Is Lime Water Good for Headaches?

Partly: lime water may help a headache associated with dehydration by replacing fluid, but lime itself has not been shown to relieve headaches.

Can lime water help a headache?

Lime water is an option if you have not had enough to drink and find its flavor makes water more appealing. Plain water can serve the same purpose; there is no evidence that adding lime makes it better for a headache.

Hydration will not resolve every headache. Headaches have many possible causes, including migraine, illness and medication-related factors, so a persistent or severe headache should not be assumed to come from dehydration.

How might lime water work?

Dehydration can be associated with a headache. Drinking water replaces fluid, which may help when dehydration is contributing to the pain. The benefit comes from the water, not a demonstrated headache-relieving effect of lime.

Lime water is not an immediate or guaranteed fix. If dehydration is only one factor, the headache may continue after you drink. It is also possible to have a headache for reasons unrelated to how much water you have had.

If lime makes water easier for you to drink, it can be a practical way to stay hydrated during the day. For other hydration options, see the best drinks for headaches.

What does the evidence say about lime and headaches?

There is no direct clinical evidence in the available studies that lime water treats or prevents headaches. The evidence about citrus and migraine is limited and does not establish that lime is either a remedy or a trigger for everyone.

In a 1984 study of patients with migraine, 11% of about 490 patients reported that citrus fruit could precipitate their headaches. That was a report of perceived sensitivity, not proof that citrus caused the headaches or that lime water would have the same effect.

A review of diet and migraine in children and adolescents also listed citrus among possible dietary triggers. It suggested using a headache and diet diary to identify individual patterns rather than eliminating every suspected trigger at once. Neither publication tested lime water as a headache treatment.

How can you use lime water for a headache?

If you are thirsty or have not had much to drink, try sipping water. There is no need to wait for an infusion to steep: plain water is just as reasonable a choice. If you prefer lime water, prepare it ahead and keep it refrigerated.

Ingredients

• 1 liter water (about 4¼ US cups)
• 1 lime (about 100 g; 1 fruit), sliced

Steps

1. Wash the lime under running water and slice it.
2. Add the lime slices to the water in a clean pitcher.
3. Refrigerate for 2–4 hours to infuse. Remove the lime or strain the water by 4 hours to limit bitterness from the pith.
4. Serve chilled and keep the remaining lime water refrigerated. Drink it within 24 hours for best flavor; discard it after 2–3 days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling.

Steeped lime water is very low in calories; squeezing in the lime or eating the fruit adds calories. Drink according to your thirst and usual needs rather than forcing large amounts in an attempt to stop a headache.

Who should be careful, and when should you seek care?

If you notice a consistent headache pattern after lime water, stop drinking it and discuss the pattern with a healthcare professional. A diary noting the drink, headache timing, meals and sleep may help identify other possible contributing factors too. Do not restrict a child's diet broadly without professional advice.

If you have heart or kidney disease, have been told to limit fluids, or take medicines such as diuretics, ask your clinician how much fluid is appropriate for you. Do not change or stop prescribed medication because of a headache or a drink.

Contact a healthcare professional if headaches are recurrent, worsening, persistent or interfering with daily life. Seek emergency care for a sudden, extremely severe headache, or a headache with weakness, trouble speaking, confusion, fever and a stiff neck, or a recent head injury. A new or severe headache during pregnancy or after childbirth also needs prompt medical assessment.