Health Tips and Vaccine Safety with Lauren Feder, M.D.

Lauren Feder, M.D. is a physician, homeopath, lecturer, and writer. Her website, www.drfeder.com is a content rich homeopathic resource. DrFeder.com includes homeopathic and natural parenting information, remedies, books and videos. She is in private practice in Beverly Hills, California where she specializes in homeopathic medicine for children and adults. Lauren is the mother of two boys.

Disclaimer: The medical opinions stated here are for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider.

Question:

Is there a way to get rid of a headache without taking an over the counter pain reliever?

Answer:

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
You can purchase any of the following rememdies online.

Natrium Muriaticum (Sodium Chloride) is used for headaches that are brought on by loss, grief or disappointment. The headache feels like little hammers knocking on the brain. The pain might be located over the eyes. It tends to worsen around 10 a.m. until the late afternoon, especially in sunlight. A cold cloth on the head, lying down in a dark, quiet room and fresh air also bring relief.

Bryonia (Wild Hops) headaches are described as bursting or splitting. Because movement worsens them, the person just wants to stay still. The mouth and lips are dry. The person is irritable and thirsty for cold drinks. Pain tends to be concentrated on the left side of the head.

Iris (Blue Flag) is indicated for migraine headaches accompanied by a visual aura. The pain is one-sided (usually the right) and located above or below the eye or in the temple. Nausea and vomiting are common and provide no relief from the pain. A walk outside and a cold cloth on the head also bring relief.

Sanguinaria (Blood Root) migraines differ from iris headaches in that the pain begins at the back of the head and then settles in the right side of the head or behind the right eye. The pain is described as sharp, knifelike or splitting. This patient feels better after vomiting.

Spigelia (Pinkroot) 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.

Note: Above is just a sampling of hundreds of homeopathic ingredients appropriate for headache pain.

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