact that when you’re suffering from a headache — no matter which type, no matter how how little or how much it hurts — you want relief, and you want it fast. The good news is there are plenty of over-the-counter options available to help relieve the pain caused by common headaches.
In many cases, anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen can help. Relief may also come from essential oils and cold or hot compresses. Sleeping, fresh air and breathing exercises also help some people.
Of course, it’s always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing headaches (or any other health problem) — especially frequent or reoccurring ones — or thinking about taking a new medication. But for occasional headaches, consider trying one of these treatments you can use at home.
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1. Advil Liqui-Gels
Ibuprofen helps reduce headache pain for many sufferers. The liquid capsules also quickly dissolve for even faster pain relief. Because it’s an anti-inflammatory, it’s also good for treating other symptoms that may be accompanying your headache, like fever or muscle pain. Advil and other medicine with ibuprofen should always be taken as directed.
2. Excedrin Migraine
Excedrin uses three powerful ingredients to fight headaches: Acetaminophen and aspirin both target pain in different ways, making the drug more effective at combating serious headaches. Excedrin also has caffeine, which is known to reduce headaches by reducing blood flow to the brain. As with any medication, take only as directed.
3. Head Relief Essential Oil Blend
Many people find the topical use of essential oils can provide some immediate relief for headaches, and this Healing Solutions Head Relief Blend is made from 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils It contains a soothing combination of lavender, peppermint wintergreen, basil, frankincense, rosemary, sweet marjoram and sweet orange. (Note: It should not be taken internally.) And if you’re waiting for medicine to kick in, it can provide some instant soothing relief.
4. Headache Hat
Headache sufferers often find relief from compressions, cold compresses and blocking light — and this Headache Hat head wrap does all that. After taking it out of the freezer, the wrap can be comfortably placed around the head or back of neck. It can even be worn above the eyes if you want to wear it while at your desk or in the car. This can be used as needed, alone or with other treatments or medicines.
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