When it’s booming, pounding and throbbing, the only thing that helps is taking a painkiller to relieve the headache. Stiftung Warentest examined over-the-counter and prescription painkillers. The experts explain which medicine can help with which headache.
Because: A headache is not just a headache. Experts even distinguish over 200 species. Many people know that the head is pounding – almost 40 percent of adult Germans suffer from headaches several times a month. First of all, it is important to look for the trigger. Because behind a headache, there could be another disease in addition to stress, tension or hormone fluctuations. For example, headaches can occur with food intolerance.
Home remedies can help relieve headaches
Home remedies such as peppermint oil can also help with mild headaches (read more about this here). If you only have a headache from time to time, Stiftung Warentest advises you not to take painkillers immediately. Alternatives should be tried first – they can also help. This can be, for example, a walk in the fresh air. The oxygen blows through the brain, so to speak, sweeping away the pain. The movement also gets the circulation going. Cold compresses on the forehead can also help. If you become sensitive to light when you have a headache, you can first try to lie down in a darkened room.
If you don’t want to get headaches in the first place, you can prevent them. Regular bedtimes, not skipping a meal and drinking enough water form a good basis. Regular exercise, walks in the fresh air and relaxation methods such as tai chi or yoga are also helpful.
But in the case of severe headaches or even a migraine attack, home remedies do not bring any relief for those affected. But common painkillers with the active ingredients acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen and paracetamol can often do little. Choosing the right pain reliever is important here. You can read in the picture gallery above which active ingredients the Stiftung Warentest recommends for which type of headache.
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Source: Stern
