Headaches can happen to anyone and anytime. Although this health concern is nothing serious, it can be a huge dampener of spirits. The pain from headaches can vary, the location of headache can vary and the frequency of headache can vary. It all depends on the person and the circumstance. Luckily we have the easy to use aromatic essential oils as the first line of defense. Most of the best essential oils for headache can mitigate the symptoms regardless of underlying cause or type of headache.
Now, essential oils can mitigate headache symptoms; but out of the 100 odd oils which is the best for different headache types. Here is a list of 15 oils that can treat headaches. Now, one need not worry about the oil because gya labs essential oils quality is top notch.
The Top 15 Essential Oils for Headache
1. Peppermint Essential Oil – Anyone bothered with tension headaches? Peppermint essential oil is the solution. It is a natural remedy against not only tension headaches, but other forms of headaches as well. Tension headache is a common headache type which feels like a heavy band on the head. If the head feels like it is tightening then use peppermint oil to solve the problem. The main ingredient of the oil is menthol which soothes the skin and head with its pain-relieving properties.
How To Use – A few drops of the oil can be added to carrier oil such as jojoba and applied on the temples and back of the neck.
2. Eucalyptus Essential Oil – The main ingredient of this oil is also menthol. This ingredient has a cooling effect and has been proven through research to have pain relieving properties. Eucalyptus oil is an age-old medicine for treating blocked nasal passages, chest congestion, common colds and coughs.
How to use – Boil a cup of water till it starts steaming profusely; but, make sure that the water bubbles do not pop out. Add 10 drops of eucalyptus oil into the water. Inhale the steam for 15 minutes.
3. Lavender Essential Oil – Any list of essential oils for any therapy is incomplete without the oil from the lavandula plant. Inhaling the aroma of the oil eases headaches and stress. It also opens blocked respiratory tracts. As lavender relieves tension, it lowers the risk of getting headaches. Lavender oil also offers quick relief.
How to Use – The oil of lavender can be diluted with carrier oil and applied topically on the forehead and shoulders.
4. Rosemary Essential Oil – The oil of rosemary has been scientifically proven to have analgesic properties. It also releases stress. When applied on the skin, it boosts blood circulation. It is used to treat headaches and joint and muscle pains.
How to use – For headaches, mix two drops of rosemary in one tablespoon of olive oil and massage the forehead.
5. Frankincense Essential Oil – Frankincense oil has pain relieving properties and is used to treat physical pain and mental agony. Inhaling the aroma of frankincense directly from the bottle for a few minutes will relieve stress and depression.
How to use – Apply a few drops of frankincense oil on a clean cloth and inhale its aroma for a few minutes to get relief.
6. Roman Chamomile Essential Oil – This essential oil has good therapeutic properties but it is easy on the senses, both feet and smell. Roman chamomile oil is considered to be a gentle essential oil that can relieve pain.
How to use – Diffuse the oil in a room and inhale its aroma. The headache will gradually disappear.
7. German Chamomile Essential Oil – This oil also belongs to the chamomile family of plants. German chamomile oil is considered to be stronger than Roman chamomile, but its aroma is not as gentle. However, it can be used in aromatherapy to treat headaches.
How to use – Inhale the aroma of the oil after diffusing it in a room. Take lesser drops than Roman chamomile oil.
8. Clary sage Essential Oil – Another type of headache is the hormone headache caused due to estrogen fluctuations. The gentle smelling floral oil of Clary sage is useful in treating hormone headache (PMS, and hormonal, menopausal headaches).
How to use – Dilute Clary sage essential oil with almond oil and gently apply on the temples, neck and back of the ears.
9. Lemon Balm essential Oil – Many times stress and anxiety can cause headache. In such types of headaches use lemon balm essential oil. The aroma of citrus causes the brain to feel elated because of the release of feel good hormones.
How to use – Use an aroma diffuser to diffuse the aroma of lemon balm in the house. Inhale the scent through deep breaths and frequent breaks.
10. Geranium Essential Oil – Geranium is yet another floral scent based oil that lowers stress, balances hormones and relieves pain. It also has antimicrobial properties that are useful in treating headaches caused by colds, flu or fever.
How to use – Geranium oil can be diluted with any carrier oil of choice and massaged on the head to relieve headaches.
11. Ginger Essential Oil – Ginger is a traditional medicine that treats headaches caused by migraines. It is perhaps the only essential oil that can alleviate headaches caused by stomach related issues. It is also good for easing nausea.
How to use – Add two drops of ginger essential oil on a towel or handkerchief and inhale its aroma deeply. Do this regularly to control headache issues.
12. Lemongrass Essential Oil – This is an excellent choice to treat migraines and nausea. It also lowers inflammation if any. Lemongrass oil has a citrusy aroma that rejuvenates the mind; hence, it should be diffused to treat headaches in the morning.
How to use – It works best when applied topically. Mix the oil with coconut oil and rub on the neck, shoulders and forehead.
13. Basil essential Oil – Basil is a traditional medicine that has several therapeutic benefits. Simply crushing the leaves of the plant and inhaling its aroma soothes the senses. Basil oil can be used to lower symptoms of migraine and open the respiratory tract.
How to use – Boil water till it starts steaming. Add 10 drops of basil oil into the water. Inhale the steam for 15 minutes with a towel covering the opening of the vessel and the head.
14. Feverfew Essential Oil – The essential oil of feverfew is gaining popularity because of its medicinal properties. It is extracted from the tanacetum parthenium shrub. It is considered as the best remedy for migraine headaches.
How to use – This is a mild essential oil. Hence, 10 drops of the oil is added to a quarter cup of jojoba oil. This oil blend is applied on the neck, forehead, temples, back of the ears and top of the head.
15. Marjoram Essential Oil – The essential oil of marjoram can lower anxiety and stress. It is an analgesic that can mitigate headache symptoms.
How to use – Marjoram essential oil works best with hot and cold presses. Take two bowls and add hot and cold water in the bowls respectively. Add five drops of marjoram oil in both the bowls and mix well. Make sure that the water temperatures are safe for the skin. Dip a cloth in one bowl and apply on the forehead and neck. Now alternate with the other bowl.
Safety of Essential Oils For Headaches
· While diffusing essential oils for treating headaches, make sure that you do not put too much essential oil in the diffuser. Using too much oil can cause more headaches.
· Before apply new essential oils topically, perform a small patch test on the skin.
· If you have any serious health conditions, then consult a doctor before using essential oils.