Headaches
ASK GRANNY EARTH
I am plagued with headaches quite often. They are usually in the front of my head and most often between my eyes. Do you have any idea what might be causing them, or what herbs would help to take the pain away?
The cause of your headaches could be anyone of numerous conditions. But remember, you body is always trying to communicate to you via pain. Try to listen to what your body is telling you. If you are not used to doing this, here’s a hint: Drink a cup of relaxing tea, such as Chamomile and lie down in a quiet, familiar place. Take deep breaths in through your nostrils (expanding your abdomen) and exhale out through your mouth. Do this slowly at least 5 times and then ask your body what it is trying to tell you. Learning to listen to your body’s wisdom may take you some time, patience and practice, but keep at it: it does have a message for you.
One of the most common causes of headaches is:
Stress and Tension. These are rather abstract words, which we have gotten so used to hearing that we assume we know their meaning, but really don’t. They have to do with the mind, body, and emotions. Look for ways that you might allow yourself to be put under pressure (stress) either at work or in your personal life. Look for times when you stuff your feelings, rather than being assertive, confronting, or honest about how and what you’re feeling. Many times we perceive simple or normal situations in ways that cause us fear or anger, because of unresolved psychological issues from the past.
In this case our perception is tainted by past experiences. Our perception of life’s events is what causes us stress and tension. Just think of the words STRESS, PRESSURE and TENSION. They all can be used to describe our emotions or they can be used to describe physical (or mechanical, as in structural steel) situations. There is a relationship here. Emotional stress, pressure and tension can cause physical problems, i.e., pain.
Some other causes could be digestive disorders, spinal misalignment, exposure to chemicals, or allergies. Finding the exact cause and treatment for these will take some investigation on your part. But, don’t give up- there’s a reason for your headache. Migraine headache is different than what we consider to be ‘ordinary’ headaches. Mosby’s Medical Dictionary defines migraine as “a recurring vascular headache characterized by severe pain, visual disturbances, nausea, chills, and extreme fatigue.” The standard and accepted herbal remedy for migraine is Feverfew taken at the first sign of an impending attack. If Feverfew cannot be taken immediately and the migraine is in full force, then make a tea of Skullcap and/or Rosemary. Drink at least 4 or 5 cups a day.
For all other headaches- you might want to try any one (or a combination) of the following herbs in the form of a tea: Lavender, Linden flower, Vervain, Peppermint, Chamomile, Elder flower, Marjoram, Thyme, Valerian, and Passion Flower.
A friend was visiting me the other day and she complained of a really bad headache. I opened a jar of Lavender flowers and told her to smell and inhale deeply several times. This began to ease her pain. I then made her a pot of tea with the following herbs: Feverfew, Linden and Mint. She added some honey and drank one cup full in a matter of about 5 minutes. She had a surprised look on her face. I said “Well?” She commented that it tasted good. I said, “WHAT ABOUT YOUR HEADACHE?” To which she replied, “Oh yeah, it’s gone!” Ain’t life grand?
Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)- Effective in treating stress headaches, Lavender is also antidepressant and strengthens the nervous system.
Peppermint (Mentha peperita)- Relaxes the muscles of the digestive system, thereby relieving gas and colic. Peppermint is also a nervine and is used to treat anxiety.
Linden Flower (Tilia Americana)- Valuable in the treatment of nervous tension, Linden is used to treat some forms of migraine. It can also prevent the development of arteriosclerosis and hypertension.
Don’t be too up-tight about making herbal teas. Put some water in a pan (glass or enamel), bring it to a boil and add the cut-up herbs (fresh or dried). Turn the heat to low and simmer for 5 – 15 minutes. Strain, add honey and drink. If you need measurements, try this: about 2 or 3 cups of water and a pinch or two or three of each herb.
Sorry, but that’s about as specific as I can be. Lighten up, let yourself just enjoy!
