If you experience headaches on a regular basis, you know the prevailing thought when one occurs is how to get rid of it. Headaches come in many forms and for many reasons. When you can pinpoint the cause for your headache, you have a better chance of finding the right headache cures to beat your problem.

Migraine headaches tend to the worst type of headache. These are often accompanied by upset stomach, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can last for days on end, and a lot of common headache cures won't help. They may take the edge off the pain, but the migraine is still there. For headache cures relating to migraines, you can try over the counter migraine medications. These work well for some people, while others feel no effect. If you have tried these headache cures and they have failed, visit your doctor. You may be a good candidate for prescription migraine medication.

When your headache is not a migraine, you have to search for the source. Tension headaches are quite common, and can be felt not only in the head, but in the neck and shoulders as well. Headache cures for this type of headache range from medications to message. Staring at your computer all day can give you eyestrain. This eyestrain will then contribute to a pounding headache. You can take medications for this, or can try a more natural remedy to get rid of this type. Prevention is the best remedy available. Make sure you eye prescription is up to date, always wear your corrective lenses, and take a break from staring at your computer monitor at least every ten minutes.

For headaches of unknown origin, pain relievers often help. You can help eliminate sources of stress and bad habits like smoking or drinking. Natural headache cures often work better if you know the root of the problem. Rest is often a good one, along with cutting back on caffeine and sugar. Simple headache cures often will not help raging and reoccurring headaches that don't have an obvious cause. This is when you might want to see a doctor to discuss your pain. There are times when severe headaches (that are not migraines) can signify a medical problem.

If you have bleeding in your brain, or any other significant medical problem, headache cures will not help you. Your doctor must uncover the root of the problem. Sometimes headache cures do not come in a bottle, they come about when underlying medical issues or living habits are repaired.

Tags: alternative treatment, health, herbal, herbal treatment, natural treatment

Headaches are often small problems to be taken care of, but you can't know that until you know why you are getting them. Even if you've never had a migraine, it doesn't mean you can't develop one. There are many different types of headaches that can strike at anytime, even if you have never had one like it before. Don't confuse these with a headache that knocks you for a loop out of nowhere, however, because those may require medical intervention. I'm referring to the type that comes slowly, and seem to slowly take over your head. The more you know about the different types of headaches there are, the smarter you will be about your pain.

When it comes to understanding the different types of headaches you may be getting, it is important for you to remember what was happening in the hours leading up to it. This can give you huge clues as to what is causing your headaches, and what you can do to prevent them in the future. You may be surprised to find that a simple bad habit is contributing to the pain in your head, and that different things cause different types of headaches.

If you have a migraine, you probably know it. Migraines are often accompanied by a host of symptoms that are very obvious. Many with this type of headache are often sick to their stomach, and become sensitive to sound and light. If you don't seem to have any of these symptoms with your headache, you should consider you have one of the other different types of headaches.

One common type of headache is the tension headache. This type of headache can be caused by stress, eyestrain from computer work or bad eye prescription, or from loud and constant noise. You may also be getting headaches from allergies or from sinus pressure. These are commonly focused in your face or forehead. The more you understand these different types of headaches, the better you can deal with them when they happen. Keep notes if it helps.

If you are having trouble deciphering between the different types of headaches, or have some that seem strange to you, you should talk with a doctor. At times, headaches can indicate a more serious medical problem, and it may be something that you should have taken care of as soon as possible. If in doubt, seek a medical opinion. While you may think it is a waste of time, remember that it's always best to be safe. If your gut tells you something is wrong, it is in your best interest to pay attention to that feeling.

A bad headache can go a long way to completely wrecking your day. Talking to people can be unbearable. You start to get cranky, not wanting to work or play or do anything but sit in bed and maybe watch a movie. What can you do about these demon headaches? What causes them, and how can you cure headaches?

Headaches can be divided into two categories: migraines and tension headaches. Migraines are caused by the contraction of blood vessels in the brain; this causes a buildup of pressure in the brain and the resulting pain of a headache. A tension is caused by constant muscle tension, usually in the neck, upper neck, and in the back of the head. It's the constant pressure and tension in these muscles that causes a tension headache.

