Home Remedies for Headache

Many headaches settle with simple home care. These steps ease discomfort and help you recover.

Things that may help

• Rest in a quiet, dim room, especially with migraine.
• Drink water. Dehydration is a common trigger.
• Eat a regular meal if you have skipped one.
• A cold pack on the forehead or neck for migraine, or a warm compress on tight neck and shoulders for tension headache.
• Gentle neck and shoulder stretches and a short walk.
• Slow breathing or relaxation to ease stress.
• A cup of tea or coffee may help some people, but too much caffeine can cause headaches.

Habits that reduce headaches

• Keep a regular sleep and meal schedule.
• Take breaks from screens every 20 to 30 minutes, and check your eyesight.
• Fix your posture and desk set-up.
• Exercise regularly.
• Keep a headache diary to spot triggers.

What to avoid

• Do not put oil or drops in the nose, ears or eyes of children.
• Do not use steam on children.
• Do not rely on painkillers more than 2 or 3 days a week.
• Do not ignore warning signs.

When to get help

Call 112 or 102 for a sudden severe headache, confusion, weakness, speech or vision change, or fever with stiff neck. See a doctor if headaches are frequent or worsening.

Key point

Home care suits mild, familiar headaches. New or severe ones need medical advice.

Before your appointment

Keep a headache diary for a few weeks, noting when headaches start, how long they last, their location and type of pain, and possible triggers such as sleep, meals, stress, periods and screen time. List all medicines, supplements and painkillers you take and how many days a month you use them. Mention head injuries, family history, and any red flag symptoms.