Humans frequently have headaches, which are typically innocuous. However, because migraine pain episodes are so intense, painkillers are usually necessary. Debilitating pain can result from any situation.
Nowadays, to avoid paying for potentially costly prescription drugs and a trip to the doctor, individuals frequently resort to natural alternatives for migraine relief.
In this post, we’ll investigate whether turmeric can help with headaches, particularly migraines, by investigating its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. We’ll also talk about how to include turmeric into your daily routine to help with headaches, potential side effects, and other health advantages.
Does Turmeric Help with Headaches?
In addition to its well-known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, turmeric also tastes amazing in curries. However, what happens if you’re suffering from an excruciating migraine attack and need quick relief?
Your body’s inflammation may be related to your migraine. And in principle, you could be a winner if turmeric reduces inflammation. But can turmeric come to the rescue when your head is throbbing with a tumeric headache?
We investigate the possibility that this natural treatment can pull off the same trick.
There are four ways that turmeric may lessen migraine symptoms.
- It is an effective anti-inflammatory that fights pain, making it a suitable non-addictive choice for It is an effective anti-inflammatory that fights pain, making it a suitable non-addictive choice for managing chronic pain. For those seeking alternatives to traditional painkillers, turmeric for headaches might offer a promising solution
- Improves the effectiveness of antioxidants and decreases oxidative stress.
- Reduces the risk of brain illness and enhances brain function.
- It is an excellent option for lowering histamine reactions in the body, brain fog, and tinnitus since it increases circulation.
Which Is Better, Supplementary or Dietary Turmeric?
Generally speaking, obtaining nutrients from your diet is preferable to taking supplements. That being said, you’ll probably want a greater dosage of those anti-inflammatory drugs if your head is exploding with agony. Here’s where supplements come into play.
Turmeric is a natural remedy renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties. While it’s found in food at a lower level than in most supplements, incorporating it into your meals might not provide sufficient relief for migraine patients.
You may cook with black pepper and other substances that enhance your body’s absorption of turmeric. Similarly, when purchasing supplements, make sure the goods have bioavailability agents included.
Ways to improve absorption so that turmeric may be used for migraines and headaches more successfully :
Because turmeric passes through the digestive system fast, it is not easily absorbed into the circulation. However, you may aid in boosting its absorption in two ways.
- Verify if the supplement contains chili powder, cayenne pepper, or black pepper. Each has piperine as an active component. Although piperine is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory on its own, its primary advantage in this case is that it increases curcumin’s absorption.
- Since curcumin is fat soluble, absorption will also be enhanced if it is taken with an omega-3 fatty acids supplement, ghee, or any food that contains a lot of good fat. This enhanced absorption could be crucial for those seeking fast relief from a tumeric headache.
Potential Side Effects Of Turmeric
Although it is a natural food and generally harmless, turmeric can have certain hazards, especially when used in larger amounts.
In one research, individuals who received dosages ranging from 500 to 12,000 mg of turmeric reported experiencing headaches, diarrhea, rash, and yellow stools.
Another experimental group that got 0.45 to 3.6 grams of turmeric per day for 1 to 4 months had diarrhea, nausea, and raised levels of the digestive enzymes lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase.
Other Benefits Of Turmeric
Similar to ginger, the health advantages of turmeric have been thoroughly researched.
Studies have indicated that it can assist in the treatment of oxidative and inflammatory diseases, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety, and excessive cholesterol when paired with substances that increase its bioavailability.
Turmeric is also said to provide health advantages such as lowering inflammation and discomfort in the muscles after exercise.
How to Use Turmeric for Headache
Turmeric, with its significant anti-inflammatory qualities, shows promise as a natural cure for headaches, including migraines. Here are some methods to integrate turmeric into your daily routine for headache relief:
Turmeric Tea
Make a cup of turmeric tea by combining a teaspoon of turmeric powder and a cup of boiling water. You may boost its efficiency by adding a sprinkle of black pepper, which assists in the absorption of curcumin, turmeric’s active ingredient.