It can be tough to cure headaches, especially if you're experiencing a migraine headache. Some drug manufacturers have released drugs set up to cure headaches of this sort, with mixed results. Some people who have great success with one particular drug while others will get no relief at all. It's usually best to experiment with different treatments and dosages to see what works best for you, and it pays to consider talking to your doctor for a prescription headache medicine as well.

Fortunately, it's easier to cure headaches stemming from tension, as it usually just involves reducing the amount of tension in the upper neck. Massaging your own neck is often one of the quickest cures, as is resting your neck if it's usually under stress. Try rolling your head forward slowly, over to one side, then the other. Though rolling your head back can be back for your neck and throat, it sometimes helps to relax the muscles in the back of your neck. Repeat these stretches a few times, allowing your muscles to relax completely before turning your head again. Drinking lots of water is also a good way to go at curing headaches, as muscles and ligaments will contract if they're dehydrated.

Pain medicines like aspirin and acetaminophen can also help cure headaches, though it's usually more effective to cut off the pain at its source: the muscle tension. Commercial massagers can also be helpful in this respect, as can a kind friend. Reducing the amount of stress in your life is a great way to cure headaches, as most people will carry tension in their shoulders and necks when under stress. If you can cut down on the cause of the muscle tension then you can completely nip the problem in the bud.

Tags: natural treatment, health, alternative treatment, herbal treatment, herbal

For years and years, my brother suffered from unexplained headaches. As time went on, they got worse and worse, and other symptoms began to appear. He began to have blackouts, and at times, lost control of his body. When this happened, he would often fall and get hurt. This was very frightening for him, and for all of us, as he was young and otherwise extremely healthy. He tried every headache medicine known to man, and still the problem remained.

His doctors exhausted their options, and he had tried not only every headache medicine you can buy over the counter, he also tried every prescription there was. He was put through exhaustive testing, and they still couldn't find what was wrong with him. His monthly cost for headache medicine was very high, and most of them only dulled the pain, none took the headaches away completely.

Today, his headaches are infrequent, and he spends far less on headache medicine than he did five years ago. One doctor finally found the problem, and we couldn't believe it had been missed for as long as it was. As it turned out, his headaches were caused by mangled sinuses. He went in for surgery, and while they couldn't exactly fix them, they drained everything that had been caught within, and his headaches went away for a short time. Because they couldn't fix the problem, he still has to spend money on headache medicine. He has to go back every few years for the same surgery when the pain becomes too much to bear.

He has paid a price for his use of headache medicines though, as he now has stomach problems caused by the medications. He has to be careful about eating certain foods, and must endure some stomach pain when his headaches return and he must take a lot of headache medicine to dull the pain. It is important to talk to your doctor if you are constantly taking headache medicine so you are aware of what it can do to the rest of your body.

If you find yourself taking a lot of headache medicine, and there seems to be no reason for your constant pain, you should consider that something else might be wrong. Though we imagined the worse with my brother, it turned out to be something that was not life threatening. Don't let fear keep you from seeing your doctor to find out the true source of your pain.

Tags: health, alternative treatment, natural treatment, herbal treatment, herbal

Would you choose chinese herbal remedies over traditional herbal product?  We all just hate getting sick? Regardless of how much we all dislike the colds, flu, and other annoying viruses that seem to come each and every winter, we always seem to get them. Even those of us who take precautions with a flu shot or some other form of deterrent, that darn sniffling and coughing always commence on schedule. Well, at least that's my experience anyway.

There must be a way around it all. You know, some hidden path that has not yet been discovered by the masses. A close friend of mine from Taiwan claims that Chinese herbal remedies are often better than American medicines. Who knows; maybe he's onto something. Are you willing to give Chinese herbal remedies a shot?

What do you currently know about Chinese herbal remedies?  Does the name Bi Yan Pian, Ping Chuan, or Gun Mao Ling ring a bell? Well these remedies are for cold and flu viruses.  Oh, no problem.  Although most American do not have a great depth and knowledge regarding Chinese herbal remedies, I have had an experience with Xiao Yao San for hormonal balance.  Which was very effective against my mood swings, bloating and menstrual cramps. 

