Tablet free painkiller - does it exist (4head Headache Relief)

Member Name: sandra101

Product:	4head Headache Relief
Date:	21/08/08 (282 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Portable, it does work, long lasting

Disadvantages: Only works alone on slight headaches

When 4head first came out I was very interested in what was hailed as a natural headache remedy. I much prefer natural or herbal remedies to popping pills as I managed to end up in hospital with my stomach bleeding after taking aspirin on an empty stomach (I really don't recommend it).

I would be quite a headachey person and also suffer from occasional migraine although thankfully since a course of physio for my neck this has lessened greatly.

Therefore this seemed like an ideal medication for me. as 4head claims to contain a powerful natural painkiller, with100% levomenthol, that can help block pain signals caused by tension headaches and which relaxes the muscles in the head.
Sounded good -

no stomach irritation
fast acting,
natural..

I popped into Boots asap and purchased it. The price was around £5 -£6 and it is still somewhere around that pr ice.

-- Description --

At first sight it is very similar to a pritt stick, you remove the lid twist the bottom and the stick rises from the tube. A eucalyptus type smell is quite strong coming from the stick. The stick is colourless and isn't greasy when you put it on and leaves no noticeable remnant. across the forehead.

-- To Use --

The stick is designed to go directly onto the forehead and you simply wipe it across once or twice. You can wipe it the whole way across the forehead or if like me your headache tends to be concentrated over one eye simply rub it across that area. You must be sure to retract the stick back into the tube and close the lid properly to keep it at full strength.

-- Initial Reaction --

The first sensation you notice as this glides across your forehead is the smell, it is very strong and very eucalyptusy. If you rub it anyway close to your eyes they will immediately start to water and feel uncomfortable. There is a tingly cool feeling on application to your forehead and you can feel a little bit of relaxation in the muscles.

I think there is also a little bit of a placebo effect at play here in that concentrating on the new feelings erupting around your forehead can take your mind of the headache. The strong smell also seems to help you breathe in better and relax a little more.

-- Good Points --

Better for you than popping pills
You don't have to wait 4 hours between treatments
Good for those who have problems swallowing tablets
Portable and self contained (no need for a glass of water)

-- Bad Points --

You can be allergic
Works best in conjunction with painkillers

Although it comes in quite a short little tube, you use so little per wipe that I reckon I've been using the same stick now for over two years. I checked for the purpose of this review and the use by date has just passed.last month. It still smells as strongly and still tingles on touching the skin so I will continue to use it.

In conclusion if you are looking for a way to treat your headaches without having to use tablets or in the first instance before restorting to tablets then I would definitely recommend you trying this. If no relief or very little relief is forthcoming then you can still take painkillers. This shouldn't be used if you have very sensitive skin or are allergic to Levomenthol.

I have seen this in many outlets ranging from supermarkets and chemists to herbal shops,

Recommendation : It does work, it does relax muscles but for anything more than a slight headache I'd recommend you use it in conjunction with painkillers.

Summary: Great to carry in your handbag - enhances the results of painkillers