How to Get Rid of a Caffeine Headache

Caffeine is chemically an alkaloid, which gives coffee a typical bitter taste and more importantly, its stimulating effect. Its effects on the central nervous system, circulatory system and overall body metabolism differ according to the amount of caffeine intake. Besides coffee, it is present in many of the beverages, cocoa foods and medications. But, the percentage content is relatively high in coffee. Serving a 12 ounce cup of freshly brewed coffee gives approximately 200 mg caffeine.

Before we discuss how to get rid of a caffeine headache, let's look into the relation between caffeine and headache. Both, ingesting too much of caffeine and eliminating it (for addicted cases) are responsible for causing a headache. So, how much coffee is too much? Well, drinking 1-3 cups of coffee (or 85-250 mg caffeine) per day is not an issue.

Nonetheless, if the number touches 10 cups in a day, then it causes caffeine toxicity symptoms like headache, restlessness, tremors, sleep problems and cardiovascular symptoms. For a caffeine addicted person, stopping it causes withdrawal symptoms such as weakness, headache, muscle ache and nauseated feeling.

According to medical reports, caffeine is a stimulant drug that is widely consumed globally. In America, more than 80% adults have it on a daily basis, either in the form of tea or coffee. And it doesn't take long to get addicted to this stimulative alkaloid. At such a stage, one cannot abruptly stop taking caffeine. What happens is, caffeine causes constriction of the blood vessels of brain. When caffeine intake is stopped, the constricted blood vessels swell, leading to caffeine withdrawal headache. Read the following to find out more on this.

In case of caffeine addiction, headache and accompanying withdrawal symptoms are usually experienced within 12-24 hours of the last coffee intake. Instead of quitting caffeine all of a sudden, gradual reducing of the amount will help in getting rid of caffeine withdrawal headache and other associated symptoms.

While attempting to quit caffeine use, consider incorporating ginseng tea and other herbal teas to substitute coffee. Ginseng herb is known for widening arteries and veins, which in turn prepares the body for caffeine withdrawal. However, having ginseng tea doesn't make sense, when withdrawal headache is already exhibited.

Whether headache is caused due to caffeine abstinence or regular stress, complete relaxation is a simple remedy to get rid of it as soon as possible. The logic is to forget about caffeine or stress, and try to rejuvenate the body and mind. So, try to sleep for some time (if applicable) and your headache will surely disappear on its own.

Yogic breathing methods, especially that of right nostril breathing, work in alleviating caffeine headache. Close the left nostril with a finger, and try to breathe through the right one exclusively for several minutes. This brings about physiological changes that mimic the stimulative effects of caffeine, and aids in treating caffeine headache.

Taking magnesium and calcium supplements does work in alleviating this withdrawal symptom. Upon studies, it is found that ingesting caffeine in large amounts for an extended period negatively disturbs the magnesium balance. So, replacing it with supplements or magnesium rich foods is suggested to treat caffeine headache.

You will be glad to know that yoga and meditation are effective ways for combating caffeine withdrawal symptoms. Adopting body and mind relaxation techniques is a sure way to manage tension, stress and pain. Just like any case of addiction, they help in stopping a caffeine headache.

The severity of caffeine headache exacerbates when accompanied with body dehydration. So, to avoid this, drink ample amounts of water and other soothing liquids (not cold drinks that contain caffeine) to keep the body hydrated. Having peppermint tea is another effectual tip to deal with caffeine withdrawal headache. Learn more on caffeine withdrawal treatment.

After about 7-9 days of stopping caffeine intake, the body will get used to it. In short, caffeine headache and withdrawal conditions will disappear within a week or so. During this period, don't pop over-the-counter painkillers for combating a caffeine headache. Since they also contain caffeine, such medications are not recommended during the caffeine withdrawal period. As for relying on herbal remedies for caffeine headache, take them under the guidance of an experienced herbalist. But, never self administer them, though they are formulated with herbs.