Condition
Tension headache
The common "band around the head" headache — usually mild-to-moderate, bilateral, and pressing rather than throbbing.
Affects Head & skull
See a clinician
Some causes of tension headache need medical care, not self-treatment. Seek help for any of these:
- A sudden "thunderclap" headache
- Headache with fever, stiff neck, weakness, vision change, or confusion
- A new or progressively worsening headache after age 50
What may help
Remedies studied for tension headache, ranked by strength of evidence.
- B Peppermint oil (topical) herb
A 10% solution applied to the forehead and temples relieved tension headache about as well as 1000 mg acetaminophen.
Most tension headaches respond to rest, hydration, and simple analgesics. Topical peppermint oil on the forehead has surprisingly good evidence for acute relief.