6 herbal treatments to treat headaches

There's a whole host of treatments beyond pills. But you won't find them in your local drugstore. To ease tension after a hard day or stop that killer migraine, try these recipes.

• Enough chilled lavender toilet water to soak 2 washcloths
• 2 washcloths

  1. Pour the toilet water into a small bowl. Soak both washcloths in the toilet water and squeeze out the excess.

  2. Lie down with a towel behind your neck. Place one wet washcloth on your forehead and the other cloth at the base of your skull. Relax for at least 15 minutes, preferably in a darkened quiet room.

• 15 ml (3 tsp) dried chamomile
• 250 ml (1 c) boiling water
• 5 ml (1 tsp) honey (optional)

  1. In a small pot, place chamomile. Pour in boiling water and steep for five minutes. Strain into a teacup.

  2. Take a few minutes to sip the hot tea slowly while sitting in a quiet spot. Sweeten with honey, if desired.

• 15 ml (3 tsp) dried lemon balm
• 250 ml (1 c) boiling water
• 5 ml (1 tsp) honey (optional)

  1. In a small pot, place lemon balm. Pour in boiling water and steep for five minutes. Strain into a teacup.

  2. Take a few minutes to sip the hot tea slowly while sitting in a quiet spot. Sweeten with honey, if desired.

• 590 ml (2 1/2 c) water
• 45 ml (3 tbsp) dried lady's mantle leaves
• 15 ml (3 tsp) dried mint leaves

  1. In a pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the herbs and boil for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and steep for 10 minutes. Strain into a teacup.

  2. Drink 250 millilitres (one cup) slowly in a quiet, darkened room.

• 10 drops massage oil
• 3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops lavender essential oil
• 1 drop lemon, orange or lime essential oil

  1. In a small bowl, mix the massage oil and the essential oils.

  2. Dip your fingers into the oil and then massage the oil into the temples, along the hairline, and along the base of the skull, being careful not to get any oil in the eyes.

  3. Wash your hands thoroughly after each application.

• 15 drops lavender essential oil
• 7 drops wintergreen essential oil
• 22 ml (1 1/2 tbsp) almond or olive oil
• 1 capsule vitamin E, 400 IU
• Bowl hot water

  1. In a small dish, combine the essential oils with the almond or olive oil. Pierce the vitamin E capsule with a needle and squeeze the contents into the dish.

  2. Warm the oil mixture by putting the dish in a bowl of hot water before using. Dab your fingers into the fragrant oil and gently massage your temples and the back of your neck. Wash your hands thoroughly after each application.