Ginger — A home remedy for instant headache relief

Here's how you can use ginger to get an instant relief from headache.

Pavitra Sampath | Updated: February 28, 2014 4:04 pm

A headache is one of the most common conditions that affects many of us. But instead of reaching for those painkillers, try using a natural method for instant relief – ginger. Touted as an elixir for headaches, ginger acts on the very mechanism of the condition to reduce the pain one feels.

Packed with over 200 substances, mainly present in its oils, the root is known to block prostaglandins that stimulates muscle contraction, controls inflammation and affects the release of some hormones. All of which, act directly on how a headache affects our body.

It is also believed that ginger works in keeping with the concept in Ayurveda – that a headache is triggered by some impairment of the digestive ability of the body. Charmaine D’souza, author of Kitchen Clinic and renowned naturopath, seconds this belief and says, ‘Ginger is a classic tonic for the digestive tract. It stimulates digestion, and has the ability to prevent vomiting. It also tends to boost the pumping action of the heart. Ginger protects the stomach from the damaging effects of alcohol and non-steroidal, anti inflammatory drugs and may help prevent ulcers. It is also used as relief for sore throats if it is added to warm water and used to gargle with.’ (Read: 10 health benefits of ginger)

Here are some simple remedies you can try at home to relieve a headache:

Remedy # 1: Harness the pain-killing power of the volatile oil present in ginger – just crush fresh ginger, boil with water, filter and drink the warm liquid and you will notice a marked reduction in the intensity of your headache.

Remedy # 2: If you are not too interested in drinking ginger juice, you could try inhaling its vapours. All you have to do is crush a piece of ginger or use a tablespoon of dry ginger powder and add it to boiling hot water, inhale the vapours and get instant relief from a headache.

Remedy # 3: Another good remedy is to apply the paste of ginger on your forehead. Just take dry ginger powder (as much as you would need to make a paste). Add a little warm water to it and apply this paste over your forehead. It is best to rest with your eyes closed in a calm room to allow that ginger paste to take effect. You should find instant relief from your headache.

Disclaimer: This is only a home remedy; please make sure you visit a doctor if the symptoms persist. Do not use this as a substitute for medical advice. Your doctor will be better equipped to diagnose any serious condition you might have.

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Published: December 20, 2013 1:01 pm | Updated:February 28, 2014 4:04 pm

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