Natural Health: What can I take for my tension headaches?

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I often get tension headaches on the right side of my head. I usually take paracetamol, which dulls the pain. Is there an alternative?

Tension headaches are typically a combination of muscle tension and increased heart rate resulting from stress or upset.

When we find ourselves in a high cortisol or adrenaline scenario (often referred to as “fight-or-flight”), our muscles tighten, we become more sensitive to pain, and our elevated heart rate can increase blood flow to the brain, triggering a pounding headache.

To begin with, ensure you are well hydrated. This may seem an obvious suggestion, but it’s often an underlying issue with tension headaches. Add some electrolytes if you aren’t already, or even a tiny pinch of Celtic sea salt in your water will help.

You might also want to consider using a topical magnesium supplement. For tension headaches, it is easiest to use a cream or gel applied directly to the affected area. Magnesium reduces muscle and nervous tension, plus it is an excellent sleep aid.

Massaging topical magnesium into the area may help, as certain trigger points can provide relief. However, this can also worsen a stress headache. Do not continue to apply pressure if it does not provide immediate relief from symptoms.

Since you find that paracetamol currently helps to dull the pain, you may benefit from a herb called Tulsi, or Holy Basil. This herb can be taken as a pleasant herbal infusion using a teaspoon of dried herb per cup of near-boiling water. Add honey to taste and take up to four cups daily.

Tulsi is not only an effective anti-inflammatory remedy, but this adaptogenic herb is also used to treat stress and anxiety. It works by helping the body and mind to adapt better to stressful situations while also improving mood, lowering cortisol levels, and reducing anxiety.

If you are more likely to take capsules rather than a cup of tea, then you might like to try Boswellia serrata, from the gum of the Boswellia serrata tree.

Boswellia is useful in treating several pain-related issues, including tension headaches, menstrual cramping, rheumatism, osteoarthritis, and sporting injuries.

Studies show that Boswellia is effective at 100mg (up to three times daily) for mild to moderate pain, or 300mg (again, up to three times daily) for severe pain.

My husband got food poisoning while on a work trip. It took him almost a week before he started to feel better. He’s back at work but feels exhausted and has little interest in food. What would you suggest?

Food poisoning typically leaves you feeling drained, and the idea of food is often quite off-putting for some time afterwards.

Your husband’s gut bacteria will be quite depleted, so that is a good place to start. Re-establishing the numbers of beneficial bacteria, yeast, and other important organisms is relatively simple these days, with so many high-quality probiotic supplements available.

It’s best to include foods with both prebiotic and probiotic benefits in his diet. Most probiotic supplement formulations contain between five and 90bn viable organisms. I personally prefer a fermented product, such as Dr Ohhira’s OMX probiotics, but there are plenty of other reputable brands available, including PrecisionBiotics, BioKult, Biocare, Solgar, Seven Seas, and Garden of Life.

Vitamin D is another important supplement to consider, as it helps regulate inflammation following bacterial infection and supports the body in clearing damaged cells.

Vitamin D is often depleted after a bout of food poisoning, so supplementing this nutrient can help boost energy levels and repair
damage to the intestinal lining.

• NOTE: The information contained in this column is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor.