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The Prophet’s Guidance on treating headaches and migraines
Headaches resemble a pain that appears in some part of the head or all of it, but when the headache attacks one side of the head, it is called migraine. The type that attacks the entire head is sometimes called a helmet, for it resembles the helmet that covers the head. Furthermore, headaches sometimes attack only the back or the front side of the head.
There are many types of headaches that result from various conditions. Headaches usually start when the head becomes hot due to the pressure of a septic vapor that accumulated near the head and which seeks a way out of the body but fails. Then, the pressure of the vapor intensifies, just as a pot when it is heated but the steam is not able to escape from it. It is a fact that when moisture heats up, it seeks more than causes a headache in the entire head because it is unable to expand or escape from the body as it heats up. This condition causes a type of dizziness.
There are various specific causes for headaches. First, when one of the four essential conditions (coldness, hotness, dryness and wetness) becomes predominant. Second, ulcers of the stomach cause headaches, becomes the cephalic (relating to the head) nerves and the stomach are connected. Third, thick flatulence might accumulate in the stomach then later ascend to the head and cause headaches. Fourth, headaches are sometimes cause by a tumor in the gastric veins that cause pain in the head, because the stomach and the head are connected. Fifth, when the stomach is full of food it sometimes provokes headaches, as some of the food remains undigested. Sixth, headaches sometimes occur after sexual intercourse because the body will then be weakened and thus exposed to the heat of the air. Seventh, headaches sometimes occur after vomiting due to excessive dryness, or to accumulating gaseous materials (flatulence) that ascend to the head from the stomach. Eighth, sometimes the hot weather and air provokes headaches. Ninth, headaches are sometimes caused by the cold weather and from the vapor that accumulates in the head and which is unable to decompose. Tenth, not having enough sleep also causes headaches. Headaches are sometimes caused due to the pressure exerted on the head, such as when one carries a heavy object on his head. Thirtieth, excessive movements and sports activity can also provoke headaches. Fourteenth, sadness, depression, obsession, and evil thoughts also provoke headaches. Fifteenth, excessive hunger provokes headaches, as in this case; the excess gaseous materials (flatulence) that accumulate in the stomach ascend to the brain and provoke headaches. Sixteenth, those who suffer from a tumor in the cerebral lining sometimes feel as if hammers are constantly pounding on their heads. Seventeenth, fever also provokes headaches because of the intense heat that the body suffers from them. Allah knows best.
Headaches result from changes in the system that affects the cerebral arteries
The weaker side of the brain will accept septic material and the migraine headache will be accompanied by pulsation in the arteries. The pain could be relieved in this case when one ties a bandage so that the pulsing of the arteries is stopped and thus the pain is lessened.
Abu Na’im said in his book on Prophetic medicine that the migraine type of headache used to attack the Prophet, sallalahu aleyhi wa sallam, and that it would prevent him going out of his house for one or two days at a time. Also, Abu Na’im related from Ibn ‘Abbas, radiallahu anhu, that he said, “Once, the Messenger of Allah, sallalahu aleyhi wa sallam, delivered a speech while a cloth was tied around his head.”
Also the Sahih states the at the Prophet, sallalahu aleyhi wa sallam, said during the illness that preceded his death: “O my head!” He used to tie a piece of cloth around his.
Tying a piece of cloth around the head helps soothe the pain of headaches and migraines.
Treating headaches varies according to their type and cause
Hence, headaches could be relieved by vomiting, eating, being clam and idle, using cold rags, cooling the body, elevating the temperature, avoiding noise, etc.
Knowing these facts, we should mention that treating headaches with Henna is partial and that it treats some types of headache. If the headache is caused by high fever and not a spoiled substance that requires extraction, Henna blended with vinegar and applied to the forehead will relive the headache. Henna also soothes the nerves when used as a bandage. Finally, Henna is not only favorable to relive headaches, but also for various organs of the body and for the hot tumor and inflammations when used as a bandage.
Henna is cold the first degree and dry in the second degree
The henna tree has two special qualities, decomposing due to its warm watery essence, and constipating due to the cold earthly essence it contains.
Henna is useful in treating burns and soothes the nerves when used as a bandage, as we have stated. When chewed, Henna helps treat the cankers and thrush that appear in the mouth. Henna also heals stomatitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth) that appears in the child’s mouth. Using the henna to bandage hot tumors also helps, as it has a similar effect on open sores and the dragons blood tree has on them. When the henna flower is blended with pure wax and rose oil, it will help against the aches of the side (
Thatul Janb).
When the symptoms of smallpox start to break out in children and Henna is then applied on the bottom of their feet, the eyes will be immune from the sores that accompany smallpox. Also when the flower of the henna is placed between wool clothes, it perfumes it and will prevent mold or mite. Furthermore, when the leaves of the Henna are submerged in fresh water, then squeezed and drunk for forty days, twenty measures each day along with ten measures of sugar while eating the meat of a young ewe, it prevents leprosy with its amazing qualities.
We were told that a man once complained from fissuring in his fingers and that he offered monetary rewards to whoever could cure him, but to no avail. Later on, a woman prescribed for him a drink of henna for ten days but he could not stand the idea of drinking it. Later on, he soaked Henna leaves in water and drank the water and his fingers were healed and regained their beauty.
Henna is also used as an ointment for the fingers, as it polishes and strengths them. Henna is also useful when blended with butter and then used as a bandage for the hot tumors that drain yellow residue. Henna also benefits against chronic mange, helps the hair grow, and makes it stronger and also strengthens the head. Finally, Henna helps against the blisters and the pustules that appear on the legs and feet and the rest of the body in general.
Taken from: "Healing with the Medicine of the Prophet," by Ibn ul-Qayyim