Headaches Headaches can develop for a number of reasons; usually they can be related to some obvious cause such as nasal congestion or sinusitis, eyestrain, fatigue or tension. The majority of headaches are due to stress or worries, with muscle spasms in the neck leading to head pains. These can be made worse by poor posture, and many jobs create special problems, ie....computer operators often get eyestrain and stiff, aching shoulders or neck muscles, and consequently headaches. Severe Headaches Causes such as very high blood pressure, meningitis or even brain tumors are much rarer; these of course need professional treatment, and sever, unexplained or persistent headaches should be checked out carefully, but most headaches can be identified and cured at home. Where there has been any kind of accident, for instance a whiplash injury, it makes good sense to consult a manipulative therapist cush as a chiropractor, osteopath or masseuse. Herbalism At the earliest signs of a headache taking an herbal tea from the choice below can stop it in its tracks; if the headache is more pronounced, or is a repeated problem, try making an infusion for a stronger effect, or else get medical advice. Chamomile: good for headaches stemming from over-eating or indigestion, where there is a dull, throbbing pain on top of the head. You can buy chamomile tea prepackaged into tea bags in practically any store. Lime Blossom: soothes the nerves and is very helpful for tension headaches; can be mixed with peppermint for a more uplifing effect. Peppermint: this works well for digestive or sinus headaches, especially where the head feels hot. Rosemary: for headaches related to exhaustion of depression, and also for bilious heavy heads. When the headache is due to a hangover, rosemary and peppermint tea can do wonders. But prevention in this case, is still better than the cure! Migraine Anyone who has experienced a migraine will know that it is more than a severe headache. Migraines generally involve acute pains, often over one eye, and perhaps disturbed vision or flashing lights. There may also be nausea and/or vomiting asnd sensitivity to any light. A migraine can be triggered by all sorts of factors: hormone changes, stress, stuffy atmospheres, noises, smells and even certain foods are well known triggers. Repeated attacks call for professional help; self help treatments should be largely used as preventive measures. Herbalism Catching the migraine early gives the best chance of success. Otherwise, try to use these infusions as preventive. Choose from the following... Feverfew: an excellent remedy taken daily to prevent the "cold" type of migraine, where there is a sense of a tight band around the head. This is widely abailable in tablet form as well. Chamomile: for dull throbbing headache with a feeling of queasiness. Add a little Ginger to relieve more severe nausea. Rosemary: good where stress is a trigger for migraines, and where local warmth gives relief. Insomnia It is important to distinguish between habitual sleeplessness, repeated night after night, and a temporary problem due perhaps to some worry or anxiety. It is also important not to become obsessed with trying to get a certain amount of sleep; not everyone needs an 8 hour quota. Quality is more vital than quantity. People generally need less sleep as they get older, or at least less coninuously, so if granny has a day time snooze and sleeps for less time at night, that is perfectly normal. Herbalism An infusion of one or more of these relaxing herbs can help a return to a natural sleep pattern if stress has disturbed it. Other ways of using herbs should include herb filled pillows; traditionally hops were used as they are sedating, though not very pleasant smelling! fill a small muslin bag loosely with the appropriate herb and place within the pillow case beneath your normal pillow. Another old favorite remedy was cowslip wine; this not only tastes better than the infusion but is certainly very relaxing. Chamomile: calms the stomach and the brain, settling the cigestion and helping sleep. Hyssop: a gentle relaxant; also helps to ease nasal congestion and colds, which can cause insomnia. Lemon Balm: this helps to restore balance to the nervous system, and can be used safely with children. The fresh herb tastes much nicer, and can be drunk as a tea anytime. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata): a strong relaxant or sedative, but without any ill effects. Many commercial herbal tablets for insomnia contain this herb.