The use of products containing nicotine affects the activity of important neurotransmitters that affect the course of headaches. Among these mediators are endorphins, serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. The effect of nicotine on neurotransmitter metabolism explains both the change in stress tolerance and anxiety during smoking, and the difficulties associated with quitting smoking.
Smokers have chronic headaches more often than non-smokers. For example, the risk ratio for migraine among smokers compared to never smoked people is 1.35 (95% CI 1.08-1.68). Moreover, among many smokers, the frequency and severity of headaches is even higher. It has been reported that stopping smoking reduces the incidence of headache, but not a single controlled study involving migraines has been conducted.
The effectiveness of smoking cessation was shown only by the example of cluster headaches.
As a treatment for headaches, various methods of naturopathy were studied, mainly for their prevention. Peppermint oil can be used as a local remedy that can stop headaches. The following are the means of naturopathy, their therapeutic dose for the treatment of headaches.
Topical use of peppermint oil for headaches
Peppermint oil is extracted from a plant called Mentha piperita, which contains the active ingredients menthol and menton. Peppermint normalizes the functions of the stomach and acts as a local anesthetic. Wipes moistened with an alcohol solution, which contains 10 g of peppermint oil, can be used as a local treatment for headache attacks, applying them to the forehead and temples every 15-30 minutes. According to a special study, peppermint oil reduced tension headache by 19% in 30 minutes and by 34% in an hour.
Despite the absence of special studies, its local application may also be effective in the treatment of migraine attacks. Peppermint oil can not lubricate the skin of children in infants and young children, as there is a high likelihood of spasm of the pharynx and bronchi and respiratory disorders.