When that familiar uncomfortable throbbing sensation strikes, the essential oil cupboard is probably not the first place you’d look for relief. But perhaps it should. While over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are popular among headache sufferers, they are not your only option.
Essential oils can do much more than just make a room smell lovely. Each has its own set of advantages, and some are especially good for relieving headaches and migraines. But why would you choose an essential oil over a pill? That is a good question!
Essential oils for headaches don’t usually have the adverse effects that medications do (though everyone reacts differently, so always do a patch test before taking a new one). If medication isn’t an option, it’s helpful to always have a few natural remedies on hand.
8 Essential Oils to Relieve Headaches
Peppermint
Best for: Tension headaches
There’s a reason why this essential oil is perhaps the most popular choice for treating headaches. It works. Menthol, found in peppermint oil, relaxes muscles and relieves pain.
It also provides a soothing soothing effect on your skin, which aids in the inhibition of muscle contractions in the head and neck while boosting the flow of blood to that area. This essential oil is notably beneficial for tension headaches. According to several studies, dabbing diluted peppermint oil on your temples can effectively reduce headache discomfort.
Lavender
Best for: Tension headaches and migraines
Lavender essential oil is another popular choice. You probably heard of using this all-purpose calming aroma as an aid to sleep because of how incredibly calming it is.
According to studies, it is so calming that when used in conjunction with a massage or some light pressure, it can reduce the stress that might otherwise result in tension in the muscles of the back and neck which eventually results in a headache.
There is even proof that lavender oil is potent enough to control migraine discomfort. One scientific trial discovered that inhaling lavender for 15 minutes helped lower the severity of symptoms.
Rosemary
Best for: Tension headaches
According to research, rosemary essential oil is a potent anti-inflammatory with pain-relieving qualities. It is frequently used to promote circulation and alleviate headaches.
According to one study, rosemary essential oil may be good for opioid withdrawal symptoms since it can ease pain and sleeplessness, both of which can contribute to headaches. Another study discovered that rosemary can help with depression and anxiety, which are two more disorders that can cause headaches.
Chamomile
Best for: Tension headaches
What comes as a surprise is that chamomile essential oil is equally calming as chamomile tea, which is one method to unwind after a long day. According to research, chamomile essential oil can help lessen anxiety and depression, which can also result in headaches. This one has also been proven to have anti-inflammatory qualities that can lessen pain, including headache discomfort.
Eucalyptus
Best for: Sinus/congestion headaches, tension headaches
When a headache isn’t caused by tension or worry and isn’t a migraine, it’s most often caused by congestion or unpleasant sinus troubles. If that’s the case, get some eucalyptus essential oil right away.
This substance has been demonstrated to have the ability to cleanse the sinuses and open up nasal passages, thereby reducing some of the tension that contributes to that excruciating headache.
According to a 2013 study, breathing eucalyptus essential oil can help reduce blood pressure and ease pain. According to research, eucalyptus is calming and relaxing, which helps reduce the stress that can lead to headaches. It can also aid with tension headaches.
Combine it with peppermint essential oil for a potential tension headache treatment.
Geranium
Best for: Hormonal, menopausal, or menstruation headaches
This essential oil serves more purposes than only making natural scents more lovely. According to some studies, this floral EO may aid in the treatment of menopausal and hormonal problems, both of which can result in migraines.
PMS is one such condition that can induce headaches. It can be even more beneficial if you combine geranium and lavender as you give yourself a brief massage (particularly close to your temples).
Frankincense
Best for: Cluster headaches, tension headaches
Frankincense’s anti-inflammatory effects have been demonstrated in studies to be useful in reducing the discomfort brought on by cluster headaches.
An anti-inflammatory can assist ease the discomfort because the pain that clusters headaches typically begins with pain in your muscles, neck, and back.
According to a study published in 2019, mice’s sleep quality and the impacts of stress were both lessened by frankincense essential oil.
As an antioxidant, frankincense also appeared to lessen the harm that stress does to cells. Additionally, frankincense has calming and soothing properties that can help you unwind and reduce stress, which will help you avoid getting a headache.
Ginger
Best for: Migraines
You’ve probably heard that ginger can help with nausea and vomiting. However, ginger essential oil also functions as a potent anti-inflammatory and may provide relief from a variety of pains.
According to a 2018 review of studies, ginger is not only effective as a migraine treatment, but it also improves the heart’s ability to pump blood, can protect against bad cholesterol, provides an anti-oxidant effect that may play a role in cancer prevention, and is anti-inflammatory in nature and antibacterial.
Ginger essential oil may help prevent the onset of diabetes. Ginger has been used for thousands of years to relieve headaches and nausea.
How to Use Essential Oils to Relieve Headache
So, here’s the important thing to remember about essential oils: you’re not going to consume or eat them in any way. This is risky. Instead, consider these much safer methods for getting the most out of them.
Topically
Applying a diluted essential oil to your skin, particularly where the pain comes from, is probably the best technique to treat a headache. Apply to your temples if you have a tension headache.
Essential oils should not be applied straight to the skin; instead, they should be diluted using carrier oil. If you don’t want to dilute your own, buy an essential oil stick or something that has already been diluted and blended for you for topical use.
Aromatically
Not into greasy skin? Just inhaling the aroma of an essential oil might provide headache relief. You can diffuse a few drops of your favorite oil in a well-ventilated location, but keep in mind that essential oils affect everyone differently.
If your family will be near the diffuser, and you don’t want your child or pets inhaling it, this may not be the greatest way to take it in. If you’d like, you may try an inhaler stick for aromatherapy.
Be mindful of those nearby, especially children, expectant women, and animals. Some essential oils, when diffused in the air, can be harmful or even hazardous to other people. Get everyone and their pets out of the area.
Takeaway
When used properly, essential oils can provide a wide range of health advantages, including the relief of headaches and migraine symptoms. When using essential oils, keep in mind that one to three drops will do the trick.
You can find all these essential oils for headache relief from Scentimental Wellness. Visit our website today!