Ever heard of Dit Da Jow?  Well, chances are, unless you're into Chinese martial arts, you probably haven't. Dit Da Jow is a liquid herbal remedy used to heal bruises and damaged tissue.  I used it rather frequently when I first began training in a Chinese martial art known as Wing Chun. The repetitive damage I received to my forearms during training rituals, called for some serious healing. A martial arts buddy of mine, who had been training for years, recommended Dit Da Jow.  Now, I'm not going to lie to you. In my humble opinion, this stuff stinks. However, it did remedy my bruising and promote healing.  Therefore, I do believe this stuff works. This along with other Chinese herbal remedies are often recommended in the martial arts circles.

Would you search for ancient Chinese herbal remedies to cure a headache? This is a funny question actually.  While watching a Tai Chi seminar a few years back, I spotted a student offering his teacher a massage to help remedy a headache his teacher complained of.  The old Chinese teacher grinned at him and said, "That sounds nice, but I think I'll just take some aspirin."  I could tell this shocked the student who had been fascinated by Chinese herbal remedies and massage therapy.  He thought they were better for some reason.  However, it's always best to use what truly works for you.

Tags: martial arts, dit da jow, chinese herbs, herbal remedy

Alternative herbal medicine is one of the best ways to cure chronic or other disease, in many cases. The major benefit of herbal medicines is that it is 100% natural and does not have any side effects, if taken according to the advice of a competent doctor. Look for and use organic herbs when ever possible.

Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA) is the wonder medicine made from primrose, borage or currant seed oil that is extremely effective for treatment of alcohol addicts. Alcohol intake in huge amounts has the chances of slowing down your brain cells. This particular effect of alcohol can be checked by Valerian herb. Another effectual herbal medicine for people suffering from emotional or physical stress is Skullcap.

The alternative herbal remedies for stress, anxiety or depression are St. John's wort, ashwagandha, valerian and hops ginseng, and Motherwort.

If one is suffering from any degree of sleeplessness, the most helpful herbal medicines are lemon balm, linden, chamomile and ginger tea. For quick relief from common ailments like the odd headache, you can go for eucalyptus or peppermint oil and lavender while for rapid pain relief or inflammation, one can take meadowsweet or willow bark instead of chemical painkillers.

Salicylic acid, the chief component of the pain - killer aspirin, is found in its salicin form in willow bark and meadowsweet. The salicin is reacted upon in the stomach and transformed to salicylic acid, which grants you instant relief from pain. Ginger, which reduces the prostaglandin levels in the body, is another useful pain reliever.

Thanks to the hectic modern style of present day living, most of us suffer from stress in different forms. Herbal medicine is a great way to counter this. Ginseng and Siberian ginseng are two of the most potent stress relievers. Herbal medicines like gingko biloba, ginseng, Siberian ginseng and gotu kola are also successful in curing partial memory loss. Hawthorn, ginseng, motherwort, valerian and pineapple are the wonder herbs that help in curing angina or irregular heartbeat.

Most herbal medicines are prepared from the major herbal ingredient along with other contents. At present, almost 80% of all the medicines have some herbal ingredients.

Although herbal medicines have been extremely successful in treating many diseases, prescription drugs still hold the fort when it comes to treating critical diseases. Thus, one should not consider alternative herbal medicine to be a competitor of prescription drugs, but as a new and effective form of medicine that works in tandem with prescription drugs to treat certain illnesses.

Another benefit of herbal medicines is that it is accessible to most everyone. Herbal treatment is not at all expensive and the herbs can even be grown in your backyard! In fact, prescription drugs are much more expensive and associated with a greater amount of risk.

Alternative medicine is cheap, effective and most importantly, natural and free from any side effects.

Samuel Oliver has a site HerbsTips.com where your can discover info and tips all about herbs and herbal use for health and wellness Herbal Remedies

Zandra Jones, RN BBA is an alternative health advisor and owner of Alternative Herbal Treatment

Tags: health, herbal treatment, herbal, alternative treatment, natural treatment

Many arthritis sufferers are looking for an alternative treatment for arthritis pain.  There are actually three common types of arthritis.  These are Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, and psoriatic.  Osteoarthritis which is the most common, affecting around 16 million Americans with an average age of 45.  It usually will attack weight bearing joints like knees, hips, and ankles but has been found in the fingers, neck and spine.   Each of our joints is cushioned by cartilage, a very dense, sponge-like substance.  Osteoarthritis attacks that cartilage and gradually wears it down.

