Headache is a common condition that we all suffer from. There are a number of over-the-counter medications to help relieve headache, but did you know that herbs are equally effective when it comes to alleviating headache? Read on to find some common herbs that can help ease a headache without medication.

Drink lots of water

One major cause of headache is dehydration. Lack of water in your body leads to reduced flow of blood and oxygen to the brain, which causes you feel a headache. As soon as you feel like having a headache, drink a glass of cold water, if dehydration is the reason then drinking water should cure it in a few minutes. To prevent dehydration, it is recommended to drink 64 ounces of water (8 glass) daily.

Use lavender oil

Lavender is known for its relaxing properties and has been used since ancient times to cure various stress related conditions. It is also very effective in relieving headaches. Simply add a few drops of lavender to a bowl of hot water and lower your head over the bowl like you do when taking steam. Cover your head with a towel and take a deep breath to inhale the lavender infused water vapours.

Lavender oil is also effective when applied externally. Massage a few drops of pure lavender oil into your temples and on your head, breathing deeply. Make sure the lavender oil does not enter your mouth.

Use rosemary

Rosemary is also very effective when it comes to treating headaches. When applied externally, on the head, the anti-inflammatory properties of rosemary help alleviate pain within a few minutes. Drinking herbal tea made from a combination of rosemary and sage also helps cure headaches. Add one teaspoon each of crushed rosemary and sage leaves to a cup of boiling water and let it infuse for 4 to 5 minutes. For optimal results, drink this herbal tea two to three times a day.

Use basil oil

Basil is also a herb that you commonly grow in your backyard for culinary use. Basil oil is a great muscle relaxant and thus helps cure headaches caused by stress and tension. When suffering from a headache caused by tension or tight muscles, drink basil tea twice a day and enjoy a pain and tension free day. Chewing fresh basil leaves is also very effective in treating mild headaches.

Use ginger

Ginger is an effective home remedy for inflamed blood vessels and is thus often used to treat headaches as well. the best way to treat a headache with ginger is by drink ginger tea. To make the tea, add an inch of freshly chopped ginger to a cup of loose leaf tea and allow it to infuse for 3 to 5 minutes. Chewing a piece of ginger candy can also relieve the pain.