headache tablets

Question

I've been having these terrible headaches for like 6-7 months now. At first, it was just once in a while, but now it's almost every day. The pain usually starts around my temples or at the back of my head and just keeps getting worse as the day goes on. Some days it's so bad I feel nauseous, and light makes it even worse. I've tried different headache tablets, but honestly, they don’t seem to do much except dull the pain for a few hours, then it’s back again. I even switched brands, but same thing, no real relief.

I work on the computer a lot, probably 8-10 hours a day, and I know my posture isn’t great. I also drink a lot of coffee (maybe 4-5 cups daily) and sometimes forget to drink water. Could that be part of the problem? I also don’t sleep well - I keep waking up in the middle of the night, and my mind just won’t shut off. Maybe stress is playing a role too?

A few weeks ago, I went to a doctor who said it's just tension headaches and prescribed some stronger headache tablets, but I don't want to keep taking those all the time. I feel like I'm just masking the issue instead of fixing it. I also got my eyes checked recently, and my vision is fine, so it’s not that.

That’s why I wanted to ask here - does Ayurveda have any solution for this? Can I get rid of these headaches without relying on headache tablets every day? Are there specific foods or habits I should change? I've heard of herbal remedies like Brahmi and Ashwagandha, but do they actually work for headaches like this?

If anyone has had a similar experience and found relief through Ayurveda, please share! I'm really tired of taking headache tablets all the time and would love to try something more natural that actually fixes the root cause. Thanks in advance!

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

Your headaches sound like Vata-Pitta imbalance in Ayurveda, likely caused by stress, poor posture, excess caffeine, dehydration, and irregular sleep. Since your pain worsens through the day and is linked to light sensitivity and nausea, it could also have a migraine component. Excess screen time and tension in the neck muscles can aggravate Vata, while high caffeine intake and stress disturb Pitta, leading to frequent headaches. Cutting down coffee gradually, staying hydrated, and improving your posture while working can help reduce headache frequency.

For Ayurvedic relief, herbs like Brahmi (for calming the mind), Ashwagandha (for stress reduction), and Shankhpushpi (for better sleep and relaxation) are highly beneficial. Nasya therapy (putting a few drops of Anu Taila or Brahmi ghee in the nostrils in the morning) can clear head congestion and improve oxygen flow. Applying a paste of sandalwood or nutmeg on the forehead or massaging with coconut oil or Brahmi oil can provide relief. Drinking coriander and cumin tea or soaked raisins with warm milk before bed can also calm excess Pitta and promote restful sleep.

Lifestyle adjustments are crucial. Reduce screen time, take breaks every hour, practice neck and shoulder stretches, and improve sleep hygiene (avoid screens before bed, dim lights, and try warm milk with nutmeg). Shirodhara (a Panchakarma therapy where warm oil is poured on the forehead) can help if stress is a major trigger. Deep breathing (Anulom Vilom, Bhramari), yoga (child’s pose, forward bends), and head massage with warm sesame oil can bring long-term relief. Ayurveda focuses on treating the root cause, so with consistent herbal support, dietary changes, and stress management, you should see lasting improvement in your headaches.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

Your headaches seem to be related to a combination of Vata and Pitta imbalance, likely aggravated by excessive screen time, stress, irregular sleep, dehydration, and high caffeine intake. Ayurveda suggests cooling and calming herbs like Brahmi and Ashwagandha to reduce stress and support nervous system balance. Shankhpushpi and Jatamansi are also beneficial for relaxing the mind and improving sleep. Avoid excessive coffee, spicy, and fried foods, as they aggravate Pitta and worsen headaches. Staying hydrated, practicing Shirodhara (warm oil therapy on the forehead), and massaging the head with Brahmi or Bhringraj oil can provide relief. Yoga postures like Balasana (Child’s Pose) and Pranayama (deep breathing) help relax tension. Following a disciplined sleep routine and taking Triphala at night for gentle detoxification can also be beneficial. Instead of suppressing pain with tablets, Ayurveda focuses on treating the root cause by balancing the doshas and improving overall well-being.

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