Image: CC by 2.0, University of the Fraser Valley, via Flickr
Concussions occur when the brain experiences a mild trauma. This injury usually happens with blunt force trauma of some sort. A concussion is when the brain is bounced inside of your skull. This can cause a number of side effects that can worsen as time goes on. It is important to get a concussion monitored by a doctor within the first 24 hours of the injury.
After you have seen a doctor, there are home remedies for concussions that may be able to help heal you more quickly. These home remedies are cheap and easy to complete at home. We will offer you some remedies in this article as well as how to complete them. However, it is very important to follow your medic’s advice. Do not attempt to use any of the home remedies for concussions listed here without asking for your medic’s opinion.
1. Light Exercise
Right after a concussion, rest is key. That said, in the days that follow, light exercise may prove to be beneficial. This is not to say that those who were athletic should jump back into that lifestyle right away; it means that light aerobic exercise may be beneficial for speeding up the recovery process.
Instructions
- If you want to engage in some light cardio, simply go for a walk.
- As time goes on, you can eventually work up to some light jogging.
- Go for a leisurely swim in shallow water with someone near you.
- Avoid playing sports, especially aggressive ones.
2. Creatine
Creatine has been shown in studies to be able to help with a number of concussion symptoms. This could help you recover with greater ease and comfort. Symptoms that creatine is said to be able to help include headaches, amnesia, fatigue, and dizziness.
You can typically find creatine in any department store for a relatively inexpensive price. If you are having trouble locating it there, try other places. Stores such as pharmacies and health stores may have it.
Necessary Items
Instructions
- Take .4 grams of creatine for every kilogram that you weigh.
- You can take creatine powder with water.
- To make it easier for you, taking creatine pills may be a more palatable alternative.
3. Fish Oil
Fish oil is full of omega 3 fatty acids that have been shown to help with concussion symptoms. Getting enough of this may help speed along the healing process. You can take fish oil pills or instead eat plenty of fish in your diet. Fresh fish can be found in most grocery stores. Then, you can also find fish oil supplements in many pharmacies and department stores as well.
Necessary Items
- Fish oil supplement or fresh fish
Instructions
- Take a fish oil supplement as directed on the bottle or your doctor.
- Eat fresh fish a few times a week. You can eat salmon and tuna for best results.
4. Turmeric
The main ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin has been shown to be a powerful anti-inflammatory. It is able to reduce pain, swelling and brain injury in mice according to the Medical College of Georgia. Accordingly, turmeric is also known to be able to treat inflammation and depression. These are both two common side effects of a concussion.
Turmeric can be found in a fresh or powdered form in any grocery store.
Necessary Items
Instructions
- Eat plenty of turmeric in your meals,
Or:
Make a turmeric tea:
- Boil water.
- Pour hot water over the turmeric.
- Allow it to sit and steep for 15 minutes.
- Once it is cool, drink the tea.
- You can do this up to twice a day.
5. Drink Caffeine
The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Medicine Department has learned that caffeine may be able to protect parts of the brain in those with concussions. The study they completed stated that more caffeine in the body may push for quicker healing. Furthermore, this is especially true in the six months that come after the initial injury.
Caffeine comes in many different forms for you to consume. You can drink coffee and tea for caffeine. So, you can also eat some chocolate or take supplements to increase caffeine in the body.
Necessary Items
- Caffeinated beverages or supplements
Instructions
- Take supplements as directed by your doctor,
Or:
- Drink liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee, soda, and tea
6. Consume More Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Antioxidants are excellent at cleaning out the blood. This can help it flow more easily to the brain. As a result, you may be able to heal up faster. Eating foods that are rich in antioxidants may be crucial to the healing process especially the burns.
Foods rich in antioxidants can be found at any grocery store in the produce aisle. Many of them are fruits.
Necessary Items
Antioxidant-rich foods such as:
- Blackberry
- Blueberry
- Broccoli
- Cherry
- Citrus Fruits
- Common Plum
- Cranberry
- Dark Chocolate
- Kale
- Kidney Beans
- Pecan
- Pomegranate
- Raisins
- Raspberry
- Spinach
- Strawberry
- Tomatoes
- Walnut
- Maize
Instructions
- Try and cook the vegetables into your meals or eat them fresh in salads.
- Cut up the fruits and make fruit salads to eat for a snack.
- Eat fruit for breakfast.
- Drink fresh fruit juice as much as possible.
7. Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Staying out of extreme heat or extreme cold is crucial. This also means treating headaches and other ailments with hot or cold packs. Only use ice packs if the swelling is incredibly severe. This will help stop any further brain inflammation. It is also important that the concussed wears loose clothes. Furthermore, this will stop them from overheating. If the weather changes, be sure the concussed is wearing appropriate clothing.
