A headache can also make you feel like the world has stopped. I know that frustrating feeling. A day can come crashing down with stress, tension or sudden migraines. Try essential oils for natural relief. What I noticed is that essential oils for headaches are one of the best ways to remove and find relief naturally from pain. Today, I am presenting how you can treat a headache naturally with the help of essential oils. We will talk about the best oils to use and what makes them work. Read on to learn about the natural essences that can work wonders for relieving headache!
What makes essential oils work for headaches?
But first, we need to understand why essential oils work so well before diving into which ones are the best. Essential oils are plant extracts that have been highly concentrated. This means they focus on natural compounds which can result in certain therapeutical effects beneficial both to the body and also mind. When inhaled or absorbed through your skin, they work with the nervous system to induce relaxation, reduce pain, and soothe muscles.
There are many benefits for essential oils that prevent headaches from occurring, including eliminating muscle tension, reducing inflammation, and encouraging relaxation. There are a variety of different properties for each oil; however, some blend well with certain oils ideal to treat headaches.
The Best Essential Oils for Headaches
So, which essential oils are the best for headaches? I’ve found a few essential oils that work incredibly well. Let’s break them down:
- Peppermint Oil: This is one of the most commonly used essential oils for headaches, and it would definitely deserve a place in your list of home remedies. The menthol present in peppermint soothes muscles and relieves ache. The pungency which the application of peppermint oil brings can relieve headache symptoms shortly.
- Lavender Oil: Lavender has traditionally been used for its calming effects on the body. The use of lavender oil can greatly reduce headaches that arise from stress or anxiety. This will lower tension and give a soothing feeling within, hence greatly calming your headache.
- Eucalyptus Oil: If you get headaches because of sinus pressure, then it is great. It works by clearing your sinuses, and these are most likely the cause of such a headache in pain and pressure. Its anti-inflammatory properties also work to relax muscles in the head and neck.
- Rosemary Essential Oil: Rosemary oil is excellent for blood circulation and in reducing inflammation. As your headache may be because of poor blood circulation or even tension, then rosemary oil will help in the flow of blood and ease the pain.
- Chamomile Oil: Chamomile, like lavender, has been made famous for its soothing effects. This is very effective in driving away tension-based headaches and other kinds of stress-induced headaches. Apart from that, chamomile oil is used to resolve stomach problems, which often invite headaches.
- Frankincense Oil: This might be the least known of the oils, but it is very potent in its anti-inflammatory property. Frankincense would help reduce pain, allowing an improvement in the circulation that would be helpful with tension types of headache or cluster headaches.
How to Use Essential Oils for Headaches
Now that you have an idea of what essential oils work the best, let’s get into alternative methods of their usage, and you can surely try whatever feels most comfortable to you.
- Inhalation
Inhalation is one of the quickest ways essential oils can work for headache relief. Simply drop a few drops of your favorite oil into the diffuser for an ultra-comforting aroma, or create a tissue or cotton ball method for placing a drop or two inside and taking in deeply. On-the-go, you can simply open the bottle and take a few deep breaths.
Topical application
Topical use is for those who cut to the chase and desire immediate relief effectively. Always dilute essential oil in any carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba, to avoid skin irritation. Apply the diluted fragrance to your temples, forehead, or the back of your neck. Gently massage the oil into your skin in a circular motion, and relief will soon follow.
Aromatic Bath
For something a little more soothing, try baths to which one adds essential oils in the water. You can add 5 to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil to the water and soak for 15-20 minutes. The steam will help you inhale these oils while your body is in warm water; hence, this is a very good remedy for tension headaches.
Cold Compress
You can also prepare a cold compress with some essential oil as a quicker remedy for headache. For this purpose, add a few drops of peppermint or lavender oil to a bowl of cold water. Soak a washcloth in it and apply it to your forehead. This method will combine effective cooling of the compress with therapeutic properties of the oil.
Safety Tips for Using Essential Oils
Keep in mind, essential oils are organic; using them safely is the way to go. Things to remember:
- Dilute the Oil: Dilute all essential oils with a carrier oil according to skin application. This decreases the amount of possibility for skin irritation.
- Patch Test: If this is the very first time you ever used an essential oil, do a skin patch test first to make sure you are not allergic in any way.
- Avoid Eyes: Because essential oils may irritate your eyes, be careful not to apply it in the eyes when doing what you’re about to do at your forehead or temples.
- Talk to a Pro: If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have health issues, consult a professional.
My personal experience with essential oils for headaches.
Let me now tell a personal story. I used to have tension headaches often, especially when there was stress at work. I didn’t want to live on over-the-counter painkillers all my life, so I started seeking alternative treatments. In comes the discovery of essential oils.
Peppermint oil was a savior it seemed. I still remember when I tried using it the first time: I put a diluted mixture on the temples and the back of my neck. Minutes later, tension in my head began to release; the cooling sensation brought almost complete relief. In due course, I have also used lavender and eucalyptus for different types of headaches.
Now, at the slightest feeling that a headache might be approaching, I divert into action with my essential oil collection instead of reaching for painkillers. It’s natural, effective pain management without side effects, and I feel more in control of my health.
Benefits of using essential oils for headaches
Among the few reasons why I would recommend essential oil against headache disorders are:
- Natural Relief: Essential oils come in as painkillers and offer an alternative to others that occasionally do have side effects.
- Anxiety-Alleviating Effect: Oils such as lavender and chamomile help calm headaches, improve sleep, and can even have a relaxing effect on the body.
- Easy to Use: Whether you prefer inhalation, topical application, or a relaxing bath, there are multiple ways to use essential oils for headache relief.
- Personalize it: Experiment with different oils and techniques to see what fits you best.
If you have been in search of a natural headache remedy, then essential oils may be just the thing you have been missing. Some of the most powerful oils can bring you natural headache relief and help you live healthier-one in balance.
For more natural health tips, you can visit Step Above Massage to explore massage and aromatherapy options designed to relieve pain and promote relaxation.
FAQs about essential oils for headaches.
1. Can I use essential oils for migraines?
Yes, these are some of the best essential oils for migraine symptoms: lavender, rosemary, and peppermint. They all are known to drastically reduce pain, tension, and stress levels. These oils either may be inhaled or applied topically.
2. How often can I use essential oils for headaches?
Essential oils can be used as many times as necessary. However, necessary dilution is to be observed in their application. For instance, for the topical use, the frequency should not exceed two to three times daily, lest it may irritate the skin.
3. What’s the best way to use essential oils for sinus headaches?
Eucalyptus oil will be more effective for treating sinus headaches; one can use it in a diffuser or create steam inhalation by adding just a few drops of the eucalyptus oil into a bowl of hot water and inhaling the steam right away.