There are three types of headache due to gas.

#1 A headache that starts in the temples, and slowly proceeds to the center of your head

#2 A headache that feels like a band is squeezing your entire head

#3 A headache that comes with congestion or runny nose

This article will help you understand what solutions may work for your type of headache.

Headache due to gas (type 1)

Cause of gastric headache

The most likely cause for a headache where pain starts in your temples …

…is stomach acid imbalance.

This usually happens when you’ve skipped a meal, or not eaten enough.

In Ayurveda, this is commonly referred to as ‘pitta’ headache.

People who usually have headache type 1 usually also have indigestion, hyperacidity or heartburn.

Remedies to cure headaches due to gas

Short term relief

Two simple steps will likely help your headache subside.

Step 1: Eat a spoon of 50:50 fennel seeds and mishri.

Step 2: Wait for 10 minutes, and then eat some solid, cooked food.

The fennel seeds have an incredibly cooling property, and usually offer surprisingly quick relief.

When you follow that up with warm, cooked food – the excess stomach acid gets to work.

This temporarily resolves in the imbalance, too.

Note: Do not eat anything raw, as it will take longer for your stomach to digest, and may make the headache worse.

Long term relief

Play close attention to what causes these types of headaches.

If these headaches come when you skip a meal, then be more mindful.

Always carry some nuts/protein bar around so don’t have to go long durations without eating.

If you have a hyperacidity problem, please take a look at this guide which has helped 300+ people resolve their hyperacidity for good.

Headache due to indigestion (type 2)

Cause of headache

The second type of headache feels like a band is tightening around your head.

These are usually caused by constipation, poor bowel movement or stress/anxiety.

In Ayurveda, this is referred to as ‘Vata’ headache.

People who usually have headache type 2, usually also have indigestion, stiff neck joints and/or constipation.

Remedies to cure headache due to indigestion

Short term relief

Two simple steps will likely help your headache subside.

Step 1: Take a tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter) and drink 500ml of warm water

Step 2: Try this technique.

If you pay attention, you’ll notice this type of headache usually subsides after a good bowel movement.

Step 1 and 2 are designed to help promote a good bowel movement, fast.

If you have the space and time, a good nap can also help.

If your headache is caused because of stress or anxiety, sleep is the single most effective thing that you can do.

Long term relief

Play close attention to what causes these types of headaches.

If these headaches come when you are anxious, or when you pull an all nighter, then be more mindful.

Control the situation, so that it happens less frequently.

If you have a constipation problem, please take a look at this guide which will likely help you understand what type of constipation you have and what you can do about it.

Headache due to congestion (type 3)

Cause of headache due to congestion

The third type of headache is usually accompanied with congestion and runny nose.

These headaches happen very frequently, and are called ‘kapha’ headache in Ayurveda.

Remedy to cure headache due to congestion

There is only one real solution: get rid of the congestion.

There are several Ayurvedic techniques you can try, but the simplest solution is to have something bitter.

Bitter food is known to clear out sinus and the nasal passages very, very quickly.

We have found that neem bitters or Kalmegh Bitters is the most effective.

Frequently asked questions

Can gas be a reason to cause headache?

Yes.

To be clear it’s not gas, but indigestion or poor digestion that can cause headaches.

Of the three types of headache, two (type #1 and type #2) are usually directly caused by poor digestion…

…and one (type #3) is indirectly caused by poor digestion.

How long does a gastric headache last?

This depends entirely on the type.

For type #1 and #2, it usually lasts till you eat food, sleep or pass your bowels normally.

For type #3, it is less severe but lasts much longer (until you decongest).

Remember: A headache due to gas is a symptom. It is not the problem.

Address the problem, and the symptom will do away on it’s own.