Headaches come in many forms and can be triggered by a number of factors ranging from stress to sinus pressure to low blood sugar levels. If you’re plagued by headaches on a regular basis, the good news is that there are simple remedies you can apply at home that bring instant relief and don’t require you to spend money on over-the-counter or prescription medications. Here are 7 simple home remedies for headaches that bring instant relief!

1) Cold Compress

A cold compress is a simple and inexpensive way to relieve pain associated with mild to moderate headaches. Place two or three ice cubes in a plastic bag, then wrap the bag in a towel before applying it to your forehead. The cold compress can also be applied around the base of your neck and along the jawline to alleviate pressure on these areas. Re-apply as necessary if needed, but do not leave the cold compress on for more than 15 minutes at a time. It’s important not to hold this technique too close to your eyes due to the potential for frostbite.

2) Ginger

Ginger is one of the oldest and most popular home remedies for headaches. It offers a number of benefits, including reduced sensitivity to pain and increased blood flow, both of which are important in alleviating pain. Ginger also decreases inflammation and helps relieve gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, cramping, vomiting and diarrhea. In addition to these benefits, ginger helps with the common cold by reducing excessive production of mucus due to inflammation caused by colds. On top of that it helps regulate your digestive system and can help relieve your symptoms from motion sickness and morning sickness during pregnancy when taken before you become symptomatic (1).

3) Turmeric (Curcumin)

Turmeric, or Curcumin, is a powerhouse ingredient with anti-inflammatory properties and many other health benefits. When taken internally in the form of a pill or a tablespoon of freshly chopped turmeric mixed into coconut milk, it can give headache relief. It’s also good for lowering high blood pressure and reducing swelling caused by PMS. Turmeric can be added to food in small quantities for its pleasant taste and health benefits. Add some to scrambled eggs, soup or curry.

4) Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is all about stimulating the mind and body with scents. Essential oils are often used for this purpose because they have an inherent ability to transform our mood, evoke memories, and encourage positive feelings.
While aromatherapy can be done with a candle or on its own, diffusing essential oils in a car or bathroom can be helpful too! Keep reading for 7 simple home remedies for headaches that bring instant relief:
1) Boil water, then add ginger to it until you get the desired taste. Add raw honey (one tablespoon per cup of tea) to sweeten the mixture if desired. Sip the tea slowly while breathing deeply. Repeat as needed.

5) Basil Leaves

If your headache is caused by the scent of something, the best thing to do is remove yourself from the offending aroma. Once you’ve done this, you’ll need to make a paste from fresh basil leaves, available in any grocery store in the produce section. Simply grind up the leaves with just enough water to allow them to form a thick paste (use more or less water depending on what consistency you want). Place the ointment on your forehead and massage it onto your temples. Leave it there for at least 15 minutes. You can use as much as needed, then remove it by washing it off or using an oil like coconut oil to dissolve it.

6) Peppermint Leaves

Adding a few crushed peppermint leaves to boiling water and then covering your head with a towel is an old remedy for headaches. The essential oils from the peppermint leaves are said to have analgesic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Keep in mind that if you do this every day, it might be best to leave the infusion on for about thirty minutes rather than just five or ten minutes. You can also try massaging the temples or forehead with moistened (not soaked) cool compresses made of these leaves – but the tea may work better because it has those antispasmodic properties we were talking about earlier.

7) Yoga

Yoga provides relief from tension in the head and neck, which is often what causes a headache. As a result, people with chronic headaches can improve their overall quality of life by practicing yoga regularly. Here are a few examples of yoga poses that work to relieve headaches:
• Half sun salutation: Sit on your mat and bring one foot back. Bend your left knee up towards the chest and grab it with your hands. Now twist around onto your right side, hugging your shin with both arms as you go down onto the ground (making sure not to let go of either knee). Let the left leg straighten out behind you as you keep going down. Push up into a seated position.