Herbal Tea for Headache and Migraine Relief

Brew a pot of soothing Headache Tea and feel your throbbing pain ease as you sip.

There are those familiar signs again: a dull throb across the forehead, eyes that hurt to blink, a stiff neck, a pressure that feels like a heavy ball in the skull, and a queasy knot of nausea in the stomach.

The headache has arrived.

I get up, boil water, and simmer a carefully mixed blend of dried herbs. I strain the golden infusion into a mug and sip slowly. If I catch the headache early enough, this tea often stops it from developing into a full migraine.

I’ve been brewing this blend for years. It won’t replace medical care when needed, but it’s a gentle, natural option I turn to instead of reaching for over-the-counter pain relievers every time.

Each herb in this Headache Tea contributes to easing tension and discomfort.

Catnip, a member of the mint family, has calming properties that help relax muscles and ease headache-related tension.

Feverfew features small daisy-like flowers and has a long history as a traditional headache remedy; some people find it helps prevent or reduce migraine frequency.

Valerian root is widely used as a relaxant and to soothe pain; it supports rest and muscle relaxation during a headache.

White willow bark contains salicin, a natural compound related to aspirin, and has a long reputation for relieving pain without some of the stomach irritation associated with synthetic aspirin for certain people.

This tea may not work for everyone or for every type of headache, but I find it effective. The flavor is mildly bitter from the herbs, which I’ve come to appreciate as part of the ritual of easing discomfort.

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Notes: These herbs can be found at health food stores, herbalists, or reputable online suppliers. Stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight glass container, the dried mixture will keep for months to a year or longer.

Headache Tea

dried catnip
dried feverfew
dried valerian root
dried white willow bark (chopped, not powdered)

Mix equal parts by volume of the four dried herbs (for example, ¼ cup of each). Store the blend in a glass jar with an airtight lid in a dark, cool place.

To brew Headache Tea: In a medium saucepan combine 4 cups (1 litre) filtered water with 1 tablespoon of the herb mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain through a tea strainer into a mug and add honey to taste if desired.

Keep any remaining tea warm over the lowest heat setting, or transfer it to a thermos to preserve heat. You can leave the herbs in the pot to continue steeping and strain each cup as you pour.

Sip the tea slowly over several hours, beginning at the first sign of headache symptoms to help prevent escalation.

Do not use Headache Tea during pregnancy or while nursing, if you are taking blood thinners, or for children. As with all herbal remedies, exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional if you have pre-existing medical conditions, take prescription medications, or develop adverse symptoms.

Headache Tea

Good Health!