Post-concussion syndrome can cause problems like headaches, feeling dizzy or sick, and struggling to concentrate. Doctors usually use medicine to help with these issues, but natural treatments can also work well. When trying natural remedies, it’s smart to choose ones that experts say are useful and safe. This article has plenty of those! But first, let’s talk about why home remedies for concussion recovery are good.
Benefits of Holistic Concussion Treatment
When someone gets a bump on the head, they might have a concussion, which can cause problems for weeks or months. If these problems stick around longer, it’s called post-concussion syndrome.
Here are some common signs of post-concussion syndrome:
- Headaches or migraines
- Feeling dizzy
- Feeling sad, worried, or easily annoyed
- Feeling sick to your stomach
- Having trouble remembering things or staying focused
- Feeling tired all the time
- Trouble sleeping
- Being sensitive to light or noise
Doctors can give medicine for these symptoms, but some people don’t like the side effects. Luckily, there are natural ways to feel better. Some natural ways help your brain heal better than medicine can. For example, they can boost secreted protein called BDNF, which helps your brain grow and fix itself.
Using the best natural remedies for concussion can also be cheaper than medicine. But it’s important to talk to your doctor before trying them. They might work best when used with regular treatments.
The Best Natural Remedies to Support Concussion Recovery
If you or someone you care about has had a concussion and wants to feel better from post-concussion symptoms, these natural remedies might help.
Saffron
After a concussion, the brain can get swollen and inflamed, making post-concussion symptoms worse. Saffron, a spice made from the dried part of a flower, is one of the best herbs for concussions that might help. It’s full of good stuff like antioxidants and flavonoids, which can calm down swelling. People also use it to feel better if they’re feeling sad or anxious after a concussion.
Turmeric
Turmeric is another remedy that helps fight swelling and pain. It’s full of something called curcumin, which is good for your brain and can reduce swelling after a concussion. People often use turmeric for arthritis, and even though there aren’t studies on using it for post-concussion symptoms, it’s a simple, natural spice that might help.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is a remedy that can help with post-concussion syndrome. It’s got omega-3s, which are good for your brain and can boost BDNF, like acupuncture does. But be careful: fish oil thins your blood, so don’t use it if you’re already on blood-thinning medications or if you might have bleeding in your head. Always talk to your doctor before trying new vitamins or supplements to make sure they’re safe for you.
Flavonoids
Eating colorful foods like blueberries, cranberries, red kale, and strawberries can help make more BDNF in your brain. These foods have flavonoids that promote BDNF and also fight inflammation. After a concussion, your brain can get swollen and inflamed, so eating foods with flavonoids might help with post-concussion symptoms.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a helpful way to ease symptoms like headaches and dizziness, which often happen after a concussion. It also helps your brain make more cells by boosting BDNF. For people with post-concussion syndrome, treatments that help fix brain cells naturally are good choices. And acupuncture is safe and doesn’t involve surgery, so it’s a good alternative to consider.
Creatine
After a concussion, the brain needs lots of energy to heal. Natural ways to boost the body’s energy can be helpful for post-concussion symptoms, and creatine is one option. Creatine helps your body make more energy, stored in your muscles, liver, kidneys, and brain as phosphocreatine. Taking creatine supplements can increase this storage, helping cells produce more energy. But too much creatine can hurt your liver, so it’s important to use it carefully and talk to your doctor first.
Light Aerobic Exercise
Creatine is often used by people who work out, especially weightlifters, but exercise itself can still be really helpful, even without taking supplements. Doing gentle, aerobic exercises can actually make post-concussion symptoms better. When you exercise, your blood flows better, which gives your brain more of the stuff it needs to work right. It also helps your brain send messages faster by boosting neurotransmitters, the brain chemicals that help neurons talk to each other. Plus, light aerobic exercise can make you feel happier and help you remember things better.
Essential Oils
Headaches and migraines are often a big problem for people with post-concussion syndrome, making it hard to do everyday stuff. But good essential oils, like lavender, can actually help. Researchers say that breathing in these oils can be a safe and helpful way to ease migraines. And they can also make you feel less anxious and nauseous.
Cognitive Rest
After a concussion, your brain is working extra hard to heal itself, leaving less energy for other things. Just like your body needs rest, your brain needs a break too. This means avoiding tough mental tasks like studying or using screens. Instead, try relaxing activities like listening to calm music or resting in a quiet, dim room. Taking this kind of break helps your brain heal naturally from post-concussion symptoms.
Trying Holistic Approaches for Post-Concussion Syndrome
Post-concussion syndrome often goes away by itself, but you can help it along by trying out natural remedies. These might ease your symptoms and get you back to your usual routine faster. Just make sure to talk to your doctor before trying anything new, especially if you’re taking other medications or have other health issues. Stay safe, double-check, and you’ll be on track to feeling better soon.