Saline...the right solution for some common ailments!

If you have an unbearable headache, especially one that is due to high blood pressure...try this simple remedy for rapid, drug free relief.

First, find some gauze or light cotton fabric to use for a compress. Fold the fabric so it has eight layers, and set it aside for a few minutes.

Next, measure out 250 ml (8 1/2 ounces) of hot water (140-160) degrees Fahrenheit. Add two teaspoonfuls of salt to the water and stir until dissolved. What you will now have is an 8% saline solution.

Wash your forehead, ears and neck with a little bit of water. Soak the fabric or gauze in the saline solution and wring out the excess liquid. Lay down and apply the compresses to your forehead, neck and ears. Once the compresses are applied, lay still for 20 minutes (even though you may start to feel relief very quickly!)

After the twenty minutes have passed, remove the compresses. Rinse the areas where the compresses were applied with plain water.

You should be feeling better now!

How it works: Hypertension is essentially excess fluid in the human circulatory system. Like a water balloon that is overfilled, the excess fluid puts a lot of tension of the blood vessels--causing excess pressure on the circulatory system and sometimes headaches. The compresses, when prepared as per this method have a high concentration of salt...the high salt concentration stimulates the elimination of excess fluids from the body.

This remedy is also useful for sinus headache/congestion. It can also be used to relieve swelling if the compresses can be applied to the affected area in the same manner.

Sources: somediy.net;flickr

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