One Side Headache: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

One-sided headaches, also known as hemiplegic or unilateral headaches, occur when pain is confined to one side of the head, typically affecting the temple, forehead, or eye region.

These headaches can be caused by migraines, sinusitis, or nerve disorders. Prolonged one-sided headaches can lead to eye strain, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light and sound. To alleviate one-sided headaches, individuals can try herbal remedies such as feverfew, ginger, and peppermint, which can be consumed as teas, capsules, or applied topically as essential oils.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have underlying medical conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of one side headache, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of one side headache?

The main causes of one side headache are usually related to conditions affecting the blood vessels, nerves, or sinuses on that side of the head.

A common cause is a vascular headache, such as a migraine or cluster headache, which can be triggered by factors like hormonal changes, stress, or certain foods. Other potential causes include a sinus infection or inflammation, which can lead to pain and pressure on one side of the face. In some cases, a neurological condition like a nerve compression or a brain aneurysm can also cause one-sided headaches.

Furthermore, certain physical factors, such as muscle strain or a dental issue, can also contribute to one-sided headache pain.

• Migraine: A migraine is a neurological condition that affects blood flow and neurotransmitters in the brain, causing inflammation and pain on one side of the head due to abnormal brain activity.
• Sinus Infection: A sinus infection is an inflammation or infection of the sinus cavities that can cause pain and pressure on one side of the head due to the buildup of mucus and pus in the affected sinus.
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: Temporomandibular joint disorder is a condition that affects the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull, causing pain and tension on one side of the head due to misalignment or inflammation of the joint.
• Eye Strain: Eye strain is a condition that occurs when the eyes are subjected to prolonged periods of focusing, causing pain and fatigue on one side of the head due to the strain on the eye muscles.
• Cervicogenic Headache: Cervicogenic headache is a type of headache that originates from the cervical spine, causing pain on one side of the head due to referred pain from the cervical joints or muscles.
• Trigeminal Neuralgia: Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, causing sudden, severe pain on one side of the head due to the compression or irritation of the nerve.
• Cervical Spondylosis: Cervical spondylosis is a condition that affects the cervical spine, causing pain and stiffness on one side of the head due to the wear and tear of the spinal discs and joints.
• Cluster Headache: Cluster headache is a rare and severe type of headache that occurs in clusters or cycles, causing pain on one side of the head due to the abnormal activity of the trigeminal nerve.
• Occipital Neuralgia: Occipital neuralgia is a rare condition that affects the occipital nerve, causing pain on one side of the head due to the compression or irritation of the nerve.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for one side headache?

The main medicinal herbs used for one side headache are Zingiber officinale, Foeniculum vulgare, Mentha x piperita, Achillea millefolium, Cinnamomum verum, Ginkgo biloba, Valeriana officinalis, Eucalyptus globulus, Boswellia serrata, Ferula asafoetida.

Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, contains gingerols which exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that help to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Foeniculum vulgare, or fennel, is a natural antispasmodic that helps to relax the muscles and reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Mentha x piperita, or peppermint oil, has a cooling effect that helps to ease tension and reduce pain, while Achillea millefolium, or yarrow, has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling and pain.

Other herbs such as Cinnamomum verum, Ginkgo biloba, Valeriana officinalis, Eucalyptus globulus, Boswellia serrata, and Ferula asafoetida also have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties that contribute to their effectiveness in alleviating one side headaches.

• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, or ginger, contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation associated with one-sided headaches.
• Foeniculum vulgare: Foeniculum vulgare, or fennel, has been traditionally used to treat headaches due to its essential oils, which include anethole, a compound that has been shown to have a sedative effect and help reduce pain associated with one-sided headaches.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita, or peppermint, contains menthol and other compounds that have a cooling effect, which can help to reduce tension and ease pain associated with one-sided headaches.
• Achillea millefolium: Achillea millefolium, or yarrow, has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that can help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with one-sided headaches.
• Cinnamomum verum: Cinnamomum verum, or cinnamon, contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with one-sided headaches.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba has been traditionally used to treat headaches, including one-sided headaches, due to its ability to improve blood flow to the brain and reduce inflammation.
• Valeriana officinalis: Valeriana officinalis, or valerian, has sedative and antispasmodic properties that can help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with one-sided headaches.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus, or eucalyptus, contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with one-sided headaches.
• Boswellia serrata: Boswellia serrata, or frankincense, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with one-sided headaches.
• Ferula asafoetida: Ferula asafoetida, or asafoetida, has been traditionally used to treat headaches, including one-sided headaches, due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.

What are the main herbal preparations used for one side headache?

The main herbal preparations used for one side headache are Decoction Capsules, Tincture Capsules, Salve, Topical Cream, Suppository, Poultice, Gel, Ointment, Tincture Oil, Extract.

Decoction capsules containing Willow Bark (Salix alba) are used for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties due to the presence of salicin, a compound similar to aspirin. Tincture Capsules made from Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) are used to reduce migraine frequency and severity due to the presence of parthenolide, which inhibits prostaglandin synthesis. Topical Creams and Salves made from Arnica (Arnica montana) are applied to the affected area to reduce inflammation and pain due to the presence of arnica saponins and flavonoids.

Suppositories made from Willow Bark or Feverfew may be used to deliver the active compounds directly to the site of pain, providing rapid relief from headaches.

• Decoction Capsules: Decoction Capsules containing the extracts of Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) help with one side headaches by releasing bioactive compounds that inhibit the synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, thereby reducing pain and inflammation.
• Tincture Capsules: Tincture Capsules made from the extracts of Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) help with one side headaches by reducing the frequency and severity of migraine attacks due to the presence of sesquiterpenes that inhibit the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
• Salve: Salves infused with the extracts of Willow Bark (Salix alba) help with one side headaches by releasing salicin, a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory compound that reduces pain and inflammation by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins.
• Topical Cream: Topical Creams containing the extracts of Peppermint (Mentha piperita) help with one side headaches by releasing menthol, a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory compound that reduces pain and inflammation by blocking the production of prostaglandins and relaxing the muscles.
• Suppository: Suppositories infused with the extracts of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) help with one side headaches by releasing gingerols and shogaols, natural anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce pain and inflammation by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins and promoting the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
• Poultice: Poultices made from the extracts of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) help with one side headaches by releasing apigenin and luteolin, natural anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce pain and inflammation by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins and promoting relaxation and sleep.
• Gel: Gels containing the extracts of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) help with one side headaches by releasing eucalyptol, a natural anti-inflammatory compound that reduces pain and inflammation by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins and promoting decongestant and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Ointment: Ointments infused with the extracts of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) help with one side headaches by releasing linalool and linalyl acetate, natural anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce pain and inflammation by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins.
• Tincture Oil: Tincture Oils containing the extracts of Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) help with one side headaches by releasing boswellic acids, natural anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce pain and inflammation by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, promoting anti-inflammatory cytokines, and reducing oxidative stress.
• Extract: Herbal Extracts made from the roots of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) help with one side headaches by releasing withanolides, natural anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce pain and inflammation by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, promoting relaxation, and reducing stress.