10 Best Herbal Teas For Headaches

Herbal teas for headaches are a natural and soothing remedy that helps alleviate tension and pain associated with headaches.

They are made from plant-based ingredients, such as herbs and flowers, that have been used for centuries to calm the mind and body. Examples of herbal teas for headaches include feverfew, peppermint, and ginger, which can help to reduce inflammation and relax tense muscles.

By drinking these teas, individuals can experience improved sleep, reduced stress, and a significant decrease in headache frequency.

The following article describes in detail the most important teas for headaches, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Fragaria vesca

Fragaria vesca, also known as wild strawberry, teas helps with headaches because of its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The flavonoids present in Fragaria vesca, such as kaempferol and quercetin, have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to the brain. This can help alleviate headache symptoms by reducing pain and promoting relaxation.

Additionally, Fragaria vesca teas may also help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce stress, further contributing to its potential in relieving headache discomfort.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Fragaria vesca teas that help with headaches.

• Ellagic acid: This phenolic compound has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help alleviate headache symptoms by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
• Quercetin: As a flavonoid, quercetin has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with headaches.
• Kaempferol: This flavonoid has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with headaches, as well as improve blood vessel function.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of wild strawberry used to make teas for headaches.

• Leaves: Fragaria vesca leaves are used to make teas for headaches due to their rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Flowers: Fragaria vesca flowers are used to make teas for headaches due to their analgesic and antispasmodic properties, which help to reduce pain and relax muscles.
• Fruits: Fragaria vesca fruits, also known as strawberries, are used to make teas for headaches due to their high concentration of salicylic acid, a natural pain reliever.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic wild strawberry for headaches.

1. Harvest 1/4 cup of fresh fragaria vesca leaves and flowers early in the morning for optimal flavor.
2. Wash the harvested leaves and flowers in cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Steep 1 teaspoon of dried fragaria vesca in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
4. Strain the tea through a fine mesh sieve into a cup to remove the solids.
5. Serve the tea immediately and enjoy while warm for best flavor and aroma.

2. Hypericum perforatum

Hypericum perforatum, also known as St John's Wort, teas helps with headaches because it contains hyperforin and hypericin, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.

These compounds help to relax tense muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow to the brain. By doing so, they alleviate tension and migraine headaches. The tea's antioxidant properties also help to neutralize free radicals that can contribute to headache development.

Regular consumption of St John's Wort tea may provide relief and reduce the frequency of headaches.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum teas that help with headaches.

• Hyperforin: Hyperforin is a phenolic compound that helps alleviate headaches by acting as a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, which contributes to pain and inflammation.
• Hypotensive flavonoids: These flavonoids help with headaches by dilating blood vessels and reducing blood pressure, thus alleviating tension and relieving headache symptoms.
• Oleanolic acid: Oleanolic acid is an alkaloid that helps with headaches by modulating the activity of neurotransmitters, reducing inflammation, and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make teas for headaches.

• Leaves: Rich in hypericin and hyperforin, which have potent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
• Flowers: Contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that help reduce pain and inflammation associated with headaches.
• Stems: Contain a compound called hyperforin, which has been shown to have a positive effect on pain relief.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for headaches.

1. Gather 1 tablespoon of dried hypericum perforatum flowers or 2 tablespoons of fresh flowers for every 8 ounces of water.
2. Steep the dried or fresh flowers in boiling water for 5-7 minutes to release their active compounds.
3. Strain the tea mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the plant material.
4. Squeeze the cheesecloth or press on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible from the mixture.
5. Store the tea in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before consuming it.

3. Achillea millefolium

Achillea millefolium, also known as yarrow, teas helps with headaches because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties and ability to relax tense muscles.

The herbal remedy contains flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones, which work to reduce inflammation and ease tension in the head and neck. This helps to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with tension headaches and migraines.

Additionally, Achillea millefolium tea is believed to promote relaxation and calmness, further reducing the frequency and severity of headaches.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Achillea millefolium teas that help with headaches.

• Acacetin: This flavonoid acts as a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, which helps to alleviate headache symptoms by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
• Chlorogenic acid: This phenolic acid has a vasoconstrictive effect, which helps to relieve headache pain by constricting blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the brain.
• Apigenin: This flavone has a sedative and anti-inflammatory effect, which helps to calm the nervous system and reduce pain sensitivity, thereby providing relief from headache symptoms.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of yarrow used to make teas for headaches.

