Essential Oils for Headaches

Essential oils have been used traditionally in medicine to treat a wide range of ailments including headaches and migraines.

Several recent researches have also substantiated the traditional uses of essential oils in the treatment of headaches associated with diverse physical and emotional conditions.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best essential oils for headaches, according to science-backed evidence. But before we get started with some specific essential oils, it’s important to learn exactly what essential oils are. let’s get started.

What are essential oils
Best essential oils for headaches
Peppermint oil
Eucalyptus oil
Lavender oil
Rosemary oil
Chamomile oil
How to use essential oils for headaches
Precautions
Final words

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are concentrated hydrophobic liquids that are extracted from certain parts of natural flora and fauna. They contain “essence” or characteristic chemical compounds of the source from which they are derived.

Most people aren’t aware that essential oils (including other natural oils such as absolutes) can be derived from plants as well as animals. Several parts of plants such as leaves, roots, stems, flowers, or resins are used to extract essential oils. On the other hand, ambergris, castoreum, and musk come from animal resources – sperm whales, beavers, and musk deer respectively.

Essential oils are mainly extracted by distillation. Other methods include solvent extraction, wax embedding, cold pressing, and expression.

Best essential oils for headaches

Essential oils offer a more effective and safer way to get rid of headaches without using medicines that often come with many unpleasant side effects.

The best part of essential oils is that they not only reduce the symptoms of headaches but also help to address the underlying root of the issues causing it.

Besides, like other conventional medications for migraines and headaches, essential oils are also effective in alleviating inflammation and pain, but without producing any adverse effects on the health.

Many essential oils show a soothing effect on the human body and can even enhance blood circulation of the brain, which is vital for treating headaches from their roots.

Here’re some of the best essential oils that are found to be effective in the treatment of headaches regardless of their types.

Peppermint oil

Scientific name – Mentha piperita

Helps in

migraines
tension headaches
hormonal headaches
hangover headaches

Peppermint oil is one of the most sought-after essential oils for treating migraines and headaches. It contains menthol which helps relax the muscles and reduce pain. It also helps to decrease the intensity of acute migraines by improving blood circulation and alleviating inflammation.

Menthol is a stimulant and thus, do not use peppermint oil at bedtime as it may impact sleep cycles.

Here you can purchase our natural Peppermint.

Eucalyptus oil

Scientific name – Eucalyptus globulus

Helps in:

tension headaches
sinus headaches
neck pain

As a natural antimicrobial (antibacterial and antiviral) and anti-inflammatory agent, eucalyptus essential oil is widely used for treating upper respiratory tract infections including sinus infections. It helps to clear sinuses and nasal passages and helps ease sinus tension that often leads to difficulty breathing and headaches.

Here you can purchase our natural Eucalyptus.

Lavender oil

Scientific name – Lavandula officinalis

Helps in:

tension headaches
hormonal headaches
hangover headaches
stress headaches
migraines due to lack of sleep

Lavender oil is highly valued in aromatherapy for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Its calming and sedative effects help to relieve headaches that are caused by anxiety and stress. As it is sedative in nature, it is perfect for bedtime use.

Here you can purchase our 100% pure and natural Lavender Oil.

Rosemary oil

Scientific name – Rosmarinus officinalis

Helps in:

migraines
hangover headaches
stress headaches
hormonal headaches

Rosemary oil has been used in folk medicines for centuries for improving circulation and boosting alertness using its powerful stimulating properties. It has significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions that can minimize tension and provide relief from pain. It also helps lessen insomnia and helps tensed muscles to relax which are the major causes of headaches.

Here you can purchase our natural Rosemary.

Chamomile oil

Scientific name – Anthemis nobilis

Helps in:

migraines
tension headaches

Chamomile oil is popular for its calming and sedative properties that can help soothe muscles and relax the body. It is commonly used to treat migraines that are caused by stress. It also helps with anxiety which is one of the most common causes of headaches.

Here you can purchase our natural Chamomile.

How to use essential oils to combat headaches

The most effective way of using essential oils for headaches is to apply a few drops to your forehead and temples, or wherever you have a prominent pain.

Since essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause skin irritations, it’s recommended to dilute them into carrier oils such as olive oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil. Just two to three drops of essential oils are enough for every tablespoon of career oil.

You can inhale the oil directly or on a cotton ball for quick relief from headaches or you can also consider using a diffuser.

For immediate relief, you can add a few drops of oil to a fresh wet cloth using it as a cold or warm compress on your neck or forehead.

Finally, you might consider indulging in a soothing soak by adding a few drops of essential oil to your hot bath.

While an essential oil can be beneficial for your headaches alone, it can also work well in combination. For example, lavender and peppermint essential oils are often combined to treat tension headaches.

You can blend two to three essential oils together to prepare your own favorite and unique essential oil blend for your headaches. Experiment with different options to figure out which can provide the best relief for you.

Precautions

Essential oils are generally considered safe, and some essential oils may show much fewer adverse effects in comparison to conventional headache and migraine medications, including both prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

The greatest risk linked with essential oils is the risk of sensitivity or allergic reactions. Applying directly to the skin may cause irritation including redness, or rash, or a burning and stinging sensation.

A large number of irritations can be easily avoided by diluting essential oils into carrier oils and performing a small patch test before applying a large amount.

Besides, some essential oils may cause complications in some preexisting health issues such as epilepsy, asthma, or heart disorders. It’s recommended to ask your healthcare providers prior to using essential oils for headaches or other associated symptoms.

Final words

Essential oils can be an effective and safe treatment for headaches and migraines if used correctly.

The most important factor you should remember when you will consider using essential oils for headaches and migraines is that your essential oil should be 100% natural without any types of chemical or artificial ingredients.

At La Via Del Profumo, we offer a guarantee of naturality as we never use any artificial or synthetic chemicals in our products.

Here you can check out our Natural Essential Perfumes.