How to Cure a Headache by David Paulson, M. D.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 27, 1910

How to Cure a Headache

By David Paulson, M. D.

DAVID PAULSON, M. D.

Every one should know the following harmless yet efficient treatment for headache: Take a Turkish towel, wring it out of hot water, fold it in several thicknesses over the face in such a way as to leave the nose exposed so the patient can breathe. At the same time put another towel wrung out of ice-water over the top of the head, and have the patient lie down with an ice-bag to the back of his neck. In ordinary cases this will relieve the headache in a few moments, because it lessens the congestion in the head. It must never be forgotten that headaches are often due to eye-strain, and often to the excessive use of flesh foods, to tea and coffee, and to other dietetic sins.

The longer one uses an artificial remedy, the less effect it has, while the longer a natural remedy is used, generally speaking, the more effective it becomes. For example, morphin will relieve pain quickly, but at the same time it puts the brakes on all the bodily functions; it relieves the pain by cutting off the nerves for a time, so they can not signal their misery to the brain, just as burglars often cut the telephone wires. But when the effect of the morphin wears off, the abused nerves shriek out their misery all the louder; and hence it requires a larger dose next time to produce the same effect, until the amount that can be taken by a drug slave is amazing.