Essential oil for headaches and migraines

An essential oil is a very concentrated liquid made from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other parts of the plant.

Essential oils are believed to help treat certain conditions, including headaches or migraines. Different types of oil offer different benefits. Essential oils also provide benefits without the long list of side effects that can accompany prescription medications for headaches and migraines. Some essential oils can reduce stress, and headaches

Some essential oils that can be used include:

1. Lavender oil

Lavender oil is commonly used to relieve stress, aid in restful sleep, anxiety, and depression. Not only that, it turns out that lavender oil is also able to treat headaches and migraines that are triggered by stress.

A study reports that inhaling the scent of lavender oil can help manage headaches and migraines.

2. Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil is one of the most commonly used essential oils for headaches or migraines.

Peppermint oil contains menthol, which can help relax muscles and reduce pain. A study published in 2015 suggests menthol may be effective in treating migraines when applied to the head as a gel.

3. Rosemary oil

Rosemary oil has strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain relieving) properties. Rosemary oil is traditionally used to treat headaches, improve blood circulation, and reduce stress, all of which can help relieve headaches.

This essential oil also helps reduce insomnia and relaxes muscles, which can help treat headaches.

4. Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil was traditionally used to clear sinuses and reduce inflammation. People who have headaches due to congested sinuses may be able to reduce their symptoms by inhaling eucalyptus oil.

This oil will open the nasal passages, clear the sinuses, and can help relieve sinus tension that causes headaches.

One study also found that a combination of peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and ethanol exerts a relaxing effect on muscles and mind, which can help relieve headaches.

5. Chamomile oil

Chamomile oil relaxes the body and soothes muscles, and for this reason it can be of great help in treating tension headaches. It can also help treat anxiety and insomnia, which are common causes of headaches.

Pregnant women should not use chamomile oil because of the risk of miscarriage.

How to apply essential oils for headaches and migraines

There are a number of ways to apply essential oils to treat headaches. This includes:

Apply it to your temples or forehead. Essential oils need to be diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, before being applied to the skin. Once dissolved, the oil can be massaged into the skin and all over the forehead.
Inhale. The essential oil can be inhaled by adding a few drops to a tissue, holding the tissue under your nose and taking a deep breath.
Using a compress. Make a compress by soaking a towel in cold water with a few drops of essential oil. Compress can be applied to the forehead or neck.
Adding oil to the bath. Adding a few drops of oil to hot water can be a relaxing way to treat headaches.