I get a lot of tension headaches, which leads me to take a lot of painkillers. I end up taking some most days. My husband is concerned that I’m taking too many and has urged me to cut down, but when I do the headache comes back. Could it really be the painkillers that are causing my headaches?

Rebound or medication withdrawal headaches are surprisingly common, and women are 5 times more likely to suffer from them. Taking any over-the-counter painkiller too often for tension-type headaches causes the body to get used to being constantly medicated, leading to withdrawal headaches once the painkiller wears off. Such headaches are often worse first thing in the morning, or after exercise.

To stop the headaches it is vital to stop taking the painkillers altogether, especially as they also have other side-effects; aspirin and other NSAIDs cause gastric inflammation and bleeding, and paracetamol can damage the liver. You may find it easier to cut down gradually and avoid going “cold turkey” but the headaches will generally continue until you stop the medication.

A gentle detox will help support you during this process. Drink plenty of water, at least 8-10 glasses and herb teas such as peppermint. Carrot and beetroot juices are fantastic liver tonics and will support the break down and elimination of any painkiller by-products. Aim to eat little and often, including protein (nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, chicken, eggs, fish etc.) with every meal to keep blood sugar levels even, and include plenty of colourful fruit and vegetables and wholegrains. You could also try soaking in a bath with 1-2 cups of Epsom salts to encourage elimination through the skin.

Supplement-wise you could try Hepaguard Forte by Biocare to support the liver, and Pukka’s Triphala Plus to help cleanse the digestive tract, from www.xynergy.co.uk tel 08456 585858. A good probiotic such as Biocare’s Bioacidophilus Forte would also be sensible. There are many homeopathic remedies for headaches, but taking Sulphur 6c every morning and Nux Vomica 6c every evening for 10 days may help, otherwise see www.soh-org.uk to find a registered practitioner near you.

Stella New RSHom MBANT is a registered homeopath and nutritional therapist with clinics in Midhurst and Farnham, and technical consultant for Xynergy Health Products. Prior to her training she spent many years as an expedition leader, taking groups into some of the most challenging parts of the world, where she was inspired by the use of natural remedies for treating all manner of ailments. Email stella@stellanew.co.uk