Essential Oils for Headaches and Migraines: What May Help
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Do you suffer from debilitating headaches and migraines?
It's not just you! In the US alone, an estimated 37 million people have migraines.
Are you concerned about taking over the counter painkillers?
Some people use essential oils as a complement to standard care. You may have read that Essential oils can provide you with safe and natural pain relief, but the evidence is modest and mostly limited to minor tension headaches.
The best-supported option is peppermint oil: limited evidence suggests peppermint oil applied to the skin might relieve tension headaches, according to the NIH's NCCIH. Other oils are mainly used for relaxation.
Frequent or intense headaches and migraines should be checked by your doctor. Get emergency care for a sudden, severe "worst ever" headache, or a headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, weakness, vision loss or trouble speaking.
5 Essential Oils For Headaches
Majestic Pure Lavender Oil
Lavender is a popular and soothing essential oil. It's one of the best essential oils for headaches and this 4oz bottle from Majestic Pure comes with a convenient dropper.
Many people find lavender's scent calming in the evening. Research on lavender for headaches is limited, so think of it as a relaxation aid rather than a treatment.
I suggest giving yourself a massage with a mix of Majestic Pure Lavender Oil and coconut oil (your hair will benefit too). Simply combine 10 drops of lavender oil with an ounce of pure coconut oil.
This may relax you and help prepare you for sleep, and rest helps many headaches. Patch test any blend on a small area of skin first.
You can also add a drop or two to your pillowcase.
Essential Oil Labs Eucalyptus Oil
Many people like eucalyptus oil's scent when they have a stuffy nose or sinus pressure, though there is little research on it for headaches.
This natural eucalyptus oil by Essential Oil Labs comes in a 4oz bottle with a handy dropper.
If you find yourself with a headache or migraine, find a quiet and dimly lit room to rest in.
Use the dropper to add a few drops to your diffuser. Never swallow eucalyptus oil, which is poisonous in small amounts, and store it out of children's reach.
If you don't have the time to lie down and relax, mix a few drops (again using the handy dropper) with a carrier oil such as jojoba and give yourself a quick head massage. Better still, find someone else to do it for you.
Aviano Botanicals Chamomile Oil
Aviano Botanicals Chamomile Oil is natural oil in its true form. It has not been diluted with any other oils and offers a soothing fragrance.
Don't be put off by its small size, due to its purity a little bit will go a long way.
Chamomile has a gentle scent many people find relaxing in the evening. There is little research on chamomile oil for headaches, so use it for comfort, not as a treatment.
Use the Aviano Botanicals easy-drop bottle to add a few drops to your diffuser in the evening to experience a calming and soothing effect.
Aromine Essential Peppermint Oil Roll-On
Peppermint oil has the most research behind it of the oils on this list, mainly for tension headaches. It can be used through a diffuser or combined with a carrier oil for a healing head massage.
Aromine has created the near-perfect headache and migraine reliever in their convenient roll-on bottle.
Peppermint oil has been diluted with 100% pure fractionated coconut oil so it can be immediately applied to your skin.
Keep it in your purse or drawer at work. Roll a small amount onto your temples or forehead, away from your eyes.
Peppermint oil can irritate skin, and it should not be applied to the face of infants or young children.
Sun Essential Oils Spearmint Oil
Spearmint oil contains much less menthol than peppermint, so expect a milder cooling feel. Some people simply prefer its sweeter scent.
Sun Essential Oils provides a pipette with their spearmint oil, allowing for easy use.
Mix 10 drops of spearmint oil with your favorite carrier oil and give yourself a migraine and headache relieving massage, focusing on your temples. Many people find the scent refreshing.
These five oils may help some people feel more comfortable during headaches and migraines, but they are not a cure. Start with a small amount, since a strong scent can make a migraine worse.
Always dilute oils before they touch your skin, never swallow them, and keep them away from your eyes and from children and pets. If you are pregnant, talk with your doctor first.
If headaches are frequent, keep a headache diary and see your doctor. Effective migraine medicines and prevention plans exist.
Sources
- Peppermint Oil: Usefulness and Safety, NCCIH, National Institutes of Health
- Headaches: What You Need To Know, NCCIH, National Institutes of Health
