Headaches

Headaches come in different frequencies, types and pain levels. Often, they could be a sign or symptom of an underlying medical condition. In headaches, the brain, which is the major organ in the nervous system, undergoes an irritable state that may cause pain and other discomforts.

Painful Headaches

Typical headaches are often caused by different factors. Food, the environment, hormones, stress, and chemicals contribute to headache buildup. But these headache types are quite treatable with rest and over-the-counter meds. A migraine headache is more extensive than periodic headaches. It usually begins in the temple on one side and spreads all over to become generalized. Usually, visual changes and abnormal sensitivity to light are associated with this type of headache. Cluster headaches are variations of the migraine headache. It is characterized by an intense, throbbing pain and usually lasts for a few hours. This type of headache, which is common among males, is debilitating and can interfere with your activities of daily living.

Analgesics are often the treatment of choice for headache sufferers. Alternatively, there are herbal preparations that are less toxic to the body. As listed in the table below, these herbs might be a better cure for your periodic headaches. But for an effective treatment of a persistent headache, a trip to your family physician’s office might be necessary.

Herb Description, Treatment & Procedures
Ampalaya
(Momordica charantia) Ampalaya, or bitter melon in English, has been proven to be an effective herbal medicine especially in the Philippines. It is also a good source of vitamins A, B, C, iron, folic acid, phosphorus and calcium. It is a known antioxidant, antibacterial and antipyretic for the treatment of most common illnesses. For headaches, apply warmed leaves to affected temples or sides of the head.
Peppermint
(Mentha x piperita) In the Philippines, peppermint is also known as yerba buena. It is an herb from the mint family globally known for its healing properties, including headache reduction. Peppermint decoction, usually using dried leaves, is a known analgesic and should be taken hot to reduce the pain brought by headaches.
Lagundi
(Vitex negundo L) Even if lagundi is recognized as an effective expectorant, it is also known to bring down headaches. It is a common herbal plant found in the Philippines. The dried or fresh lagundi leaves are boiled. Drinking this decoction will provide headache relief.

Links for Further Headache Herbal Study
Philippine Herbs
1.    Philippine Herbal Medicine
2.    Philippine Herbal Medicine
3.    Stuart Exchange

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