If you’re a regular headache or migraine sufferer, you probably know that drinking water, staying on a consistent sleep schedule and eating healthy can help with prevention, and there are a handful of good over-the-counter options for treatment. Consider this, though: Essential oils for headaches and migraines could be a good alternative to some of those OTC or doctor-prescribed drugs (although you should never be afraid to chat with your doctor about persistent headaches or migraines!).
How can essential oils help with headaches?
Aromatherapist and owner of The Blossom Bar, Dori Eldridge Bell, says essential oils have a unique combination of molecular constituents that give it its therapeutic actions to help ease headache and migraine pain. “Some act as analgesics by increasing circulation and dilating arteries, some have soothing and calming effects on the central nervous system, some support the liver’s ability to move toxic substances out of our bodies," she explains. “Each essential oil may have one or many actions that work together to alleviate the pain and discomfort causing the headache, whether that pain has a physical cause, or is a result of a mental or emotional origination.” Acupuncturist Dr. Kerry Boyle of Integrative Acupuncture says using essential oils to ease your headache works quickly: “Immediate effects are often experienced by using essential oils.” Eldridge Bell adds that several factors, including the type of headache, overall health, and the quality of the essential oils will determine just how fast you’ll feel the effects. “‘I’ve seen a combination of peppermint and lavender essential oils get rid of a tension headache in five minutes or less,” she says. “Headaches due to hormonal imbalances, digestive upset, or sinusitis can be tougher to alleviate, but with proper application of pure, high quality essential oils I’ve seen those types of headaches go away or be greatly reduced within 10-20 minutes.”
How do you use essential oils for headaches?
Eldridge Bell says you can use all of these oils together to help get rid of your headache. She says the best way to do a massage blend is to rub the blend into your temples, neck, shoulders, and over your sinuses and abdomen in a clockwise direction. “Essential oils used topically should always be diluted in a carrier oil. Jojoba, coconut, even olive oil used as a base will make using essential oils on your skin safe and avoid the photosensitivity that can damage skin when using them undiluted,” says Dr. Boyle. “For the average healthy adult, use eight to 12 drops of essential oil in one tablespoon of carrier oil for use anywhere on the body except the face,” adds Eldridge Bell. If you decide to use a diffuser, use any combination of five to seven drops of the oils. “If your headache is from mental tension, worry, anxiety, or emotional upset, use a diffuser. This is due to the way essential oils impact our brains via the olfactory system."
Essential oils for headaches
Peppermint Peppermint has a fresh, minty aroma that includes menthol and can help freshen a fatigued mind. It’s also used to help aid digestion. “Peppermint helps headaches from overeating or hangovers,” says Eldridge Bell. Dr. Boyle adds this oil can also help with hot flashes. Lavender Lavender is one of the more well-known essential oils used to relieve stress. It has a strong floral aroma that is both calm and relaxing. “There are lots of different types of lavender. I prefer French Lavender, but any non-synthetic and non-fragrance lavender will work as well. Lavender buds and leaves are steam distilled to create lavender essential oil. In addition to helping headaches, it is also relaxing and helps with sleep,” explains Dr. Boyle. Chamomile “Roman chamomile helps headaches from overexertion or anxiety,” says Eldridge Bell. This essential oil is used to improve moods and is a relaxant, but there are multiple varieties of chamomile. Dr. Boyle suggests using it sparingly. Rosemary “Rosemary helps with headaches that come from an overworked mind,” says Eldridge Bell. Geranium Fluctuating hormonal levels particularly during a dip in estrogen right before and during your period is associated with frequent headaches, according to the Mayo Clinic. “Geranium can help with headaches from hormonal imbalances, specifically PMS and perimenopause,” says Eldridge Bell. Eucalyptus Eucalyptushas a cool camphorous and slightly sweet aroma that is both energizing and relaxing. Eldridge Bell says this is best used for headaches that come from sinusitis. Up next, here are the best doctor-recommended pain relief tips for the five most common ailments.
Sources
Doctor Kerry Boyle L.Ac., an acupuncturist at Integrative Acupuncture. Dori Eldridge Bell, aromatherapist and owner of The Blossom Bar. Mayo Clinic: Headaches and Hormones What’s the Connection?
