Peppermint and the Sinus Headache: A Tasty Cure?
A sinus headache, which so often accompanies the flu or the common cold, is a nasty beast. Caused when the blood vessels in the sinus area constrict, usually because of inflammation due to the cold or flu, the most intense (and uncomfortable) symptom of the sinus headache is the pressure; driving, relentless pressure in your nose and forehead and the bags under your eyes. Over the counter medications alleviate symptoms–but they also have more side effects than a shedding cat has fur, and one of the most notable (and laughable) side effects of one OTC medication I looked at recently was 'Headache.' No kidding. Plus, when used regularly, your body gets used to them, which can decrease their efficiency. And you're left with headache or nausea or whatever the side effects are, and no relief from your sinus headache.
Fortunately, homeopathic healing can offer some relief for those who suffer from sinus headaches in the form of peppermint oil. Unlike an over the counter medication, which may weaken as your body gets used to it, the more you use peppermint oil, the more effective it becomes. If you have fresh herb available, make a tea by crushing the leaves lightly, pouring boiling water over them, and allowing them to steep for 5-10 minutes, covered, in the boiling water. Drink the tea slowly, holding the cup up close to your face and breathing in the steam.
If you don't have access to fresh peppermint, you can choose to use peppermint oil, instead. (You may also choose to use peppermint oil in addition to fresh peppermint tea.) Unlike fresh peppermint, you don't take peppermint oil in a tea. Instead, prepare a steam facial with it or dilute it in warm water (1-2 drops per cup of water is usually plenty). Wet your fingers and massage it into your temples (the hollows on the side of your head), your forehead, your chinbone just under the ear, and the back of your neck at the base of your skull. Repeat 2 to 3 times daily, or as many as 5 times daily, until your cold or flu is gone and the sinus headache no longer troubles you.
A Natural Relief for Migraine Headache
Doctors describe a migraine headache as a sharp, pounding sensation on one side or the other of the head. Patients who suffer from migraines, of course, know better; the migraine headache is a living nightmare, agony playing the timpani inside your skull. Fortunately, there are natural remedies for the migraine sufferer, although not all of them will treat all patients, or treat them with equal success. One treatment which the author has found useful is the Chinese acupuncture.
Regardless of what you think of the spirituality behind it, you may wish to give acupuncture a try. This leading edge migraine headache treatment is older than the hills; the Chinese have been using it for hundreds if not thousands of years. More recently, scientists studying it have come up with scientific principles that explain how and why acupuncture works, at least in part. But the important thing for the person who suffers from a migraine headache is that acupuncture DOES work, at least for the author.
Of course, you may experience different results; in that respect, at least, holistic medicine is very much like standard medicine. But if you've tried other methods for getting relief from your migraine headache and they haven't worked, you may wish to try it. And don't worry if you have a fear of needles. I do, too, but the healer was gentle and patient to explain the process and make sure I was comfortable and relaxed before we started. Contrary to what you might think, acupuncture is not painful, although for most needle phobics, it's the idea of having things stuck into our bodies, and not the pain, that worries us. In fact, acupuncture is an incredibly relaxing experience. If you're worried about the idea of someone sticking needles into you, find a licensed, reputable acupuncturist. Explain your problem, and ask to set up an appointment to discuss it. He or she may be able to work with you to find a solution.
IMPORTANT: This article is not intended to diagnose any illness or to take the place of a licensed physician. It is ONLY a description of one homeopathic remedy which the author has or has not found useful over the years.