- Headaches can often improve with simple measures like cold or warm compresses, ginger tea, rest, hydration, or a gentle head massage.
- Coffee may help some headaches, but it can worsen symptoms in people who are sensitive to caffeine or prone to migraines.
- Medical care is recommended if a headache lasts more than 3 days, gets worse, or occurs with fever, vomiting, or neurologic symptoms.
How to get rid of headaches often depends on the cause, but many headaches can improve with simple measures such as cold or warm compresses, drinking ginger tea, or getting enough rest. These options may be especially helpful when headaches are related to stress, poor eating habits, tiredness, or dehydration.
Other ways to get rid of headaches include drinking coffee, staying well hydrated, massaging the head, getting a good night's sleep, and eating foods that support healthy circulation. Limiting foods that commonly trigger headaches may also help reduce how often they occur.
Most headaches improve with these home remedies, but some require medical evaluation. Headaches that last more than 3 days, get worse, or occur with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or feeling very unwell should be assessed by a doctor to identify the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Headache relief
Some strategies to get rid of headaches include:
1. Applying a cold or warm compress
Depending on the cause of the headache, either a cold or warm compress may help relieve pain. Apply the compress to the area where the pain is felt, such as the forehead or the back of the neck, for 10 to 20 minutes.
Cold compresses are generally recommended for migraine-type headaches, which are often constant and may be accompanied by other symptoms. The cold helps constrict blood vessels in the head, reducing blood flow and easing pain.
Warm compresses are more suitable for tension headaches, which are often triggered by stress. Heat helps relax muscles and dilate blood vessels, promoting relief. Taking a hot shower can have a similar effect.
Identifying the type of headache is important to choose the most appropriate treatment.
2. Drinking a cup of coffee
A cup of strong, unsweetened coffee may help relieve headaches and can sometimes ease hangover symptoms.
However, it is important to know your caffeine tolerance, as coffee can worsen headaches in some people, particularly those prone to migraines, or may have no effect at all.
According to the American Migraine Foundation, dehydration is a common cause of headaches and a possible migraine trigger. It is important to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Also recommended: How to Cure a Hangover: 8 Simple Tips tuasaude.com/en/how-to-cure-a-hangover3. Massaging the head
A head massage may help relieve headaches by improving blood circulation, easing pain, and promoting relaxation. Use your fingertips to gently massage the forehead, the sides of the head, and the back of the neck.
4. Getting enough sleep
A headache can often be a sign that the body needs rest, so getting a good night's sleep may help relieve it.
To support better sleep, try to go to bed at the same time every night, avoid using your phone or watching TV in the hour before bedtime, and keep your bedroom as dark as possible.
These habits can make it easier to drift off, spend more time in deep, restorative sleep, and wake up feeling more rested.
5. Drinking ginger tea
If the headache does not improve with the previous steps, you can try drinking 1 cup of ginger tea, as ginger has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that may help relieve headache pain.
To make the tea, add about 1 inch (2 cm) of fresh ginger root to 1 cup of water. Bring it to a boil for 5 minutes, strain, let it cool slightly, and drink.
6. Drinking plenty of water
As dehydration can trigger headaches, increasing fluid intake may help both prevent and relieve headache pain. Staying well hydrated may also reduce how often headaches occur and how long they last.
Aim to drink at least 2 liters of water per day, preferably in small, regular sips. If you find plain water difficult to drink, adding the juice of half a lemon can improve the taste and make it easier to maintain adequate hydration.
7. Eating foods that are good for headaches
Certain foods, such as salmon, seeds, nuts, bananas, and cherries, may support healthy blood circulation or promote relaxation, which can help reduce or prevent headaches.
It is also advisable to limit foods that may trigger headaches, including ready-to-eat meals, processed meats, canned products (often high in additives), and spicy foods.
When to see a doctor
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, red flags such as sudden severe headache, fever, impaired consciousness, or neurologic symptoms should be evaluated immediately.
It is also recommended to see a doctor if the headache does not improve or gets worse, lasts more than 3 days, or is accompanied by symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, general discomfort, nausea, or vomiting.
In these cases, the doctor may order tests to identify the cause of the headache and recommend the most appropriate treatment, which may include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, or antibiotics, if needed.