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Toss the Tylenol

by Lauren Feder, M.D.
Reprinted from Great Life Magazine

Wouldn't you rather take something natural for your headaches?

Headaches account for 10 million doctor visits each year, according to a report by Robert Smith, M.D., published in the 1997 issue of Hospital Medicine. In my practice, I often see patients who battle headaches. The International Headache Society classifies headaches into 129 types. The three most commonly treated are migraine, tension and cluster headaches.

Common symptoms accompanying bad headaches include: nausea, vomiting, irritability, tender teeth and sensitivity to light, noise and motion. Standard medication range from over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen to stronger, prescription medicines containing narcotics.

Headaches can be triggered by stress, poor posture, food additives (e.g., MSG), chocolate, wine, exercise and female hormonal changes, including ovulation, menstruation and menopause.

Although I got severe headaches in medical school, I never liked taking pharmaceuticals for them. I'm sensitive to drugs, and the side effects are sometimes worse than the headache. I sought out natural ways to treat my headaches, namely yoga and homeopathy. Today, I rarely get one and when I do, I rely on homeopathic medicine.

The chart below is a sampler of remedies I recommend for headaches. Homeopathic remedies come in different strengths or potencies. The potencies that range from 6X (or 6C) up to 30X are appropriate for use at home. Begin with the lower potencies (6X) when given the choice, and follow the directions on the bottle. Homeopathic medicine is safe, effective and without side effects. It can be used in children as well as adults.

Headache Remedies

Spigelia
Spigelia is more commonly used for left-sided headaches that feel like a hot needle, poker or wire in or above the left eye. This headache is accompanied by a stiff neck and shoulders. There is also some relief with steady pressure. The above information is just a sampling of hundreds of homeopathic ingredients appropriate for headache pain. Many patients come to my office looking for a homeopathic remedy that is natural and safe without any side effects. Headaches and other symptoms respond well to homeopathic treatment. In the DrFeder.com Natural Pharmacy we are pleased to feature a wide selection of homeopathic remedies. Most of them are in a 30C strength which is suitable for both children and adults. To order a remedy in a different strength or inquire about a remedy that isn't listed, please contact us. We'll find it for you!

For chronic conditions, I recommend constitutional homeopathic treatment, in which a homeopathic remedy is chosen by a trained homeopath after a lengthy interview. This method can be very effective for the long-term resolution of chronic conditions.

For more information on homeopathy and homeopathic remedies see What is Homeopathy? and Directions for Use.

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