How to Get Rid of a Headache Fast (10 Proven Methods)

Everyone, no matter the age, lifestyle, or ethnicity, gets a headache.

The reason for constant aches might stem from stress, fatigue, sinus infections, dehydration, diet, or tension.

Over-the-counter medicines are one solution on how to cure a headache, but it takes about 4-6 hours for relief.

If you want instant relief, you should try natural home remedies.

Here are ten remedies on how to get rid of a headache.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus has excellent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits that promote relaxation, particularly in tensed muscles.

When using essential oils, you don’t have to worry about any side effects, so you are in control of the dosage.

You can mix the eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or almond oil, and massage on your forehead for 15-20 minutes.

Works best for: tension and sinus headaches.

Peppermint

Peppermint is like a first cousin to eucalyptus regarding its soothing muscle contraction and calming benefits.

It’s also a great essential oil to turn to when you want to know how to get rid of a migraine.

When applied topically to the forehead and the temples, it can reduce the sensitivity and tension you feel from a migraine headache.

You can also make it an herbal tea by adding dried peppermint and letting it steep for 10 minutes.

Ingesting the tea can help alleviate any nausea accompanied by a headache.

Works best for: migraine and tension headaches.

Lemon

Lemon is an effective ingredient to treat a headache because of its stimulating and relaxing properties.

Drinking warm water mixed with juice from a half of lemon will reduce the intensity of a headache.

Another option is to apply lemon zest, pounded into a paste, on your forehead to immediately relieve pain.

Works best for: headaches triggered by gastrointestinal problems.

Apple Cider Vinegar

A daily intake of apple cider vinegar helps restore and maintain the body’s acid-alkaline balance.

Two teaspoons, three times a day is sufficient enough to ward off a headache.

You can also try the vaporizing method, which involves filling a bowl with hot water and three to four teaspoons of apple cider vinegar diluted in the bowl.

Inhale the vapor with a towel over your head for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the headache subsides.

Works best for: migraine headaches.

Ginger

Ginger offers many medicinal qualities, including anti-inflammatory properties, which know how to get rid of a migraine.

It relaxes the blood vessels in the head, reducing the swelling and activating opiates in the brain to lessen the pain.

Drink some ginger tea at least three times a day to alleviate migraines.

Works best for: migraine headaches.

Cinnamon

Grind cinnamon sticks into a fine powder and add water to make a thick paste.

Apply it to your forehead and other affected areas and lie down for 30 minutes to suppress major aches.

Rinse with lukewarm water when you’re finished.

Works best for: headaches triggered by cold air.

Betel Leaves

In need of another herbal treatment?

Betel leaves are another great natural source to add to your repertoire.

They have analgesic and cooling benefits that help alleviates headaches.

Grind the betel leaves into a paste using a grinder and apply to your forehead and temples.

Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes, or until you feel relief from the pain.

Chewing betel leaves are also another great tip on how to cure a headache since they are safe to consume.

Works best for: migraine and tension headaches.

Drinking Water

If all else fails, you can always count on water.

You can easily get relief from drinking water because you are rehydrating your body.

Drink a glass of water should any signs of a headache approach, taking small sips throughout the day.

Sports drinks are an alternative to water since the electrolytes present can treat aches as well.

Works best for: tension headaches and headaches triggered by dehydration.

Hot Water

Applying heat to stress points (particularly in the neck area) can relax tensed muscles throughout your body, especially for headaches.

Take a hot, damp towel or bag to the back of your neck or take a hot shower directing the water on your neck for relief.

Bonus: essential oils, such as the peppermint and eucalyptus oils mentioned prior, can be great additions to a hot bath when you’re having chronic migraines.

Works best for: tension headaches and headaches triggered by stress.

Ice Pack

Compression is a key element for subsiding pain caused by stress and intensity.

Using a cold compress, like an ice pack, on your forehead will numb the pain by minimizing inflamed blood vessels and improving blood circulation to the affected area.

You can makeshift a homemade ice pack by wrapping ice in a towel or using a frozen bag of vegetables.

Alternatively, you can apply a cold cloth on your head for 10 minutes, or until you feel relief.

Never place ice directly on the skin, as it can cause severe damage.

Works best for: headaches triggered by stress and sinus headaches.

Conclusion

While over-the-counter solutions may temporarily relieve your pain, the medicine does not actually understand how to get rid of a headache.

Problems can be exacerbated over a period if left untreated.

Give some of the home remedies a shot the next time your experience a headache.

This article is intended for general purposes only.

Consult a doctor if problems worsen.