Headaches are the worst. Whether you have a tension headache, migraine, or just one that feels like your brain is being squeezed to death, they are no fun. Luckily, there are certain essential oils for headaches and migraines that can help relieve some of the pain.
Here’s a list of 6 essential oils for headache relief – use them in various ways to help ease the pain naturally.
First though, some essential oils are more effective in resolving certain types of headaches. To begin with, let’s understand where a headache may come from.
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Best Essential Oils for Headaches
Aromatherapy can help you get relief from your headaches and migraines. Below mentioned are some of the best essential oils . The oil that will work best for relieving your headache will also depend on the headache severity.
1. Eucalyptus
This Eucalyptus Oil is Certified Organic and under $10 for the bottle. Shop Here for Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus globulus) contains anti-inflammatory chemical qualities. If you are having a headache because of sinusitis (or any problem that includes sinuses), Eucalyptus is a great choice of oil for you for treating headaches 7.
Different varieties of Eucalyptus essential oil exist just like there are with chamomile oil. Make sure you pick Eucalyptus globulus when shopping for your oils. It is the best variety for headaches and sinus infections.
The scent of Eucalyptus oils is great for migraine attacks. Dilute 3-4 drops in 1 tsp of carrier oil. Then gently massage it into the temples and the back of the neck to relieve migraine symptoms. You can also apply eucalyptus oil on the chest area, or spray it on pillowcases for help in clearing nasal passages.
2. Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil from Rocky Mountain Oils Get It Here
The scent of peppermint oil (Mentha piperita) is quite familiar to most of us. It is a pleasing and relaxing aroma that can cause a minty and uplifting sensation. At the same time, Peppermint can also be one of the most intense among all the essential oils. Think of this oil as a complementary therapy with soothing smell and healing hands.
It contains menthol, which gives that cool sensation that could help in easing a migraine attack and reduces pain intensity.
Though menthol can feel very comforting, it can also have a stimulating effect. For this reason, avoid using Peppermint oil at bedtime.
Apply pre-diluted oil to your forehead area, the temples of your head, or the neck, as well as into the hairline. Do not apply the oil to your skin directly as it can cause stinging and irritation.
Buy pre-diluted roll-ons, make your own roll-on, or you can dilute on the fly: keep 1 teaspoon of carrier oil in the palm of your hand, and add 2-3 drops of the oil to your mix. Apply where needed.
3. Spearmint
Spearmint essential oil from Edens Garden
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The essential oil of Spearmint (Mentha spicata) has a much more subtle scent than that of the peppermint oil, but it basically has the same soothing and therapeutic effects 9. If you are fond of the scent, feel and effects of the peppermint oil, but feel you cannot handle it as it is too strong for you, then Spearmint is a really excellent alternative to use.
4. Roman Chamomile
Roman Chamomile Oil from Plant Therapy Essential Oils
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The essential oil of Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) supports feelings of calmness and relaxation. If you are experiencing a headache, feeling stressed out or lonely, this is the best essential oil for you to use. When you are feeling angry or irritated, Roman Chamomile can also help you to get back to a calm and relaxing feeling.
5. Lavender
Certified Organic Lavender from Rocky Mountain Oils Shop Here
Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) has a very aromatic, refreshing and relaxing scent. It contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an essential part of your first aid kit 10. Lavender oil is also one of the most safest oils to use.
One of the most desired properties of Lavender oil are its sedative effects. It helps you relax, and can get you to fall asleep faster and better. For this reason, lavender essential oil is best used for headache pain that arises in the evening.
Further, Lavender oil is also one of the best essential oils to help reduce stress 11. Diffuse a few drops in your aromatherapy diffuser.
6. Rosemary
Rosemary Oil from Plant Therapy
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Rosemary essential oil (Rosmarinus officinalis) supports stress relief and fight migraine attacks in a natural way. It can bring down the cortisol levels (stress hormones) in your body, which are commonly present in tension headaches.
Apply rosemary oil to the temples and nape area. Or take a hot steam bath with a few drops of rosemary oil to improve the circulation of the body. Improved circulation can help in relieving pain due to the more blood flowing to the affected areas
Rosemary oil helps relieve headaches, sinus tension, increase blood flow, reduce anxiety, relieve pain, or makes you experience a significant reduction from the headaches.
How to Use Essential Oils For Headaches
If you’re wondering where to apply essential oils for headaches, there are two main ways that you can enjoy the therapeutic effects of essential oils for headaches:
Apply Topically
Topical application of essential oils for headaches Check Price
You may choose to apply essential oils topically to any area where you feel pain. Popular spots for applying oils for headaches are on your temples or forehead. You may also apply the oils to your nape area (it lies at the top of your neck into your back hairline).
Always dilute the essential oil by adding a drop or two of appropriate essential oil carrier oil. Then apply a few drops of the mixture on your skin.
If you prefer using a super quick fix for your headache, try a headache roll-on like this one here.
Breathe It In
Inhale essential oils to help relieve headache
Use an electric essential oil diffuser for dispersing the beneficial oils into the air. Our sense of smell is extremely strong. It is a great avenue for sending positive messages back to your brain.
If you don’t have a diffuser yet, you can keep some essential oils on a cotton ball and hold it right under your nostril. Take a deep breath and enjoy the pain-relieving sensations.
Filling your room with the scent of aromatherapy oils is a great start to combat migraine attack.
Final Thoughts
If you are a naturalist, then treat headaches with essential oils with zero side effect. There are alternative remedies to soothe headache but this method is the most natural way to go about it.
Do you have any essential oil headaches success stories that you would like to share with us, where you used essential oils to cope with the throbbing temples? Please let us know in the comments below!
Resources
(1) What is causing this headache? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/73936.php
(3) Tension headache: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000797.htm
(5) Can you get a headache from sugar? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320464.php
(6) Dehydration headaches: Signs, treatment and prevention: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317511.php
(7) Eucalyptus oil: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/eucalyptus-oil
(9) Spearmint: Health benefits and more: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266128.php
(10) Lavender: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-838/lavender
Mariska
Because I love lavender so much I bought Lavender oil for my diffuser, and one day I had a serious migraine headache, I didn’t have any migraine or headache tablets with me only my lavender oil. So I put two drops on my finger tips and rubbed into my forehead and temples in circles. wither 3minutes my migraine/headache was gone. It really works better than any tablet when you need instant relieve.
Wanda
I use peppermint oil diffused in sweet almond oil in a roller bottle. I start at one temple go across my forehead to the other temple, then across the back of my neck. Within 10 minutes my headache is gone.
Emma
Amazing!! Thanks for sharing! :)
Audrey
When I have a headache I have a lavender essential oil for it. Strong scent makes me feel better and comfortable.
Thanks for the list and maybe I should try another one.
Mercy Durham
Thank you so much for the work that you do. I just found you on the internet and I hope you’re here for a long time. Other ‘journalists’ should learn from you…you’re accurate,to the point, no fluff! Thank you again.
Heather
I think that having serious headache we should think about our psychological condition, but while thinking what to do with the first point , essential oil’s theraphy can help,so thanks for all the descriptions.it was useful!