Post by CIVILISON on Sept 14, 2005 15:27:57 GMT -5
Not an uncommon condition, headaches and migraines are most commonly caused by a constriction of blood vessels within the brain. This forces the arteries to rapidly dilate. The constant constriction and dilation of vessels in the brain causes a headache.
Ideally, we should all try to pinpoint a specific cause of a headache. Some factors that might cause a headache are:
Most of the time, one can get rid of constant headaches by merely eliminating the causative factor underlying this condition.
Some effective methods of temporarily alleviating a headache or migraine would include applying a cold cloth onto the forehead while lying down in a dim or unlit area.
I have found hypnotic/sedative herbs useful for headaches. These would include chamomile, valerian, passion flower or a combination of all.
Long term treatment would include supplementation with Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs tend to be in insufficient quantities in the brain of a migraine patient; fish oil are superlative – these are mandatory on a daily basis for everyone anyway!), 5-HTP (5-HTP is a natural substance derived from the African griffonia seed which boosts up the body's serotonin levels; a lot of migraine sufferers how low serotonin levels) and the infamous herb feverfew.
Do not take 5-HTP more than 3 times a week. This supplement is not to be taken with any anti-depressant drugs. 50mg 30 minutes before going to bed is sufficient. If not, increase to 100mg. It will significantly improve the quality of your sleep. In fact, this supplement is used in people with insomnia and other sleeping disorders.
And of course, you can just drink a lot of water and just wait it out.
PEACE
Ideally, we should all try to pinpoint a specific cause of a headache. Some factors that might cause a headache are:
- Stress, overwork, or even relaxing periods that follow hectic ones, such as weekends and vacations
- Insufficient sleep--or too much sleep
- Sudden changes in weather (barometric pressure)
- Exposure to bright lights or certain visual patterns
- Fluctuations in blood sugar levels
- Caffeine withdrawal
- Cigarette smoke
- Certain odors
- Hormonal swings during menstrual cycles
- Birth control pills
- Vasodilating drugs
- Certain foods and beverages, especially those containing compounds known as amines
- Nitrites (chemicals found in bacon, hot dogs, and other cured meats)
- Foods containing tyramine, a chemical found naturally in pepperoni, red wine, chicken livers, active yeast preparations, and aged cheeses
- Food you are allergic and intolerant to
Most of the time, one can get rid of constant headaches by merely eliminating the causative factor underlying this condition.
Some effective methods of temporarily alleviating a headache or migraine would include applying a cold cloth onto the forehead while lying down in a dim or unlit area.
I have found hypnotic/sedative herbs useful for headaches. These would include chamomile, valerian, passion flower or a combination of all.
Long term treatment would include supplementation with Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs tend to be in insufficient quantities in the brain of a migraine patient; fish oil are superlative – these are mandatory on a daily basis for everyone anyway!), 5-HTP (5-HTP is a natural substance derived from the African griffonia seed which boosts up the body's serotonin levels; a lot of migraine sufferers how low serotonin levels) and the infamous herb feverfew.
Do not take 5-HTP more than 3 times a week. This supplement is not to be taken with any anti-depressant drugs. 50mg 30 minutes before going to bed is sufficient. If not, increase to 100mg. It will significantly improve the quality of your sleep. In fact, this supplement is used in people with insomnia and other sleeping disorders.
And of course, you can just drink a lot of water and just wait it out.
PEACE
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