Turmeric Golden Milk
To make a calming turmeric golden milk, combine turmeric powder with warm milk (dairy or plant-based) and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. This soothing beverage not only relieves headaches but also promotes relaxation and improved sleep.
Turmeric Smoothie
Add turmeric powder to your morning smoothie, along with fruits, leafy greens, and a source of healthy fats such as avocado or coconut milk. This is a healthful and tasty way to add turmeric to your diet while also alleviating headaches.
Turmeric Capsules
For a more convenient approach, turmeric capsules or curcumin supplements are available. Make sure they include black pepper extract or piperine to improve absorption.
Turmeric Paste
Combine turmeric powder with water or oil to produce a thick paste. For localized headache relief, apply it topically to the forehead or temples.
Turmeric in Cooking
Mix turmeric into soups, stews, stir-fries, and curries. To maximize absorption, pair it with black pepper and healthy fats.
Other Natural Remedies for Headaches
While turmeric shows promise for headache relief, it isn’t the only natural treatment to try. Here are some more options:
- Hydration: Dehydration can occasionally cause headaches. Drink lots of water throughout the day to keep hydrated.
- Anti-inflammatory Compounds: Some people find that eating foods high in anti-inflammatory chemicals, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, helps them get rid of headaches.
- Stress Management: Stress is a major cause of headaches. Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing techniques can all help you manage stress and perhaps lessen the frequency of headaches.
- Sufficient Sleep: Headaches may occur from both too little and too much sleep. Aim for seven to eight hours of good sleep every night.
- Migraine Patients: Those who suffer from migraines should be aware of triggers such as particular foods (such as aged cheese, chocolate, and processed meats), strong odors, and hormonal fluctuations. Working collaboratively with a healthcare practitioner to identify triggers and build a specific management strategy is critical for migraine patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Turmeric cause headaches?
While most people tolerate turmeric well, taking large amounts or using it excessively might cause side effects such as headaches, particularly if you are sensitive to its components. In addition, some people may have headaches as a result of turmeric-drug interactions. Turmeric should be used in moderation, and if you have chronic headaches or other bad effects, visit a healthcare expert.
Is turmeric good for headaches?
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, which may contribute to its effectiveness in treating headaches, particularly migraines. According to some studies, turmeric may help reduce inflammation and discomfort linked with headaches, making it a promising natural cure.
Individual reactions to turmeric may vary, and its efficacy for headaches may be determined by a variety of factors, including the underlying cause of the headache and the individual’s general health.
Is turmeric effective for migraines?
While scientific data supporting the use of turmeric for migraines is sparse, several research show that turmeric may aid migraine sufferers owing to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Some people may find that including turmeric in their diet or taking it as a supplement will help lessen the frequency and intensity of migraines.
However, additional study is needed to completely understand turmeric’s benefits on migraines, as well as the ideal dosage and delivery. Before using turmeric to treat migraines, contact a doctor, especially if you are presently taking drugs or have any pre-existing health concerns.
In summary
A concentrated turmeric supplement called curcumin may be able to lessen migraine episode frequency and intensity, however, there is little data to support this claim. Before experts can declare with certainty that turmeric is a successful therapy, further study must be done.
Taking a magnesium supplement, using essential oils of lavender and peppermint, ginger, or feverfew, may help alleviate migraines. Prescription drugs are frequently useful if natural therapies aren’t potent enough.
It’s crucial to discuss side effects and drug interactions with your doctor, regardless of whether you select natural therapies or prescription drugs. It might take some trial and error to find the migraine treatments and approaches that are most effective for you.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to read this article How Does Turmeric Help with Colds?
*This information is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice tailored to individual needs.
Dr. Nicolette Natale is a physician, with a background in Psychology, General Medicine, and English Literature, combining her expertise to provide readers with the most accurate, easy-to-understand, and comprehensive information regarding healthcare. She received her Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from Nova Southeastern University, and her bachelor’s in English Literature and Psychology from the University of Miami. Dr. Natale seeks to empower individuals with knowledge, fostering a greater understanding of holistic health and encouraging a proactive approach to well-being