Having suffered with headaches, migraine in particular, for about 20 years now, I am always on the look-out for that “Miracle” drug which will rid me of the excruciating pain I suffer. I have been diagnosed with migraine, tension headaches and cluster headaches in the past and I am now on a prescribed preventative medicine which has greatly reduced the amount of headaches I get. However, preventative medicines don't really help the pain of a headache should I get one so I usually keep a stock of strong pain killers, some lavender oil, and anything else I think may help!
Well, I always try new pain-killing products so when I read an article in The Daily Mail I
kept it in mind for the future. As it happened I woke up with a raging migraine on Tuesday of this week. My partner was off work and had gone shopping so I asked him to see if there was anything at the supermarket worth trying. He thought “4head” would be a quick remedy as it is applied directly to the forehead to ease the pain.
*^*^*^*What, When, How & Why?*^*^*^*
“4head” comes in a cerise coloured box with white and yellow text on it. The product itself is a small stick, a little like a deodorant stick. It measures about 2 inches with the lid on and is silver with the cerise coloured label and a see-through lid. The “stick” inside is sort of clear but with a pearlescent sheen to it. This “stick” is levomenthol and you must be sure that you're not allergic to it before use! A comprehensive instruction leaflet is also included. I'll tell you more about that a little later.
I did read somewhere that “4Head” is for tension headaches and not migraine but this did not deter me.
When I first used it, there was a secondary lid over the product; I'm guessing as a safety measure. I am one of these endearing people who sniff everything before I eat, use, apply a product, so I took a big lung full and found “4head” to have an aroma very much like “Vicks Vapour Rub”. I'm not keen on that smell but my head was truly pounding! If I though cow dung would've helped, I'd have stuck my head in that! The instructions say to “twist the dispenser base clockwise, whilst holding the upper section, until the levomenthol protrudes from top of dispenser”. You may then apply the levomenthol directly to the forehead, but not close to the eyes. I would like to advise that you do not touch this product with your fingers in case you touch your eyes, mouth, genitals, etc. The instructions do not say how often you can use “4head” but as it isn't an oral medicine, I would guess that you may use it on demand. It is advised, in the leaflet, to avoid excessive use though.
Being a “natural” remedy, I thought this would be a great product to use along side more conventional pain-relief. Most pain killers can only be taken every 4-6 hours but I usually find that after about 3 hours, I can feel the headache getting stronger again. I feel that “4head” is a brilliant product for that in-between stage, to keep you going until your next dose of pain-killers are due.
*^*^*^*But Does It Work?*^*^*^*
Yes! No sooner had I applied “4head”, I felt my forehead start to feel cool and tingly. There was a very slight stinging sensation also but, coupled with the initial cooling effect, it felt fine. The vapours did make my eyes water for a minute or two, but it wasn't very bad, I could put up with that. I can honestly say that it took the pain away. Unfortunately, I suffer with pain in my eye-sockets with migraine and so I did still have the pain there as I couldn't apply the product close to my eyes. I found I could put up with that pain though, as the rest of my head felt pretty normal! I wouldn't say that you could go about your life completely as normal, e.g Going clubbing, etc. but it certainly helped more than most remedies.
I found this strange sensations lasted for about 1-2 hours. Thats perfect for the in-between stage I mentioned earlier!
Not particularly. The leaflet states that there is no “safety data” on use whilst pregnant or lactating but that there has been no evidence of any side-effects during this time. There is a slight risk of a reaction which may cause contact dermatitis if you already suffer from it, which I do. I found no side-effects of this kind.
*^*^*^*Conclusion*^*^*^*
What can I say? I think “4head” is fantastic! I'm sure there have been other treatments of this kind but I found the packaging and general use kind of novel. It was very easy to apply and gave me instant relief from, what can be, a debilitating illness.
Although rather small, I think this product would last quite some time as you don't need to use very much at all in order to reap the benefits. I definitely won't be without “4head” ever again!
*^*^*^*More Information*^*^*^*
“4head” is a Registered Trademark for Diomed developments Ltd, Hitchin, Herts, SG4 7QR, UK.
It is distributed by DDD Limited, 94 Rickmansworth Road, Watford, Herts, WD18 7JJ.
“4head” contains 100% levomenthol w/w.
This product is for use on the forehead only. You should stop usage immediately if the sensation becomes uncomfortable.
Prices do seem to vary a little but not by very much. The one I am reviewing was purchased at our local Sainsburys supermarket for £5.94. Here are some other prices I have found:
Boots.com: £5.99 Health-Store.co.uk: £5.95 Worldwideshoppingmall.co.uk: £6.45 (in the Body & Soul section)
I also found some information here http://212.104.140.146/diomed_ph/4head.html
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I have been wondering if this would work. As you are a migraine sufferer and very experienced when it comes to what works I am definately going to trust your opinion and buy some of this, as I don't like taking pills. It will fit quite nicely in my handbag!!!
saraha007 27.04.2005 08:37
I haven't heard of this one before. It sounds like it is very effective. Great Review. Sarah x
helencbradshaw 24.04.2005 12:29
I have one of these, as I dont believe in taking painkillers for headaches. I havent found it to be that effective. I like Tiger Balm with its stronger smell.
Oct 7th, 2003
very helpful by (98%):
helpful by (2%):
