It’s no secret that so many of the natural remedies for a wide variety of health problems come from traditional Chinese medicine. Effective and virtually free of side effects when used properly or under the supervision of an experienced herbalist, these age-old remedies can really impress.
Many people turn to Chinese remedies if they refuse to put up with the unfavorable side effects and risks that many pharmaceutical solutions are known to bring. Take for example analgesics: while they are very good at alleviating all sorts of aches and pains, taking them can come with various side effects. Some of them include drowsiness, nausea, upset stomach, ringing in the ears or tinnitus, skin itchiness and constipation.
Especially if you take high doses of analgesics or rely on them for long periods of time, there are certain health risks involved, according to medical experts themselves.
So what should you do if you are constantly bugged by a nasty headache? Well, you can pop an analgesic in your mouth each time and brace yourself for its side effects and risks. Or you may simply rely on some really powerful Chinese remedies for a headache that is trusted by many across the planet for many, many years now.
Without further ado, here are some superb headache remedies from ancient China:
Ginkgo Biloba
A quick trip to the local herbal or health food store allows you to get your hands on ginkgo biloba. Actually, some of today’s pharmacies carry them, too! Usually available in powder or capsule form, you can supplement with this powerful herb if you constantly suffer from headaches. What makes ginkgo biloba so effective for headaches is the fact that it eases inflammation as well as improves blood circulation.
Xiao Yao Wan
There is a very popular concoction of Chinese herbs known as “xiao yao wan” which is revered for its ability to put an end to a headache. According to traditional Chinese medicine, this herbal preparation is very good at dealing with headaches stemming from indigestion and food allergies because it is known to boost the circulating life force called “qi” in the various organs of the digestive system like the stomach, pancreas and spleen.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Numerous studies have shown that something as simple as rubbing a little peppermint essential oil on the temples up to thrice per hour is just as effective as the leading analgesic in dealing with a headache. What’s so nice about peppermint essential oil is it can make that headache go away without leaving you facing all sorts of side effects. By the way, this volatile oil with a minty aroma is also good for easing joint and muscle pain.
Pressure Points
Traditional Chinese medicine also believes that there are certain points all over the body that, when pressed, can cause a variety of benefits — it’s referred to as “acupressure”. There are a couple of acupressure points that you may press whenever you are being pestered by a headache. One of them is the fleshy center of the webbing between your index finger, and the other one is the point right in the middle of your eyebrows.
Acupuncture
Very similar to acupressure is acupuncture, although everybody knows that the latter involves poking the skin with very tiny needles. Certainly, this traditional Chinese remedy for a headache and so many other health concerns isn’t something that you may do on your own, unlike acupressure. If you constantly suffer from headaches and you like to give acupuncture a try, make sure that you go to a certified acupuncturist in your area.
CAUTION: Before trying any form of herbal or traditional remedy for a headache, always tell your doctor about it first. This is especially true if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or diagnosed with a medical condition and currently taking prescription or OTC drugs for it.
