We all know only to well that terrible throbbing and ponding feeling that makes it nearly impossible to do even the most basic tasks…. It’s the enemy of so many of us, the headache!

Sadly headaches and migraines are a common occurrence but at least this means we can be prepared to do battle with them by carrying the likes of pain relievers which have been chemically engineered to relive the symptoms, but this ‘instant’ cure can come at a price! Pain relievers can cause rebound headaches, heart problems and digestion issues so I was keen to find out what causes headaches and if there was a natural way to relieve them?

What Causes Headaches?

Headaches can be caused by a number of reasons, the most common culprits being dehydration followed by stress, lack of sleep and a poor diet. Some foods are also commonly associated with being the cause of headaches and migraines and these include meat, dairy, red wine, caffeine and chocolate – is that a list of all the best things or is that just me?

If your head starts pounding it can therefore be a sign that your body is telling you that you are working to hard and something has gone out of balance in your life. The good news is you can often stop headaches coming on in the first place by simply relaxing, unwinding and making sure your eating a balanced and healthy diet.

Still cants get rid of that headache? Check out these natural ways to relieve headaches

• Dehydration is the most common cause of headaches so carry a bottle of water in your bag to avoid dehydration, why not try the Aquatina bottle which collapses to a fraction of its size when empty making it super easy to transport.
• Get a massage or some acupressure to release tension and move energy around your body.
• Aromatherapy is a great way to relax. Few things are more relaxing than breathing in lavender, peppermint or other essential oils. You can find a large range of organic and natural aromatherapy products on www.ethicalcommunity.com
• Sleep, make sure your get at least 7 hours sleep a night
• Try soaking your feet in warm water; this brings blood from your head down to your feet.
• Exercise. Why not take up Yoga as it is especially effective at combating stress due to its meditative aspect.
• Some supplements and herbs have been found to be effective, such as calcium, magnesium, riboflavin, coenzyme Q10, feverfew, gingko biloba, rosemary and chamomile. You should consult a doctor or naturopath to help determine which to take and in what amounts.

If you have any tips or suggestions on natural ways to combat headaches and migraines please do add them as a comment or share them on the www.ethicalcommunity.com forums