Banana
I’m here to talk about an interesting thing I discovered about banana – I finally got relief from my excruciating headaches. From a mild headache to a head pounding migraine attack, headaches can be debilitating. If you have ever had one or have seen someone from your family/friends suffer, you’d agree. But some home remedies right out of your kitchen can do wonders.
Sure, I’m not a fan of too many fruits, but give me a banana, and you will never hear me say no. It’s usually what I eat in the morning to get my share of carbs, and just before I sleep after my early dinner. It keeps you full and also keeps the midnight hunger pangs at bay. So now, when I tell you that the banana peel can magically shoo away your headache, will you trust me? It might sound absurd, but let me tell you, this remedy is tried and tested. Read on before you jump to conclusions.
The next time you have a headache, try this. You can thank me later! Let’s first look at why it works and how to use it.
Why Does This Work?
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We all know by now that banana is one of the best and most natural ways for calcium and potassium intake. Potassium is an important electrolyte that stimulates the effective functioning of most organs, tissues, and cells. Another point worth noting here is that this electrolyte plays a pivotal role in your heart’s electrical activity as well.
The first reaction of anyone with a headache is to pop a pill. More often than not, it is Aspirin, Aleve, etc. All of these headache medications have potassium in their formulations. Banana peel contains very high amounts of potassium, and this is why it can be very effective in giving you relief almost instantly, that too with no side effects.
Lower levels of potassium cause fatigue, weakness, headaches, etc., while an overdose of potassium is also not good. It is important to strike a balance, and hence you cannot afford to pop in pills one after another. That’s why home remedies like these are a blessing in disguise. Just an ice pack and a banana peel can do wonders. It might be difficult for you or anyone else to believe, but there’s enough evidence to show that this combination has shown great results.
How To Use This
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The idea is to use the banana peel with an ice pack. Here’s what you need to do.
- Before you use the peel, you could probably eat it because it is filling and works even faster if the headache is triggered due to hunger. Place ice cubes on the banana peel and tape it so that it stays intact on your forehead.
- Another way of doing this is to put ice cubes on a cloth, tie it, and then place it on the peel on your forehead.
- There’s not just one way to do it. But, you get the drill, don’t you? Also, have a cloth or a towel handy because the ice will start to melt in no time.
- Leave it on for a good 20-25 minutes and lie down. Preferably in a room that is silent and dark. This remedy works like magic, every single time. It’s soothing, relaxing, and most importantly, gives great relief.
Here are some more home remedies that can be tried:
1. Lavender Oil
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Lavender oil is the first thing that comes to your mind for room fresheners or anything pleasant smelling. But, did you know that it can cure headaches?
You can use this is in more than one way.
- Put a few drops of lavender oil on a tissue or a towel and inhale it. You will start feeling better in no time. It helps with nausea too.
- Or, just add a few drops of the oil to hot water and inhale the steam.
- Another interesting option is to add a few drops of this to almond or coconut oil and massage your forehead with the blend. Take a nap once you do this, and you will feel so much better.
2. Coffee
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There’s nothing a caffeine shot cannot relieve. It can make everything better, and it works wonders, especially for headaches. The first thing I get my hands on when I get a headache at work is a cup of coffee. Caffeine is known to be an anti-inflammatory supplement, and hence, it helps a great deal. But, remember not to get into the addictive zone because it can be just as bad. Everything should be done in moderation.
3. Peppermint Oil
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Peppermint is an essential part of all our headache balms, and it’s no news to most of us. Menthol, which is found in peppermint, is strong yet soothing and is known to relax your muscles and release tension, thereby helping reduce the headache.
- Take a few drops of peppermint oil and massage it on your forehead and around the temples. You could also mix this with other oils like coconut, almond, olive oil or just with water for the massage.
- Another option is to add it to hot water and do the steam treatment.
- As a last resort, you could use any balm that has peppermint (menthol) and massage it on the forehead. But, remember to follow up all of this with sleep.
4. Dietary Fixes
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If there is a constant trigger of headaches, you probably need to make changes to your diet. Inflammatory foods might be a major cause of your headache. So, lower the spice levels and reduce the consumption of fermented and pickled foods. Avoid anything MSG based. Instead, compensate it with higher intake of amino and omega-3 fatty acids. Cod liver oil tablets are great supplements. You could also just eat salmon. Avocado and flax seeds are other simple yet effective options you could easily add to your diet.
If there is a spike in the frequency of headaches, visit a physician immediately. Avoid self-medication because it can cause a rebound migraine, which can be painful to deal with. On that note, let us know if anything else worked for you or it you have any other hacks up your sleeve. Until then, take good care of yourself!
