Here are four key headache remedies which can be used by a home-prescriber to treat uncomplicated and non-severe headaches. Obviously, immediate professional help should be sought if the headache is accompanied by unresponsiveness, a stiff neck or extreme sensitivity to light. Professional help must also be sought if the headache comes on after trauma to the head.
Belladonna
We have seen this remedy in previous blog posts as it is such a useful remedy for illnesses which come on suddenly and which are characteristically hot and throbbing. The Belladonna headache will be just that – throbbing – or congestive, and the head will feel hot and full. The face may be reddish and flushed and there may be some sensitivity to light. People with a Belladonna headache will not want to be jarred as this will make the pain worse. The headache might come on with a fever.
Bryonia
The key thing to remember with this other brilliantly useful remedy is that whatever symptoms you have, they’ll always feel worse for movement. Therefore, the person with a Bryonia headache might describe it as “splitting” or “bursting” and will sit perfectly still, possibly with their head in their hands. The pain, which could well be quite severe, will make them irritable, so they are likely to be very grumpy indeed if asked to move, or indeed if there is any kind of movement in their immediate vicinity. Bryonia is nicknamed “Dryonia” as it is a very dry remedy, and the headache could well be due to dehydration. As a result, they’ll be thirsty and gulp water down.
Gelsemium
The Gelsemium headache is dull and might feel like a tight band around the head, as if you’ve been wearing a hat that’s too small for you. The headache will often come with drowsiness and droopy eyelids, and perhaps with dizziness and trembling. This remedy is very useful when symptoms come on as a result of anticipation, so if the headache comes on the day before a big exam, Gelsemium could well be very healing.
Nux Vomica
This is a gem of a remedy to have around the house if you have overdone things the night before and are suffering a hangover headache. The headache will probably be accompanied by digestive symptoms, especially constipation or nausea. The Nux Vomica person will not be stoical or suffer in silence; they will be very irritable and ratty and will complain at the slightest noise or if the light is too strong.
This is a series of entries to help you prescribe for yourself and your family or friends. I am linking it to the Basic remedy kit from Helios homeopathic pharmacy https://www.helios.co.uk/shop/basic-18-kit which will equip you with all the main remedies to deal with first aid situations and more. Homeopathy: pharmaceutical- free healing.
