Headaches are a common problem people deal with on a daily basis. Why people get headaches is not fully understood. Headaches affect any part of the head. The level of pain varies.
It can be a throbbing thump, a slower pulsating punch, or sharp throbbing pain. Primary headaches include cluster headaches, migraines, and tension headaches. Nerves in the head muscles and blood vessels send pain signals to the brain.
Lifestyle factors such as the smell of nauseating perfume, weather changes, hormonal changes, going without coffee, or getting sick can trigger a headache. There is a mind-boggling list of triggers.
Drugs such as Tylenol and Aleve can ease the pain. Nature also provides some essential oils that offer headache relief. Many headache remedies focus on relaxing the body and mind. Essential oils are a safer alternative than drugs that have potential side effects.
The right oils soothe a person and ease the pain by relieving tension. Environmental factors such as stress overstimulate the body and mind. Headaches that result can be alleviated or eliminated by high-quality essential oils.
Two means of getting rid of headaches are inhaling essential oils while taking a relaxing bath or through a diffuser. After researching six sources that recommend essential oils for migraines and headaches. There were three that were mentioned by each source. They were lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus. Two other suggested multiple times were rosemary and chamomile.
Lavender
Lavender (find my fav here on Amazon) is among the most popular and common essential oils because of its calming and relaxing power. It is excellent for healing all sorts of pain and tension.
Lavender is particularly useful in healing inflammation and swelling as well as a general pain reliever. Headaches caused by trauma to the body such as inflamed joints or muscle pain respond well to lavender.
It appears to be the go-to oil for many people. Lavender oils are beneficial in relieving disturbed sleep and feelings of restlessness, which are symptoms of headaches.
It regulates levels of serotonin that helps minimize nervous system pain that leads to migraines. European Neurology published a study in 2012 that found lavender essential oil to be a safe and effective modality in managing migraine headaches. To relieve stress, aid sleep, boost mood, or reduce muscle tension, add five drops of lavender oil in a diffuser or apply it topically to the wrists, the temples, and the back of the neck.
Peppermint
The benefits and uses of peppermint oil include a role in stimulating the flow of blood in the forehead, inhibiting muscle contractions, and a cooling, long-lasting effect on the skin.
To effectively alleviate a tension headache, apply peppermint essential oil on the temples and across the forehead.
A study conducted in 1996 had 41 participants keep a diary of headaches and the response to peppermint oil. Peppermint proved to be a cost-effective and well-tolerated alternative to the usual headache therapies.
No adverse side effects were reported. Peppermint contains menthol which has soothing, cooling, and mind clearing properties. Its scent is uplifting and best not used in the evening because it can interfere with sleep. Peppermint essential oil works well to ease tension-related headaches. It is the go-to essential oil when feeling a migraine attack on the way.
Eucalyptus
Migraines and headaches caused by chronic sinusitis respond well to eucalyptus essential oil treatments. Eucalyptus oil (here it is on Amazon) is among the best oils to relieve a sore throat and sinus infection.
It is a warming oil that has properties that relieve pain. Eucalyptus is incredibly ‘mind refreshing.’ It is ideal for those who suffer headaches and migraines.
The scent of eucalyptus is therapeutic on its own. It helps reduce pain and promotes relaxation. When tension builds up, you can rub eucalyptus below and on the sides of the nose to clear and relieve the sinuses instantly to prevent a headache.
If you have trouble breathing, rub a few drops on the chest and neck. Eucalyptus is an essential oil that can be used at bedtime for a restful sleep. Many people think about adorable koalas when eucalyptus is mentioned. This natural superstar is useful for more than feeding charming creatures.
Rosemary
When using your brain during a migraine is necessary, rosemary oil can help. It improves concentration and mental clarity.
Rosemary helps push through the pain. It serves as a preventative tool as well. One study found inhaling rosemary reduced cortisol levels released during stress.
It can help relieve pain and reduce headaches and tension. Rosemary tea relieves stress-related headaches and other pain and aches of the body.
It encourages healthy circulation and blood flow. Tea enthusiasts choose rosemary as the best migraine relieving essential oil. Double team the use by rubbing a few drops where the pain is located and brewing a cup of tea.
It is best to de-stress by sitting in quiet relaxation waiting for the soothing oil and warm tea combination to perform magic. Rosemary is used in folk medicine to treat poor circulation and headaches. It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and stimulating properties. Rosemary essential oils improve personal alertness and orientation and have a calming effect.
Chamomile
The anti-inflammatory and sedative properties of chamomile essential oils soothe nighttime and evening headaches. Like lavender, chamomile has a high number of esters.
Combining rose oil and lavender with chamomile is an ideal mixture to put into bath water. Steam infuses with the oils. The chamomile relieves tension and stress not only by the scent but the herbal properties it has.
Chamomile is a diuretic. Using it will cause more urination. The purpose is to remove toxins in the body. When toxins build up, hormones are out of balance. The imbalance leads to headaches. Relieving stress and getting rid of toxins are reasons the herbal treatment is recommended to be used at day’s end.
It is another essential oil that can be brewed as a tea. Double-teaming the use of chamomile by having a cup of chamomile tea while you bathe doubles the power. It helps improve symptoms of stress and anxiety that lead to headaches