Written By: Debjani Arora | Updated : January 4, 2016 7:46 AM IST
It isn t unusual for you to reach out for a cup of tea when a headache gets the better of you. Tea, since a long time, has been considered soothing and gentle on your senses when a tension-induced headache wreaks havoc. However, specific herbal teas can help relieve your headache better that your regular sugar laced cutting chai. Due to its medicinal and antioxidant properties, herbal teas work wonders for untimely headaches. Here is why you should not ignore frequent headaches.
Here are few herbal teas you can opt for when you suffer from a sudden tension-induced headache
Green tea: It is rich in antioxidants and has analgesic properties. It also reduces oxidative stress and helps to eliminate toxins. Studies show that sipping at least two cups of green tea a day can help deal with inflammation of tissues and blood vessels, thus helping the body cope with aches and pains. This is a reason why green tea is thought to be an excellent drink to soothe headaches [1]. Here are three reasons you should avoid having green tea during pregnancy.
Ginger tea: Not just tension-induced headaches; ginger can also help to give relief from migraines, which is a neurological disorder. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds that inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, that cause inflammation and pain, thereby relieving a headache. Since it doesn t have any side-effects, ginger is often used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine systems for pain management. So brewing a cup of ginger tea to soothe your headache is probably a good idea [2]. Here are five other natural remedies for headaches that actually work.
Peppermint tea: It has a delicious, refreshing taste, but it is the medicinal and antibacterial properties that bring it to this list. Apart from headaches, peppermint tea can also help reduce symptoms of nausea, vomiting and stomach ache that accompany a tension headache. Peppermint leaf and oil contain acetaldehyde, amyl alcohol, menthyl esters, limone, pinene, phellandrene, cadinene, pugelone, and dimethyl sulphide and other important elements that help to banish pain and soothe your inflamed sensory nerves [3]. Here are seven other healthy reasons to drink peppermint tea.
Chamomile tea: The main constituents of the chamomile flowers include several phenolic compounds, primarily the flavonoids apigenin, quercetin, patuletin, luteolin and their glucosides, all of which have anti-inflammatory properties. This is one reason why chamomile tea is thought to be a great pain reliever for migraines and tension-headaches [4]. Here are six other benefits of chamomile tea.
Cinnamon tea: Cinnamon is a rich source of manganese, fiber, iron and calcium that makes it an effective home remedy to cure a headache and other health problems. It also helps to regulate blood sugar levels and lipid levels [5].
Masala chai: One reason you cannot say not to your masala chai is because it is rich in antioxidants with the right dose of caffeine that acts like a pain-reliever. Moreover, it has the right blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, etc., which makes it refreshing and therapeutic at the same time. Here are eight more reasons to have your masala chai.
Word of caution
Tea might not always be an excellent pain reliever for everyone, especially those for whom caffeine acts as a trigger. So if you have had any of these teas before which has aggravated your headache, it is wise to stay away from it. Moreover, don t exceed beyond two cups a day, as that is the permissible amount of caffeine (approximately 50 mg) one can consume safely. If your headaches are too frequent, consult an expert to get a better diagnosis of your condition.
References:
[1] Chacko, S. M., Thambi, P. T., Kuttan, R., & Nishigaki, I. (2010). Beneficial effects of green tea: a literature review. Chin med, 5(13), 1-9.
[2] 1: Mustafa T, Srivastava KC. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in migraine headache. J Ethnopharmacol. 1990 Jul;29(3):267-73. PubMed PMID: 2214812.
[3] Rodriguez-Fragoso, L., Reyes-Esparza, J., Burchiel, S. W., Herrera-Ruiz, D., & Torres, E. (2008). Risks and benefits of commonly used herbal medicines in Mexico. Toxicology and Applied pharmacology, 227(1), 125-135.
[4] 1: McKay DL, Blumberg JB. A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of chamomile tea (Matricaria recutita L.). Phytother Res. 2006 Jul;20(7):519-30. Review. PubMed PMID: 16628544.
[5] Alpay, K., Erta , M., Orhan, E. K., stay, D. K., Lieners, C., & Baykan, B. (2010). Diet restriction in migraine, based on IgG against foods: A clinical double-blind, randomised, cross-over trial. Cephalalgia, 30(7), 829-837.
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