Learn about the effectiveness and usage of homeopathic remedies for barometric headaches and how to ease the condition at home via this article.
Barometric Pressure Headache
Weather and altitude cause changes in temperature and pressure. Barometric pressure refers to the pressure or force that is applied to your body from the air. Since our sinuses are filled with air, a drop in outside air pressure can cause a difference in the air pressure inside and outside our sinuses. Further, when the barometric pressure falls below a certain limit, there is constriction of blood vessels and swelling of tissues in and around the brain which can trigger or worsen painful headaches. The reason why air travel triggers migraine-like headaches is due to the same effect of altitude and barometric pressure changes. Storms can also cause changes in barometric pressure. If you notice your headaches occur regularly when the weather is rainy or humid, then you may be suffering from barometric pressure headaches.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a barometric pressure headache include throbbing pain around your temples, forehead, or back of the head and may be accompanied by:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Depression
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Numbness
- Tingling on your face or one side of your body
General Advisory and Home Remedies
The general advice is to take over-the-counter paracetamol or acetaminophen or apply topical analgesic creams around the temples and do a head massage. Drink plenty of water and fluids while practicing relaxation or meditation and eat meals on time. Steps to prevent pressure headaches include avoiding stimulants like coffee, alcohol, avoiding bright lights, loud noises, and strong odors. Besides, eat balanced meals without sugar and fats, get 8 hours of sleep, and exercise regularly.
Try inhaling the scent of peppermint oil. You can apply an ice pack to your head or neck for 20 minutes at a time. Taking a hot water bath helps relax your muscles and opens sinuses. Take vitamin B complex daily to help reduce stress, as stress increases the intensity of headaches. Place a barometer in your house to be aware of pressure changes in advance. This will help you take preventive medication for headaches. Eat magnesium-rich foods such as fish, soy products, avocado, and bananas as they help muscle relaxation and block pain receptors in your brain.
Homoeopathic Remedies for Barometric Headaches
Homeopathy is a popular, holistic system of medicine that treats both the symptoms and the underlying cause of the medical condition. Doctors prescribe homeopathic remedies based on the individual’s medical history and symptoms. It is best to consult a homeopathic practitioner to get the best drugs that will suit your body and medical condition.
Rhus Toxicodendron is the medicine best for headaches that occur due to storms, cold and wet weather, and a drop in barometric pressure.
Dulcamara and Mercurius Solubulis are prescribed to treat sinus headaches that occur due to changes in barometric pressure. Hepar Sulphuricum and Nux Vomica treat headaches caused by exposure to cold air.
Rhododendron treats headaches caused due to wet weather. Glonoinum is the medicine of choice to treat pulsating headaches caused by a drop in barometric pressure and worsened by the hot sun.
Belladonna is the most frequently used homeopathic medicine for migraine headaches. It treats headaches that worsen with bright light, loud noise, and cold air.
Bryonia Alb treats headaches that starts typically with the left eye and are accompanied by nausea and aggravated by motion.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical care if:
- Your headache doesn’t go away with home remedies or over the counter medication.
- It is affecting your daily life.
- You are running a fever.
- Have bloody stools or diarrhea.
- Notice muscle weakness or numbness.
- Changes in speech or vision.
- Suffer memory loss or confusion.