While the underlying causes of headaches can be pretty widespread (dehydration, lack of sleep and magnesium deficiency are just a few of the many options), it’s nice to have a remedy or two tucked away in your back pocket for times of need. And a natural remedy you can find in your own home? Even better. Here are seven options to help you cope the next time you find yourself dealing with a pounding head.

Peppermint Oil

The scent of peppermint can be a major pick-me-up no matter the situation, but this fresh scent has been shown as a particularly great option for headaches – and especially tension headaches . For a quick solution, mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil with a carrier oil (like coconut or even avocado oil) and apply a little to your temples or forehead.

Lavender Essential Oil

Much like peppermint, lavender essential oil is an all-around appealing oil with a whole host of benefits. But the best thing about this oil may be its ability to combat an aching head. It’s even been shown to have pretty incredible effects on migraines . Time to break out the diffuser!

Ginger Root

This tasty spice is not only a great addition to your kitchen experiments, it can also quell migraines (and help with the nausea that occasionally accompanies them). How? You can sip it in fresh ginger tea, inhale its vapors or even make a paste of warm water and ginger powder to apply topically to your forehead.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Is there anything apple cider vinegar can’t do ? From skin toner to household cleaning agent, this stuff is not only versatile, it’s potent. And it may actually help your headache, too. There are two options here : First, you can inhale a little steamy ACV for immediate relief; second, try combining a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, a tablespoon of honey and eight ounces of water and consuming once or twice daily.

Hydration Station

It’s highly unlikely this natural headache remedy will surprise anyone. But downing a little extra H2O can help stop a headache in its tracks. At the first sign of a headache, grab a glass of water and start sipping.

Cayenne Pepper

Okay, this remedy may sound a little wild (and, full disclosure, we’ve never tried it ourselves), but if a headache is driving you up the wall it may be worth an attempt. The active ingredient in cayenne peppers, capsaicin, might be a source of headache relief due to its ability to deplete neurotransmitters that send pain signals. But don’t start snacking on the spice – you have to swab the inside of your nose with the stuff.

Headache Relief Stick

Need a remedy to have on hand no matter the situation? This headache relief stick , packed with essential oils, may be the answer to all your headache woes. The natural remedy is a breeze to put together and even easier to slip into a purse, pocket or medicine cabinet for those head-throbbing emergencies.

Do you swear by any of these? Something else? Let us know in the comments below!