Homeopathy for headaches
Headaches are complex, and there can be such a wide variety of reasons and contributing factors as to why someone may suffer from them. For some it can be quite debilitating and affect their day to day life. This is where homeopathy can be supportive, as we look at the outward expression of what someone is experiencing and use this to help understand what may be going on within the system.
Taking homoeopathic remedies are great and can really help if you are experiencing an acute episode, such as a headache being brought on by being in the sun for too long. But people may also have recurring headaches, where taking paracetamol or a homeopathic remedy may help in the interim, but may return again a few days or weeks later.
This type of headache could be more of a chronic issue. This is where I would delve deeper as a homeopath to find out what could be behind the symptoms of the headaches. I would ask you all sorts of questions about your headache symptoms, like when do you notice them coming on? How often do they occur? When did they first start? I would also be asking you about concomitant symptoms, such as symptoms around your gut, as gut issues could also be behind the symptoms, such as possible candida or SIBO, gallbladder or liver imbalances. I would ask about moods and any prolonged stress, as this can be very taxing on the digestive system contributing to the gut issues too.
Or you may be suffering from periodical headaches which stem from a possible hormonal imbalance. Another reason for suffering from recurring headaches could be due to going through periods of high stress in your life, and so you may be experiencing tension headaches, neck pain and struggling with sleep. Or there may be emotional upset or distress, bad posture, high blood pressure, eyestrain, fever, food allergies — the list goes on.
But what is important in homoeopathy is the expression of your symptoms, we take the time out to ask questions and carefully understand your case. Looking at your case holistically helps me understand the bigger picture, every one is different and so it is important for me to understand the essence of each individual. This deeper understanding helps me to identify the layers of your case and consider how I can support you as you work through them over time.
Below are some remedy support for headaches.
Belladonna - Predominately right sided headaches, throbbing headaches, in the forehead, there is heat radiating from the head, headache that comes on suddenly, and can be accompanied with a fever, they feel worse for lying down flat and prefer to be propped up with pillows, they are also worse for bending down, they are sensitive to noise and light. They are thirsty for cold drinks.
Bryonia - For bursting splitting and headaches and migraines, they don't want to move as they feel worse for movement and feel better for being still. with firm pressure. Where there is nausea and dizziness. There is a great thirst for drinking cold water. There can also be severe sharp pain in the head and is worse for moving around, needs to be still. Headaches may be accompanied with constipation. They are irritable and just want to be left alone.
Arsenicum Alb - Headache is better for cold applications like a cold flannel, but the rest of the body will be wrapped up under a duvet or blanket. They may feel restless.
Glonoinum - This remedy helps those experiencing a thumping, pounding headache, throbbing with exploding pain, the head feels heavy and holds the head for support, they are worse for laying down, they are worse for walking and worse after being in the sun for too long. .
Gelsemium - This remedy is one of the main remedies when there is a dull headache whilst suffering with the flu, heavy headed, there may be sluggishness, drowsiness with exhaustion with the headache, the eyelids droop, also dizziness. It can also be for headaches that feel like there is a tight band around the head. Supports people who suffer from occipital headaches, where the pain begins at the back of the head, from the neck that spreads to the forehead. Can help when a headache is brought on due to anticipation of stressful events and emotions, stress,. Headache feels better after urination.
Ignatia - Congestive headaches they may be brought on by emotional stress or shock or grief, the headache where it feels like nails are being driven into the sides of the head. They are worse for coffee, tobacco or alcohol.
Lachesis - Headaches that usually start on the left side, but may move to the right side, one sided headaches. They dread going to sleep as they feel worse after waking. They are worse for lying down and feel better for eating something. Bursting headaches with throbbing in the temples, the head feels hot and feels worse every time they change position. Headaches may start before a period. Headaches during the menopause. Can also be brought from being in the sun too long.
Natrum Mur - A remedy for migraine headaches, severe bursting, blinding headaches, hammering headaches, the headache can also be frontal with blocked sinus inflammation. Headaches that come on from eyestrain are worse from bright lights, worse for studying and reading, they may need to lie down in a dark quiet room and sleep. A great remedy after exposure to the sun for too long. This remedy can be helpful for those who have headaches that come on after grief. Can also be supportive for those suffering from headaches during or before their monthly cycle.
Nux Vom - Toxic headaches from over indulgence or drinking too much. The typical hangover headache, they may feel nauseous and dizzy. The headache is frontal over the eyes with a desire to press against something, or holding the forehead, the frontal headache may be due to working too hard or too long and trying to meet deadlines. Headache can be at the back of the head too. They can be worse in the morning, and sensitive to light, they can be impatient and irritable. Headaches that can be possibly due to constipation, congestive headaches. There can be a bruised sensation of the head. Pressing pain at the crown of the head. They feel worse after eating, and their noses can also feel congested.
Sepia - Headaches with pressing pains, headaches that come with exhaustion and tearfulness, they are better for doing exercise. The left side is usually affected more than the right side. Periodical headaches.
Homeopathic remedies are selected according to the individual’s overall symptom picture. These descriptions are intended as a guide only and are not a substitute for personalised professional advice. Please seek appropriate medical advice if symptoms persist.