Necessary Items
- Comfortable, temperature appropriate clothing
Instructions
- Regulate the person’s temperature through appropriate clothing.
- Instead of making a room too cold with air conditioning, use a fan.
- Cover the person with the appropriate number of blankets, but do not make it too hot.
8. Get Plenty of Rest
After the first 24 hours have passed, it is important you rest in order to recover. You will likely not be returning to work or school right away; this gives you plenty of time to rest. Try to sleep a little more than you would usually while you are recovering. This could mean sleeping more at night than normal. It could also mean taking smaller naps throughout the day.
Instructions
- Try to nap a minimum of 1-2 hours during the day.
- Attempt to sleep a few hours longer than you might normally sleep when you are well.
9. Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is important. This helps to restore any liquid balance lost in the body during recovery. It also helps to thin out the blood to a healthier state. This helps with pushing the blood through the brain more easily. Maintaining the right blood consistency is crucial to ensuring quicker healing. Try to get the person to drink plenty of water.
Necessary Items
Instructions
- You can drink water from any clean source you would like. This means tap water or bottled water. It is recommended you drink one ounce for every two kilos that you weigh.
- You can also suck on ice cubes for additional hydration.
10. Chinese Skullcap
Chinese skullcap is known for helping treat concussions traditionally. It is good for easing the headaches that often come with those suffering a concussion. Chinese skullcap is also great for improving the flow of blood to your concussion. This is crucial for helping treat the concussion sooner rather than later. It can help you recover more quickly.
Not only this, but it can nourish the nerves and tissues from the bruises. This can help prevent the pain from growing worse with time. You can find Chinese skullcap in any health food store.
Necessary Items
Instructions
- Boil water.
- Pour hot water over the herb.
- Allow it to steep.
- When it cools, strain it and drink it.
11. Take Arnica Tincture
Arnica is an herb that is native to the Alpines. When it is diluted, it is a safe home remedy for any concussion. Arnica was once taken by those native to the Alpine region in order to heal concussions. It is also taken to heal things such as bruises and cuts by those indigenous to the area. This herb is a little uncommon, but you are likely to find it in health food stores.
Necessary Items
Instructions
- Boil some water.
- Fill a mug with the herb and some hot water.
- Allow it to steep for 10 minutes.
- Let the tea cool.
- Strain the tea.
- Drink the tea up to twice a day.
12. Blueberry
Blueberry is known for its many healing abilities. It is full of flavonoid antioxidants which are good for clearing out the blood. These flavonoids are also great for repairing any damage to the tissues. This helps healthier blood reach the brain to heal concussions sooner. Blueberries also can strengthen the blood vessels in the brain for better circulation. Blueberries are simple to find in the produce section of any grocery store.
Necessary Items
Instructions
- Eat a handful of blueberries periodically throughout the day as a snack.
- Make a blueberry tea by pouring hot water over dried or fresh blueberries.
- Allow it to steep and then cool.
- Drink the blueberry tea a few times a day.
13. Mint
Mint is good at relieving nausea that often comes with concussions. Not only this, but it is soothing to consume. This may help you feel more relaxed to take the naps that are necessary for helping to heal a concussion. Mint leaves are common and can be found in the produce aisle of any grocery store. Fresh mint leaves are preferred for use. You can eat them on their own or make them into a tea.
Necessary Items
Instructions
- Boil a few cups of water.
- In a mug, dump in mint leaves.
- Pour the water over the mint leaves.
- Allow the mint leaves to steep in the water.
- Once cool, drink the tea.
14. Mustard and Salt
Mustard and salt are great for getting rid of the dizziness of a concussion. These ingredients are able to help promote healthier blood circulation after experiencing a concussion. Both salt and mustard are likely already in your home, making this a free home remedy for concussions. If not, the ingredients are easy to find in any grocery store. They are inexpensive.
Necessary Items
Instructions
- Mix together equal parts mustard and salt.
- Swallow it down followed by a glass of cold water.
15. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an excellent way to reduce the headaches caused by a concussion. Moreover, you can find cinnamon in any grocery store cheaply if it is not already in the home.
Necessary Items
Instructions
- Mix in half a spoon of cinnamon into a pot of already-boiling water.
- Take it off heat and allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool and then strain any grains of cinnamon out.
- Sip on the mixture all day long.
Concussions should be first treated by a doctor. After you have seen a doctor, there are natural ways that you can help speed along your recovery. Even people with asthma, wheezing, and cough should try natural remedies.
In this article, we have offered you natural home remedies for concussions. Aso, what do you usually do to treat a concussion? Lastly, leave us a comment and let us know.
Featured Image: CC by 2.0, University of the Fraser Valley, via Flickr
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