For generations, peppermint essential oil has been used to treat and alleviate the pain of headaches and migraines. The active ingredient in peppermint oil is menthol. Menthol helps to relax muscles and ease pain. Peppermint oil is not only effective in treating and alleviating headaches and migraines, but also in treating additional symptoms that headaches and migraines cause. Such symptoms are nausea, stress, congestion, and muscle pain.
Peppermint oil can be used in the following ways:
- You can mix the peppermint oil with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil or almond oil. It can then be applied to the temples. (Remember: Peppermint is strong and can cause irritation if applied neat, so always dilute it with a neutral carrier oil before applying it to your skin.)
- You can place the peppermint oil into a bowl of boiling water and inhale the steam.
- It can be placed into a diffuser or added to massage oil.
Peppermint oil is not the only oil that can be used to assist in treating and alleviating headaches and migraines. Lavender, Rosemary, Roman Chamomile, Frankincense and Eucalyptus oils can be used as well.
Lavender oil is good for stress relief and relaxation. Inhaling lavender assists in managing migraines and headaches. Research shows that pain reduction is experienced 15 minutes after inhalation. Lavender can be mixed with a carrier oil and applied to the skin, or it can be put into a diffuser or a hot bath.
Rosemary has powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It has been used for generations to reduce stress, relieve pain and for improved circulation. Rosemary oil can be mixed with a carrier oil and applied to the affected area, or it can be placed into a hot bath.
Roman Chamomile oil relaxes and soothes the muscles and is great for tension headaches. It is important to note that this oil is not to be used on pregnant woman. Chamomile oil can be diluted into a bath, added to your diffuser, or placed into a bowl of hot water and inhaled.
Frankincense has anti-inflammatory properties that relieves cluster headaches. It also has a calming effect on the body. Often headaches are brought on by stress and anxiety. Using frankincense before the onset of a headache or migraine can prevent a full-blown attack. Frankincense can be used in a diffuser; it can be inhaled, or it can be used topically.
Eucalyptus oil opens the nasal passages and relieves sinus tension. This oil works for headaches that are caused by sinus issues. Eucalyptus oil can be mixed with a carrier oil and applied to the chest, placed into your diffuser or it can be placed into a bowl of boiling water and inhaled.
Another simple and effective way to use Eucalyptus is to add a drop or two to your palms, rub them together and then make a ‘tent’ with your hands over your mouth and nose and inhale deeply a few times.
If you are somebody who suffers with headaches or migraines, you might like to try these essential oils to assist in alleviating and treating your symptoms.
Here are a few different headache and migraine recipes for you to try. Each of these can be made in a 10ml roller bottle and need to be mixed with a neutral carrier oil – we recommend Fractionated Coconut Oil.
General Headache Roller Blend:
8 drops of peppermint oil
4 drops of Lavender oil
3 drops of Frankincense
Sinus Headache Roller Blend:
3 drops of Peppermint oil
6 drops of Lavender
3 drops of Rosemary
3 drops of Eucalyptus
Tension Headache Diffuser Blend:
6 drops of Chamomile oil
4 drops of Lavender oil
Sinus/Congestion Headache Diffuser Blend:
1 drop of Eucalyptus oil
2 drops of Peppermint oil
2 drops of Lavender oil
1 drop of Rosemary oil
All the above essential oils and products can be purchased on our online store.
This article is written for educational and informational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This product and the information provided has not been evaluated by a medical professional and any actions taken based on the provided information is at your own risk. Essentoils bears no liability for the blends recommended above.