Given our fast-paced economy and how demanding our jobs can be, many of us suffer from chronic headaches and migraines. If you suffer from headaches, then you might agree that treating them naturally is the way to go.
That is why I prefer essential oils over the counter pills. Essential oils allow you to treat these headaches from their root cause.
The pills, on the other hand, have “the moment remedy” without a permanent solution. That’s the reason why I’m sharing 5 essential oils for headaches and migraines.
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What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated liquids extracted from either the leaves, stems, barks, roots, or flowers of a plant.
As Wikipedia will have it, oil is essential in the sense that it captures the essence of a plant’s fragrance. These oils can be a very useful home remedy for a variety of alignments.
What Causes Headaches?
When it comes to using it for severe headaches, it is important to understand the factors that cause different types of headaches. For example, headaches can arise as a result of either tension or inflammations.
However, using the computer for too long might be the cause too. But when it comes to migraines, according to the National Health Service (NHS), the exact cause is unknown.
5 Essential Oils for Headaches and Migraines
Here are some of my favorite essential oils for headaches and migraines. I use them myself and feel like they truly help.
1. Peppermint Oil
The peppermint essential oil is one of the most used ones in the treatment of migraines or headaches. This oil contains menthol known for its cooling, mind clearing and soothing properties.
You can use it topically for various problems such as muscle aches and itching. The recent study showed that applying this oil to temples and foreheads helps with headaches. So, when you feel like a migraine attack is erupting, this is your first choice.
Here are some of the ways you can use peppermint oil to fight headaches.
Add to Your Bath
Having a warm bath can be relaxing and soothing. It makes it ideal for people suffering from a migraine. You will need to add a few drops of the oil to the water and spend about 30 minutes in the bathtub.
Fill the Air
One of the other alternatives ways to use this oil is to release it into the air. To do this, you will have to use an oil diffuser, a stream, or a vaporizer.
How to use a vaporizer? Add 3 to 5 drops of peppermint oil into a bowl filled with hot water. Cover your head with your towel, close your eyes and breathe in the steams through your nose. While for a diffuser?
Add 6 to 10 drops of peppermint oil into a bottle with almond then use your diffuser to release into the air.
Use for a Massage
Another way to treat a chronic head using this essential oil is to apply it when having a massage. But, this application requires you to dilute the oil in a carrier oil. Add about 3 to 5 drops of peppermint oil into your massage oil such as almond oil.
Mix and allow to settle for a few minutes, then dab drops of the oil to your fingers and massage your temple area. Also don’t forget the back of the neck, chest and shoulder areas.
2. Lavender Oil
For those who love to be loyal to one type of essential oil, you will find this one very interesting. It’s versatile essential oil with calming, balancing, and relaxing properties.
2012 study shows that breathing in the scent of Lavender essential oil can be a safe method for managing acute migraines. Here is how you can use this oil.
Through Inhaling
Inhaling the fragrance of essential oil has proven to be an effective way to relieve pain. No wonder a study carried on Lavender oil reported a significant reduction in pain after only fifteen minutes of inhaling it.
To do this, add 3 to 4 drops of lavender oil to 2 to 3 cups of boiling water and inhale the vapor.
Scalp Massage
The frequent usage of pills to treat pain and headaches can lead to side effects later in life. So, whenever a headache attacks, instead of taking a pill, you can opt-in for a scalp massage.
It will do wonders for your general feeling. This method can be effective to de-stress from the top to bottom provided you do it the right way.
3. Chamomile Oil
Another effective oil to use for the treatment of headaches is chamomile oil. This essential oil is known for its sedative and anti-inflammatory properties.
According to research carried out in 2012, it turns out that chamomile oil can improve some symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Topical Application
Before applying this oil, it is important to dilute it with a carrier oil. Use coconut oil to level its concentration and avoid damage or irritation to the skin.
To create this solution, add 3 to 4 drops of chamomile essential oil with almond or coconut oil.
Afterward, use the mixture as a massage oil around the neck, temple, and the chest. You can make use of roll-on bottle too.
Diffuser
Using a diffuser to get an essential oil into the air is one of the many ways to do so. If you are using a diffuser, you can treat your headaches by adding 4 to 5 drops of the chamomile oil to the water.
Allow it to deliver its therapeutic fragrance all by itself. I’m sure your family will enjoy that too.
Bath
When you start having headaches, run warm water and mix 4 to 6 drops of the chamomile essential oil with it. While you are having a warm bath, you will also be inhaling the aromatic fragrance of the oil.
The combination of water and the oils reduce the tensions that caused a headache.
4. Eucalyptus Oil
For more treatment of chronic headaches caused by Sinus, you will find Eucalyptus essential oil handy. Eucalyptus is traditionally used to reduce inflammation and eradicate sinuses.
This essential oil relieves sinus tension and removes blockages in the nasal cavity. The recent study shows that eucalyptus oil can lower blood pressure and relieve pain.
Compress
Using a compress to apply the Eucalyptus Oil can be very effective when done with cold water. It works fine with warm water too.
To do this, dilute 4 to 5 drops of the Eucalyptus Oil into a tablespoon of your favorite carrier oil. Feel free to use grapeseed oil, olive oil, or the coconut oil. Then, soak a cloth in the bowl and put it on your forehead.
Apply Topically
You can dilute 5 to 8 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil into a bottle of carrier oil. Then, gently passage several drops to the back, temples, and neck. A proper massage always helps.
5. Rosemary Oil
The Rosemary essential oil is known for its powerful analgesic and inflammatory properties. This oil has been used to treat acute headaches and relieve chronic pains.
Also, a study conducted in 2008 suggests that oil has pain-killing properties. Thus, it can help to combat insomnia and reduce pain.
Add to an Oil Burner
One of the effective ways to use rosemary oil is through vaporizing. That can be done with an oil burner. It works like magic!
All you have to do is to fill the bowl at the top of the burner with water and place a few drops of rosemary oil on the water. Place a very light heat underneath the bowl and as the steam evaporates, you can inhale.
Using a Hot Bowl
For those who don’t have diffusers, the use of the hot bowl can be a direct substitute. Get a bowl and heat it up.
Afterward, add 3 to 4 drops of rosemary oil to the filter on top of the bowl. You can then use a hand fan to dispense to oil into the air.
Conclusion
Indeed, essential oils have tremendous health benefits which include relieving migraines and headaches. Especially when used correctly.
I hope you enjoyed some of these essential oils for headaches and migraines. If your symptoms still persist after using these oils, see a doctor for proper assessment.