White Willow Bark: Worse Than Its Bite

As you are pinpointing the cause of your headaches, a couple of white willow bark (Salix alba) capsules will ease your head pain. The bark of the white willow tree is used as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and pain reliever. As you may remember, we talked about white willow bark originally being used to make aspirin. White willow also eases rheumatism pains and can help lower fevers in adults. Respect this herb as you would an over-the counter aspirin, and do not exceed over 60 mg daily. Ask your physician before giving white willow to a child suffering with Reye’s syndrome, since this herb is a salicylate, as is aspirin.
A combination of white willow, valerian, and wild lettuce makes an excellent remedy for a stress or tension headache. (Valerian and wild lettuce both help relax the nervous system.) A pinch of capsicum may be added as a catalyst to this remedy to speed the pain-relieving effect.
An excellent headache remedy using essential oils was brought to my attention by a client. I have used this remedy because I like the effect it promotes, stimulating and calming at the same time.
Plus it smells terrific! Here’s all you need:

6 drops pure essential oil of lavender
4 drops pure essential oil of peppermint

Drop each into the palm of your hand. Mix together with your finger using a clockwise motion. Dab a few drops on each temple and massage in gently. Rub your hands together briskly and run your fingers through your hair while massaging rest of solution into scalp. You’ll be glad you tried this one!

Oh, My Aching Head

So how do you determine which factor is giving you a headache? Let’s start with the easiest first and then go to the more complicated:

• Many headaches are due to dehydration. Try drinking two full glasses of pure water; this should help right away.
• The most typical cause of headaches are from constipation.
• For headaches that may be caused by poor posture, try ergonomically designed furniture to help you with correct posture and your comfort at work. Also see your chiropractor for a spinal adjustment. Your chiropractor can offer some suggestions or inexpensive supports to add to the back of your chair or neck if you can’t afford better furniture.
• Stress and tension can block your body’s energy flow, or “chi.” If this is the cause of your headaches, try acupuncture, acupressure, or reflexology to restore your flow.
• If your headache seems to be in the back of your head, get your eyesight checked. Your eyes could be strained, and you may need glasses or a prescription change.

Headaches: It’s All in Your Head

Headaches are the body’s way of letting you know something is wrong. A headache will let you know if you drank too much; ate too much; are constipated, stressed, tired, or thirsty; need to get your eyesight checked, or that your hormones are out of balance, just to name a few! All in all, we should be grateful for a headache because it serves as our alarm to pay attention and do something about it! In a pinch, (so to speak) you can use the reflexology or acupressure point to rid yourself of a headache temporarily. Here’s how to find the spot:

• Spread your hand out in front of you, palm facing down (either hand is fine).
• Locate the V between your pointer finger and thumb.
• Follow that V down almost to the wrist, where you can feel the two bones and muscles come together.
• With your other hand, place your thumb on top of your hand on the point, and place the pointer finger of your other hand on the palm side of the point. Now squeeze!

This point is usually tender if you have a headache. Hold the point firmly, as deeply as you can tolerate. The headache usually disappears within a few minutes or less. The following illustrations show you how to find the right point.
The reflex point for easing a headache shown on front and back of hand: Use your other hand to squeeze this spot, and hold until your headache subsides. You can use either hand to stimulate this area.