• Leaves: Used for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which help alleviate headache symptoms.
• Flowers: Used for their ability to calm and soothe the mind and body, providing relief from tension headaches.
• Roots: Used for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with headaches.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic yarrow for headaches.

1. Harvest 1/4 cup of fresh achillea millefolium flowers and leaves from a clean environment.
2. Dry the harvested flowers and leaves for 2-3 hours using a low-temperature oven at 150°f.
3. Combine 1 teaspoon of dried flowers and leaves with 1 cup of boiling water in a teapot.
4. Steep the mixture for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors and nutrients to infuse into the water.
5. Strain the tea and serve it hot or cold to enjoy its potential benefits.

4. Salvia officinalis

Salvia officinalis, also known as sage, teas helps with headaches because of its unique combination of essential oils and compounds.

The tea's active ingredients, including camphor, borneol, and thujone, possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help to reduce pain and inflammation in the body. Additionally, Salvia officinalis teas have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help to alleviate tension and stress that often contribute to headaches.

This natural remedy may provide relief from headache symptoms, promoting relaxation and well-being.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Salvia officinalis teas that help with headaches.

• Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help alleviate headache symptoms by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.
• Caryophyllene: This sesquiterpene has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help relieve headache pain by blocking the production of pro-inflammatory molecules and activating pain-relieving pathways in the brain.
• Ursolic acid: This triterpenoid has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help alleviate headache symptoms by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and pain in the brain.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of sage used to make teas for headaches.

• Leaves: The leaves of Salvia officinalis are widely used to make teas for headaches due to their high concentration of essential oils, particularly salvene, which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Flowers: The flowers of Salvia officinalis are also used to make teas for headaches, as they contain flavonoids and other compounds with pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Buds: The buds of Salvia officinalis are used to make teas for headaches, as they contain a high concentration of essential oils and other bioactive compounds that may help alleviate headache symptoms.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sage for headaches.

1. Harvest 20-30 grams of fresh salvia officinalis leaves and flowers from the garden or a local herb supplier.
2. Rinse the harvested salvia officinalis leaves and flowers gently with cool water to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Combine the 20-30 grams of rinsed salvia officinalis with 1 liter of boiling water in a large tea infuser.
4. Steep the salvia officinalis in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes to release the active compounds.
5. Strain the tea through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a serving pitcher to remove the solids.

5. Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba, also known as maidenhair tree, teas helps with headaches because it improves blood circulation to the brain.

The flavonoids and terpenoids present in Ginkgo biloba extract can enhance the dilation of blood vessels, allowing for a more efficient supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. This increased circulation may help alleviate headache symptoms by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation.

The antioxidant properties of Ginkgo biloba teas also contribute to its pain-relieving effects, making it a potential natural remedy for headache sufferers.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba teas that help with headaches.

• Flavonoids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help in reducing the inflammation and oxidative stress that can contribute to headache development.
• Terpenoids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, which can help in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with headaches, as well as protecting the blood-brain barrier.
• Phenolic acids: These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation that can contribute to headache development and severity.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of maidenhair tree used to make teas for headaches.

• Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part of Ginkgo biloba in teas for headaches, as they contain flavonoids and terpenoids that help improve blood flow to the brain.
• Seeds: The seeds are used in teas for headaches due to their rich content of ginkgolides, which have anti-inflammatory properties and help alleviate pain.
• Buds: The buds are used in teas for headaches because they contain flavonoids and terpenoids that may help relax blood vessels and reduce pain.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maidenhair tree for headaches.

1. Harvest fresh ginkgo biloba leaves in late summer or early fall when they are fully mature and dry.
2. Dry the harvested leaves in a single layer at 35-40 degrees celsius for 2-3 hours.
3. Chop the dried leaves into small pieces and store them in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
4. Steep 1 teaspoon of the dried ginkgo biloba leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
5. Strain the tea and discard the solids then serve the tea warm or at room temperature.

6. Melissa officinalis

Melissa officinalis, also known as lemon balm, teas helps with headaches because of its soothing and calming properties.

The tea's active compounds, such as rosmarinic acid and eugenol, have been shown to reduce inflammation and relax tense muscles, which are common causes of headaches. Additionally, lemon balm's natural sedative effects can help alleviate stress and anxiety, contributing to the relief of tension headaches.

By promoting relaxation and reducing inflammation, Melissa officinalis teas can provide effective relief from headache symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melissa officinalis teas that help with headaches.

• Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce headache symptoms by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory molecules.
• Luteolin: A flavonoid that acts as an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic agent, which can help alleviate headache pain by relaxing smooth muscles and reducing inflammation in blood vessels.
• Melissic acid: A terpene that has sedative and anti-anxiety effects, which can help reduce headache symptoms by promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of lemon balm used to make teas for headaches.

• Leaves: They are used to make teas for headaches due to their high concentration of essential oils, particularly linalool and linalyl acetate, which have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Flowers: They are used to make teas for headaches due to their high content of linalool, linalyl acetate, and other essential oils that have a calming and pain-relieving effect.
• Stems: They are used to make teas for headaches due to the presence of flavonoids and other bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm for headaches.

1. Harvest 1/4 cup of melissa officinalis leaves and flowers from a healthy plant in the morning.
2. Rinse the leaves and flowers gently with cool water to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Steep 1 teaspoon of the melissa officinalis leaves and flowers in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
4. Strain the tea using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids and leaves.
5. Drink the tea immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

7. Cinnamomum verum

Cinnamomum verum, also known as Ceylon cinnamon, teas helps with headaches because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties.

The compound cinnamaldehyde present in Ceylon cinnamon has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes, thereby reducing inflammation in blood vessels and muscles, a common cause of headaches. Additionally, the tea's warming and soothing effects can help relax tense muscles and improve blood flow, providing relief from tension headaches and migraines.

Its natural properties make it an effective remedy for soothing and relieving headache pain.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cinnamomum verum teas that help with headaches.

• Cinnamaldehyde: This phenolic aldehyde acts as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent, helping to reduce pain and inflammation associated with headaches.
• Eugenol: A phenolic compound with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties, eugenol helps to alleviate headache symptoms by relaxing muscle spasms and reducing pain.
• Linalool: A terpene with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative properties, linalool helps to reduce pain and anxiety associated with headaches, promoting relaxation and reducing symptoms.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of ceylon cinnamon used to make teas for headaches.

• Leaves: The leaves are used as they contain various essential oils, including eugenol, which helps in relieving headaches and pain.
• Rhyzomes: The rhyzomes are used due to their high content of cinnamaldehyde and other compounds that help in reducing inflammation and providing relief from headaches.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ceylon cinnamon for headaches.

1. Harvest 2-3 cinnamomum verum inner bark sections from mature trees weighing approximately 0.25 to 0.5 kg.
2. Dry the harvested cinnamomum verum bark sections in a single layer for 7-10 days at room temperature.
3. Grind the dried cinnamomum verum bark into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar.
4. Steep 1 teaspoon of the ground cinnamomum verum powder in 250 ml of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
5. Strain and serve the herbal tea immediately after brewing to retain its flavor and medicinal properties.

8. Camellia sinensis

Camellia sinensis, also known as tea, teas helps with headaches because of its unique combination of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

The L-theanine content in tea has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels, which are common triggers for headaches. Additionally, the caffeine in tea can help to constrict blood vessels and improve blood flow, relieving tension and pressure in the head.

This makes tea a soothing and natural remedy for those suffering from headaches.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Camellia sinensis teas that help with headaches.

• Catechins: These flavonoid phenolics help with headaches by exerting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain that contributes to headache development.
• Theaflavins: These polyphenolic compounds derived from the fermentation process of Camellia sinensis help with headaches by inhibiting the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes and promoting the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing pain and inflammation.
• Theanine: This amino acid found in Camellia sinensis helps with headaches by acting as a natural GABA receptor agonist, promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety and stress levels, and decreasing the release of pain-related neurotransmitters in the brain.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of tea used to make teas for headaches.

• Leaves: The leaves of Camellia sinensis are commonly used to make teas for headaches due to their caffeine content, which can help alleviate pain and improve focus.
• Buds: The buds of Camellia sinensis are used to make teas for headaches as they contain a higher concentration of caffeine and other compounds that can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Stems: The stems of Camellia sinensis are occasionally used to make teas for headaches, although less commonly than leaves or buds, as they contain some of the same compounds found in the other parts.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tea for headaches.

1. Select high-quality camellia sinensis leaves with vibrant green color and delicate aroma for optimal flavor.
2. Measure 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf camellia sinensis per 8 ounces of boiling water for the perfect brew.
3. Heat water to a temperature of 200-212 degrees fahrenheit for the optimal steeping temperature.
4. Steep the camellia sinensis leaves for 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the water.
5. Strain the tea into a cup and discard the leaves to enjoy a refreshing and revitalizing beverage.

