6 Natural Remedies to Relieve Headaches

Millions of Americans suffer from headaches — almost everyone has an occasional headache, but for 45 million of us, it's a chronic problem. Scores of prescription and over-the-counter drugs are available, but there are also effective, natural ways to relieve the symptoms.

1. Willow bark
Willow bark has been used for thousands of years to ease headaches. It contains salicin, a chemical used to develop aspirin. A study at the University of Maryland found it reduces inflammation as well as relieves pain, and other studies have found that it is as effective as aspirin. Researchers in Germany have likewise found that it is as effective as acetaminophen in easing headache pain. Willow bark can be bought in capsules or as a tea.

2. Feverfew
Feverfew has been used for hundreds of years to treat headaches, especially bad ones. A British placebo-controlled study published in the Lancet found that one capsule of powdered freeze-dried feverfew daily eliminated the symptoms of migraine headaches in 24 percent of patients and reduced the symptoms in other patients. In another study, 70 percent of the patients taking feverfew reported the herb reduced the number and intensity of their headaches.

3. Peppermint
One study found that peppermint oil applied to the temples, jaw, and back of neck relieves headaches. Mix peppermint essential oil with equal parts of olive oil. In addition, breathing in the soothing aroma of peppermint tea can ease symptoms, especially if your headache is caused by sinus pressure. A placebo-controlled study published in February found that migraine patients who used oil of peppermint and menthol applied topically had less pain or were pain free more often than those who were given a placebo.

4. Butterbur extract
A double-blind study published in Neurology found that migraine patients who took 150 mg of butterbur daily reported a 48 percent drop in migraines, and those taking 100 mg of the herb experienced 26 percent fewer migraines than the placebo group. Another double-blind study found that patients who took 50 mg of butterbur twice daily had a 50 percent reduction in migraines over those taking placebo.

5. Ginkgo
Several French studies have found ginkgo to be effective in reducing both migraine and cluster headaches. In one, ginkgo reduced headaches in 80 percent of migraine sufferers; the researchers concluded that ginkgo should be one of the most effective remedies for migraine.

6. Acupressure
This ancient Chinese remedy has been used for years to ease pain and promote healing. Try this technique: Locate the two indentations on either side at the base of your skull (about two inches from the middle) with your thumbs. Press your thumbs in and slightly upwards until you feel a comfortable pain, and knead the areas in a tiny circular movement for one to two minutes.