an apple a day

This morning as I popped a couple of Advils to treat a headache whose source I am quite sure of, I stumbled upon this article
from Health magazine via CNN.com about surprising causes of headaches. The nerve-cell-stimulating effects of perfume, the chemical and electrical processes in the brain caused by weather changes, the scalp-tugging of too-tight ponytails, and even the exertion of sex can all lead to a throbbing headache.

I’ve always had a sensitive nose—I can’t go into a Bath and Body Works for more than about a minute before I feel like passing out—so the perfume connection didn’t surprise me. But I always felt a little crazy for thinking my hair was making my head hurt. Turns out I’m 100 percent sane!

Here’s a strange but intriguing way to cure headaches, courtesy of the November ‘07 issue of Men’s Health: mix 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper with 4 ounces of warm water. Dip a cotton swab in the solution and apply it to the inside of your nostrils. Sounds painful, but who knows? (I couldn’t find this online, so I scanned it in.) I might just have to try it today and let you know.