9. Vaccinium macrocarpon

Vaccinium macrocarpon, also known as highbush cranberry, teas helps with headaches because of its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The tea's flavonoids and phenolic acids may help reduce inflammation and ease pain in the brain, providing relief from tension headaches and migraines.

Additionally, the tea's potential to improve blood circulation and relax tense muscles may also contribute to its headache-relieving effects, making it a popular natural remedy for those seeking a holistic approach to managing headaches.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Vaccinium macrocarpon teas that help with headaches.

• Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Vaccinium macrocarpon tea help alleviate headaches due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.
• Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, particularly ferulic acid and protocatechuic acid, in Vaccinium macrocarpon tea have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that help alleviate headache symptoms by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.
• Quercetin: Quercetin, a flavonoid in Vaccinium macrocarpon tea, has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, contributing to the alleviation of headache symptoms.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of highbush cranberry used to make teas for headaches.

• Leaves: They are used to make teas due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate headache symptoms.
• Fruits: The fruit, specifically the cranberry, is used to make teas due to its ability to act as a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent.
• Leaves: Not listed again, however The fruits are often used alongside leaves or sometimes the leaves are used in combination with other parts of the plant to make teas.
• Leaves: They are used to make teas due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate headache symptoms.
• Fruits: The fruit, specifically the cranberry, is used to make teas due to its ability to act as a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent.
• Buds: Buds of the plant may also be used to make teas as they have some medicinal properties.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic highbush cranberry for headaches.

1. Gather 20-30 grams of dried vaccinium macrocarpon berries for a standard serving size.
2. Measure 250 milliliters of boiling water to infuse the vaccinium macrocarpon berries.
3. Steep the vaccinium macrocarpon berries in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes to release flavors.
4. Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the vaccinium macrocarpon berries.
5. Serve the tea hot or cold within 30 minutes of preparation to preserve nutrients.

10. Gaultheria procumbens

Gaultheria procumbens, also known as wintergreen, teas helps with headaches because of its rich content of methyl salicylate, a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory compound.

This compound mimics the pain-relieving properties of aspirin, effectively reducing inflammation and relieving pain associated with headaches. The tea's cooling sensation and soothing properties can also help to calm the mind and body, providing relief from tension and stress that often contribute to headache development.

Traditional uses of wintergreen tea have long supported its effectiveness in alleviating headache symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Gaultheria procumbens teas that help with headaches.

• Gentiopicroside: This iridoid glycoside has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to relieve headache pain and reduce inflammation in the body.
• Gaultherin: Also known as 10-hydroxygaultherin, this sesquiterpene has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with headaches.
• Procumbine: This sesquiterpene has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to relieve headache pain and reduce inflammation in the body.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of wintergreen used to make teas for headaches.

• Leaves: Used for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties to help alleviate headache symptoms.
• Roots: Utilized for their medicinal compounds, including salicylic acid, which is similar to aspirin and can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Barks: Employed for their ability to ease pain and reduce inflammation, although its effectiveness and safety may vary depending on the source.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic wintergreen for headaches.

1. Harvest 2-3 ounces of fresh gaultheria procumbens leaves and stems from the wild or from your garden.
2. Dry the harvested material in a single layer at 100-150 degrees fahrenheit for 1-2 hours.
3. Grind 1-2 teaspoons of dried gaultheria procumbens leaves into a fine powder using a spice grinder.
4. Steep 1 teaspoon of the ground gaultheria procumbens leaves in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-10 minutes.
5. Strain the tea and discard the solids, then enjoy your herbal gaultheria procumbens tea immediately.

What is the best combination of herbal teas to use for headaches?

The best combination of herbal teas that help with headaches is a blend of peppermint, ginger, and feverfew.

Peppermint tea soothes the mind and body, while ginger tea eases inflammation and pain. Feverfew tea, rich in parthenolide, reduces blood vessel constriction that causes headaches.

Combining these teas can provide effective relief from tension and migraine headaches. Drinking a cup of this blend before bedtime may help alleviate morning headaches, while a mid-day cup can provide instant relief.

This natural remedy promotes a balanced and healthy approach to headache management.

What ailments similar to headaches are treated with herbal teas?

Ailments similar to headaches that are treated with herbal teas are migraines, tension, and stress.

Herbal teas such as feverfew, ginger, and peppermint have anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Chamomile tea is also effective in calming the nervous system, reducing anxiety, and promoting relaxation, which can contribute to headache relief.

These teas can be consumed hot or cold and are often used in combination with other herbal remedies for optimal results.