Holistic Headache Remedies from Around the Globe

Take two aspirins and call me in the morning. In the U.S., that’s where the headache remedies end. As spotted in this month’s AFAR Magazine, there is much to gain from taking a more global approach to curing a headache. Here are 7 holistic headache remedies from around the world:

India – Pippalimoola Powder (Avail at Ayurvedic Health stores)

How to Use it: Dose of the powder for adults is 2 to 3 grams and for children it is 250 mg to 500 mg, to be taken twice daily, preferably on an empty mixed with a bit of butter or honey and followed by warm water or milk.

China – Tiger Balm

How to Use it: Place a warm towel on your forehead. Apply a small amount of Tiger Balm medicated balm to both sides of your temple and massage well into the area.

Peru – Latex eye drops

How to Use it: The closest thing we found to latex drops is Dragon’s Blood, latex from an Amazonian tree. It is used in traditional medicine since the time of ancient Amazonian tribes and in modern times it has been studied and has proven the medicinal properties. Dragon’s Blood is taken orally, 3-5 drops in a glass of water.

Uganda – Hot Cloth

How to Use it: Place on forehead.

United States – Coffee

How to Use it: Drink a stout cup of java.

Kosovo – Potato Chunks

How to Use it: For migraines, apply raw potato slices on the forehead. In case of persistent headaches drink hot potato juice (a quarter of a cup, 3 times a day before meals).

Italy – Aroma of Basil

How to Use It: Add a tablespoon of dried basil leaf or several drops of basil essential oil to 2 cups of boiling water in a large pot. Carefully lean over the pot, cover head with a towel and breathe in the steam for 5-10 minutes until headache starts to subside. Bonus, you get to smell like an Italian restaurant for the rest of the day!

Do you have a holistic headache remedy that works? We’d love to hear it! Just fill in your headache cure in comment section below.

Illustration courtesy of AFAR Magazine