High blood pressure and pain, especially in the form of chronic headaches – are a plague for a lot of people. While there are many prescription and over-the-counter remedies to help this, however, you should think twice before reaching for that bottle. Many opiate-based pain killers carry with them the risk of addiction or dependency, while also causing problems like drowsiness or constipation. On the other hand, many medicines for blood pressure pills rely on diuretics for their effects. Diuretics are definitely sometimes necessary, but they bring with them the problem of electrolyte imbalances (such as the body being too low in potassium) and possible dehydration.
Fortunately, there are more natural remedies for pain or periodic bouts of high blood pressure. One of those very simple remedies is outlines below.
Natural Blood Pressure and Headache Remedy
Ingredients and Supplies:
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 250 ml of hot water
- Gauze or cotton
Directions for Preparation and Use
Heat water to around 80 degrees Celsius. Dissolve the salt into the water. In the meantime, fold the gauze into layers, making sure you get a piece that will fit around your forehead, ears and neck. After washing your forehead, necks and ears, soak the gauze in the saline solution and wring out lightly to take care of excess water, then place gauze over forehead, ears and neck. It is recommended that you lay down while doing this, since it is better if you stay as still as possible after the gauze has been applied. Leave on for around 10-20 minutes if possible; if you are using this treatment for a headache, you should start to feel some relief around 5-6 minutes or so.
Why this Treatment Works
Some people might be confused by the use of salt in this recipe, since oral intake of salt is one of the risk factors for high blood pressure. However, there is a big different between oral use of salt and topical use. Orally, salt can lead to water weight gain, which can cause both high blood pressure and even pain in the body due to swelling and pressure. Topical use of salt is another matter entirely. It works to actually withdraw excess fluids out through the skin, leading to a decrease in water weight and swelling which can actually help improve both blood pressure and pain.
So if you have problems with periodic high blood pressure or suffer from headaches, before you reach for that bottle of aspirin or extra diuretics, try this remedy first. You will find that it is a natural, gentle way to remove excess water from the body, reduce swelling, and oftentimes help treat both raised blood pressure and pain, especially headaches.