The second type of arthritis is Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Extremely painful and inflammatory, it strikes the lining of the joints and actually attacks two million Americans in their twenties. Psoriatic Arthritis is not as well known as the previous two, but actually eats away at the joints and can also manifest as psoriasis on the skin.  So an alternative treatment for arthritis should help alleviate the pain as well as the inflammation.

Many arthritis sufferers are looking for an alternative treatment for arthritis pain.  There are actually three common types of arthritis.  These are Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, and psoriatic.  Osteoarthritis which is the most common, affecting around 16 million Americans with an average age of 45.  It usually will attack weight bearing joints like knees, hips, and ankles but has been found in the fingers, neck and spine.   Each of our joints is cushioned by cartilage, a very dense, sponge-like substance.  Osteoarthritis attacks that cartilage and gradually wears it down.

The second type of arthritis is Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Extremely painful and inflammatory, it strikes the lining of the joints and actually attacks two million Americans in their twenties. Psoriatic Arthritis is not as well known as the previous two, but actually eats away at the joints and can also manifest as psoriasis on the skin.  So an alternative treatment for arthritis should help alleviate the pain as well as the inflammation.

The term Arthritis literally translates to joint inflammation.  If you suffer from any of the different types of Arthritis listed above, chances are you have taken drugs to combat the effects or tried other home remedies.  If you havent yet tried Urtication as an alternative treatment for arthritis, it might be helpful.  The term Urtication comes from the botanical name, Urtica dioica and dates back some 2,000 years to biblical times.  Urtica dioica is Stinging Nettle.  The alternative treatment for arthritis is to grasp the nettles in a gloved hand and swat the sore joints with the nettles.  This may seem bizarre, but the practice has proven to be so effective for some sufferers of arthritis that they now maintain a nettle plant on their window sill.

Here are a few more alternative treatment for arthritis that have worked effectively:

Black Cohosh
Also known as Black Snakeroot, Bugbane, Rattleroot, Rattleweed, Squawroot has been used as an alternative treatment for arthritis.  The dried root is the part used.   This is a powerful relaxant as well as being extremely effective with easing painful menstrual cramps.  Ovarian cramps will be relieved as well as bringing on a delayed menstrual cycle.  It is also effective in the treatment of arthritis, osteo-arthritis, rheumatic pain and neurological pan.  In small doses, appetite and digestion are greatly improved and is very beneficial for the nervous system in general.

Bogbean
Useful for as alternative treatment of rheumatism, osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.   Also has a stimulating effect on the walls of the colon and digestive juices.

Celery Seeds
Use dried ripe fruits to use as an anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, diuretic or anti-spasmodic.  Great for treating rheumatism, arthritis and gout.<br>

Chapparal
Very useful in cases of acne, arthritis, chronic backache, skin conditions of warts and blotches.  Also one of the best cancer herbs.

Feverfew
This alternative treatment for arthritis use the leaves to treat migraine headaches, arthritis, dizziness and tinnitus.

Nettle
The is the herb we referred to earlier and is another one of those universal plants.  They are found all over the world and they strengthen the entire body.  Rheumatism, arthritis, eczema, nosebleeds, arteries, lessen blood pressure are just a few applications.  Nettles contain calcium, chlorine, iron, potassium, silicon, sodium and sulphur.

Saffron
A natural hydrochloric acid (utilizes sugar of fruits and oils), thus helping arthritics get rid of the uric acid which holds the calcium deposited in the joints.  Also reduces lactic acid build up.   Good for measles, skin, scarlet fever and perspiration.

Yucca
Is another alternative treatment for arthritis that is also promising.  The extract from the plant has been used with surprising success on arthritis and rheumatism sufferers.

All of the herbs mentioned here should be available at your local health food store along with suggestions on how to prepare them for use.  Some applications will be to ingest in teas while others may facilitate creating a topical treatment.

No matter what alternative treatment for arthritis you choose please consult your physician to make certain that your course of treatment does not interfere with medications that your doctor subscribes for your treatment.

Tags: natural treatment, herbal remedy, arthritis treatment, rheumatoid arthritis