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Natural Headache Cures
Since falling pregnant I have been plagued by headaches. Previously, I would have rubbed my temples, rehydrated and – if the pain persisted and a deadline was looming – cracked open the painkillers. But with a growing baby to consider, I have so far steered clear. Although doctors insist that aspirin and paracetamol are safe during pregnancy, I have my reservations. One study found that children born to mothers who took aspirin in the first half of pregnancy had significantly lower IQs and reduced ability to concentrate. Paracetamol, on the other hand, has been linked to cell mutations in both humans and animals.
Of course painkillers should never be considered benign substances, whether you are expecting or not. Did you know 24,000 women a year in Britain are admitted to hospital suffering side effects from paracetamol? These over-the-counter drugs have been linked to gastric ulcers and liver damage. In a 2009 German study, researchers found that drug-induced liver-toxicity (particularly from acetaminophen aka paracetamol/Tylenol) has replaced viral hepatitis as the most frequent cause of acute liver failure.
So where do you turn when your head is pounding and the nausea is setting in? Try these options and your body will thank you in the long run.
O2 Drops: Since prehistoric times, the level of oxygen in the earth’s atmosphere has dropped by over a third and in polluted cities the decline may be more than 50 per cent. What does this have to do with headaches? According to Dr. Arthur C. Guyton, MD author of The Textbook of Medical Physiology ‘…All chronic pain, suffering, and diseases are caused from a lack of oxygen at the cell level.’ After researching oxidative therapies for my book ‘Mum’s Not Having Chemo’ I’m well aware that getting more oxygen into the cells can alleviate pain, boost energy and help protect the body from disease. These drops of stabilized oxygen and minerals are well worth a try. Start with 15-30 drops 2-3 times/day under tongue and read more here.
Peppermint Oil: Mix three drops (ideally with one drop of lavender) on your fingers and rub directly onto the back of your neck or near your temples for instant analgesia. Once reserved for Mother’s Day Gift Sets, essential oils are emerging as powerful natural medicine. Clinical trials show several essential oils can kill deadly airborne-bacteria, and many contain anti-cancer and anti-viral properties. University of Kiel researchers found that peppermint blocked headache pain in a double-blind placebo controlled study.
Coffee Enemas: Pain and headaches frequently come up in my health coaching practice and I regularly recommend (and talk people through) coffee enemas. Dr. Max Gerson, a German physician, made coffee enemas famous when he published reports on their benefit for cancer patients. However he originally used enemas to cure his own migraines. Coffee enemas can help reduce inflammation, detox the liver and increase levels of glutathione – known as the mother of all antioxidants. I have tried this remedy for headaches (and hangovers) in the past and all I can say is that it worked for me. Although it is important to note that it is not recommended during pregnancy. For detailed instructions and to purchase a kit, click here.
Pulsed Electro Magnetic Field Therapy (PEMF): Dr. Oz has described PEMF as ‘the revolutionary cure for pain’ and there are thousands of university papers attesting to its value. Dr. Garry Gordon says that PEMF ‘increases cellular oxygen levels, improves the uptake of nutrients and improves lymphatic flow.’ The products created by Dr. Pawluk come highly recommended and start from around $429 for a portable unit. Since the machine is battery operated you don’t have to worry about electrical compatibility if you live in Australia or Britain. In one double-blind placebo-controlled study 42 migraine sufferers were treated with PEMF. Seventy three percent of participants reported decreased headaches.
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Laura Bond is a journalist, author and Nutritional Therapist. She specialises in helping clients beat stress, reduce their toxic load and prepare their bodies for babies. To find out more, click here.