When your head is pounding you may be quick to pick up a bottle of aspirin for relief, but there are more mindful and natural ways to ease your headaches.

Types of Headaches

According to the World Health Organization, 47 percent of adults suffer from headaches at least once a year. The types of headaches experienced by these individuals vary. Some of the most common headaches include migraines and tension headaches. There are also cluster and chronic headaches.

What Causes Headaches

What causes headaches? In fact, there are different factors to consider. Stress and poor sleeping habits are common reasons. Other causes include: certain medications as well as skipping meals or dehydration. Specific types of foods can trigger headaches like alcohol, caffeine, and fatty or fried foods. Headaches can be caused by infections like strep throat, the flu, and sinus problems. Electronics are sometimes to blame, like staring at a computer or television screen for too long or listening to loud music.

Try a Natural Cure for Headache Pains

Listed below are five home remedies for headache pains.

1. Soothing scents. Essential oils can do wonders for a headache. You can rub a little oil on your forehead to cool and relax muscles or you can place a few drops in a handkerchief and breath it in. Consider oils like basil, ginger, lavender, peppermint or wintergreen.
2. Pain-eliminating food. Certain nutrients have been proven to relax nerves and muscles such as magnesium and riboflavin (also known as vitamin B2). So consider adding more whole grains, almonds, spinach, broccoli, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and black beans to your diet. Also, remember that headaches can be caused by dehydration, so be sure to drink lots of water.
3. Heating techniques. Sometimes a little warmth can make all the difference. To divert the blood from your head, consider soaking in a warm bath with a cool towel on your head or simply soaking your feet in a warm footbath. You can also relieve your headache by placing a warm towel, heating pad, or hot water bottles on your neck or shoulders.
4. Physical activity. Massages and acupuncture can benefit your body from head to toe like lowering blood pressure and alleviating stress. It can also reduce painful headaches. Studies also show that weekly exercise can reduce the frequency of headaches because it releases endorphins and reduces tension and stress.
5.  Mind over matter. Sometimes the best way to reduce the number of headaches you experience all you need is a little quiet time. Frequent meditation sessions and stress management techniques can save you from future pain.