Do Coffee and Lemon Relieve Headaches?
If you’ve ever searched for natural headache remedies, you’ve probably come across the claim that coffee with lemon can help relieve pain. Drinking lemon and coffee for a headache is a home remedy that has circulated for decades. While it may sound (and taste) unusual, many people swear by it. So, does drinking coffee help headaches?
Headaches and migraines affect a huge percentage of people of all ages. Whether triggered by stress, dehydration, hormonal changes, or underlying medical conditions, headaches can seriously impact quality of life. Because of this, many people reach for over-the-counter medications right away, sometimes daily. Before exploring your options, it’s always best to understand what type of headache you’re dealing with and explore gentler remedies when appropriate.
Among natural remedies, the combination of coffee and lemon has become a popular choice. But does lemon help with headaches? Lemon, on its own, has long been recognized as a soothing aid for tension-related headaches. When paired with coffee, many say the effect intensifies.
Why Coffee with Lemon Relieves Headaches
While it may not be the most pleasant-tasting drink, the coffee and lemon duo has some scientific reasoning behind it:
- Caffeine’s Vasoconstrictive Effect
Many common headaches are linked to the dilation of blood vessels in the brain. Caffeine naturally narrows the blood vessels, and this constriction can help reduce headache pain, which is why caffeine is included in several over-the-counter headache medications.
- Lemon’s Role in Absorption
Lemon contains citric acid, which may help enhance caffeine absorption in the intestine. This faster absorption may make caffeine’s effects more noticeable, giving this remedy a bit more strength than coffee alone.
- Natural Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Lemon juice has mild anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits that may offer additional relief, especially for headaches triggered by tension or fatigue.
That said, everyone’s body responds differently. The effectiveness of coffee with lemon depends on factors like metabolism, caffeine tolerance, hydration levels, and the underlying cause of the headache. For some, it provides fast relief; for others, it may do nothing at all.
How to Use Coffee and Lemon for Headache Relief
If you feel a headache coming on, here’s how to prepare coffee and lemon for headache remedies.
- Prepare a cup of strong, bitter coffee.
Espresso or a small cup of very strong brewed coffee works best. For a fast pour, we recommend pulling a shot of espresso using ESE espresso pods. - Squeeze in half a lemon.
Yes, the taste is intense—but most people find it manageable for one quick cup. - Drink it immediately.
Relief is often reported within about 20–30 minutes.
Remember: while this trick might help, it’s not a replacement for proper medical care, especially if you get frequent or severe headaches.
Other Lemon-Based Options for Headache Relief
If the idea of mixing lemon and coffee sounds too bold, you can try gentler lemon remedies:
- Warm water with lemon juice
Does lemon water help headaches? Lemon water and headaches are closely linked because warm lemon water helps soothe and hydrate the body, which is essential for easing headache symptoms that stem from dehydration. - Tea with lemon
A simple black or herbal tea with lemon, optimally 3-4 cups a day, can help calm tension and support hydration. We recommend a ginger and lemon tea combo, like the one found here in a Nespresso®-compatible capsule.
These options are milder but still offer some of lemon’s natural benefits.
Coffee with lemon is a simple, natural remedy that may help relieve mild headaches, thanks to caffeine’s vasoconstricting properties and lemon’s potential to support absorption. It may not be effective for everyone, so if you experience migraines or frequent or severe headaches, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional. But for some people, the combination of coffee and lemons can provide quick relief without medication.
