by Deanna Delahey

Created on: March 11, 2009

Everyone has suffered the unpleasant experience of a headache from time to time. Some people just have tension headaches, while some may experience agonizing and debilitating migraines that can affect their vision, sensitivity to light, and often causes nausea.

No one is sure exactly what causes headaches and migraines but there are some common mitigating factors thought to be triggers such as hormonal changes, stress, food allergies, blood platelet disorders, and low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. In addition, skipping meals, too much/too little sleep; and over exposure to sunlight are reported as headache triggers. Dietary causes which are thought to cause headaches are: too much sugar, alcohol, red wines, junk food, dehydration, wheat and soy, peanuts, corn products, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, food additives such as monosodium glutamate, artificial flavorings and colorings.

Natural home remedies can be effective for some headache sufferers. For tension headaches you can try applying a cool cloth pressed against your temples or place an ice pack on your neck and upper back. Lay down in a quiet, darkened room, relax and breath slow deep breaths. Soaking your feet in warm water diverts the flow of blood from your head and relaxes you. Drink a glass of room temperature water, since it is estimated 80% of headaches are caused by dehydration.

You may also consider natural, herbal home remedies. However, if you are pregnant or nursing, it is best to err on the side of caution and consult your physician prior to using herbal remedies. Also, people who suffer from chronic headaches or migraines should always consult a physician prior to self medicating or using home remedies. Your doctor can rule out possible health problems that may be causing or contributing to your headaches.

Dr. Linda White, writes in the Mother Earth News that the majority of herbal headache remedies do not run the risk of interacting with common cures like aspirin and Advil. However, white willow bark should not be used with aspirin as it contains an ingredient similar to one in aspirin.

Dr. White also warns that a patient with prior or co-existing medical condition should speak to a physician about whether a particular remedy is safe for them. "A woman with fibroids, for example, should not take Hops or Black Cohosh because they increase estrogen, an undesirable effect for someone with fibroids."

"Patients also should research the herbal company from which they purchase herbs in order to

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