Remedies for Headache.

Otago Witness, Issue 2565, 13 May 1903, Page 64

Remedies for Headache.

When the headache results from the indN gestible mature of food, fasting, a milk cathartic, and sitting with the feet in hob water a few moments are the only remedies. But this sort of headache is not frequent among sensible people, or those who have learned either what is best for them or how to control the appetite. The most general variety is that known especially as the nervous headache, which means that the nerves, exhausted by being called upon for more than they are able to perform, have rebelled, and, ceasing their action on the arteries, have left them full of blood. The heart still sends the blood to the head, but the arteries, being distended with tho continual pressure, hare bee ome inelastic, and, having lost the power to contract, dilate and make the pressure on the. brain that is the cause of pain and stupor. Another headache, and one as frequent as any, is caused by undue strain upon the eyes, by the presence of astigmatism and super-scasitiyejiess, and bjr their incessant use in bad light. This is to be attended to by the oculist, although more care in the habit of using the eyes does much to relieve the trouble. If there is reason to suppose the headache has any connection with the liver, then rapid walking,, horseback-riding, dancing, and sea-bathing" are very effective; if it is the kidneys which are involved, whatever stimulates the, skin and promotes perspiration is of value. The headache which seems to be rheumatic, and ia the result of exposure to cold or draught, or sudden changes, is best treated with hot applications, hot-water bags, and gentle friction at the place of pain, which readily relieves it for a time. But when the pain is persistent, keeping up ite sharp torment day after day, it indicates an irritation of the finer filaments of the branches of nerves about the face and head that no mild household remedies may reach, and that requires the physician* oversight. There are many ways of easing the nervous and congestive headaches. Perhaps the best way is not to have them — that is, by undertaking no more tham the strength is equal to,, by not wearing one's eelf out with too perfect or too laborious housekeeping, with too much care, or study, or work of any kind, >y dismissing anxieties, by bathing, by living in sweet and fresh air, and by taking sufficient sleep.