5 Teas That Could Help Soothe a Headache

Tea is the most popular beverage in the world after water, with an estimated 2.6 billion cups of tea consumed every day according to World Tea News. But, did you know that Drinking hot tea has been used as a health-boosting practice in cultures across the globe for centuries?

A study about tea and health has confirmed the health benefits of drinking tea. In general, tea drinkers were found to have lower rates of cancer and heart disease. But besides boosting overall health, different types of tea are particularly effective at easing headaches. No matter if the headache is caused by allergies or tension, tea can act as a helpful natural remedy.

Green Tea

People have enjoyed the health benefits of green tea for thousands of years. A popular element in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, a study published in the Journal of Headache Pain found that the caffeine in green tea acts as a mood booster and alertness enhancer for drinkers. According to the researchers, caffeine may help “influence improvement in headache symptoms.” For a headache triggered by stress or sleep deprivation, a glass of green tea may be helpful.

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Willow Bark Tea

As you may have guessed from its name, willow bark tea is derived from the bark of the common willow tree. It is sold in some health stores as nature’s aspirin for its analgesic and pain-relieving properties according to Healthline. 

While widely known as a folk remedy, clinical studies on willow bark tea’s effectiveness have been limited. A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that drinking willow bark tea is stronger pain reliever than that of aspirin, and unlike aspirin, does not have negative effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Some may want to try a glass of warm willow bark tea, as an alternative to aspirin, for headache relief.

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Ginger Tea

Brewing and drinking fresh ginger tea is a delicious way to consume ginger. A study published in Phytotherapy Research found that ginger was effective in treating migraines. Researchers instructed 100 volunteers to imbibe ginger powder or the migraine drug sumatriptan at the onset of their migraines. Based on self-reported data from the volunteers, ginger powder and sumatriptan helped lessen the severity of the headaches with similar efficacy but using ginger is so much safer. If you’d like the headache-easing benefits of ginger, you may consider drinking ginger tea.

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Peppermint Tea

Peppermint isn’t just a flavor for chewing gum – it’s actually one of the most popular elements in herbal teas. The tea, which is brewed from the leaves of the peppermint plant, is known for its fresh, cool taste. 

Peppermint leaves contain antimicrobial and anti-allergenic properties. Apart from its refreshing flavor, a study found that peppermint tea has “analgesic and anesthetic effects in the central and peripheral nervous system.” While further clinical trials are needed, it’s thought that peppermint tea has the potential to help ease headaches.

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Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is made from the dried leaves of the matricaria plant, a relative of the daisy. The bright yellow tea is commonly used as a relaxant and sleep aid for people who suffer from insomnia. A study published in Molecular Medicine Reports found that chamomile tea  helps to boost the immune system and fight infections associated with colds. 

Accordingly, headaches triggered by allergies, colds, or irritated sinuses may be eased by drinking chamomile tea. For a quick immune system boost and headache relief, you might want to try a warm cup of chamomile tea.

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