Rosemary Oil: Reduce Your Stress And Ease Your Pain
With powerful analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, theres no wonder rosemary oil is widely used to relieve headaches and migraines. Not only that, but rosemary essential oil offers a vast range of benefits including reducing stress, improving circulation and relieving pain all beneficial properties for migraine sufferers. In 2013, researchers found that rosemary helped to ease the symptoms of opioid withdrawal by reducing pain, relaxing muscles and relieving insomnia. These characteristics are all beneficial for easing symptoms associated with migraines and promoting recovery. Try adding a few drops of rosemary essential oil, combined with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil, to a warm bath and relax as you inhale the soothing aromas. You can also massage the mixture into your forehead and temples at the first signs of a migraine to relieve tension and pain.
How To Use It
Rosemary oil has powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Its been used in folk medicine for hundreds of years for stress reduction, pain relief, and improved circulation, which can all help headaches.
A even found that rosemary oil used along with other medications helped with withdrawal symptoms. It also helped reduce insomnia and relax muscles, which can help with headaches.
Be Careful Of Fillers
You want to be careful about your sources for essential oils. For many migraineurs, artificial scents are a big trigger. Look for 100% pure essential oil without fillers instead of a synthetic fragrance oil you might find in the supermarket, which are usually full of artificial stuff.
Since essential oils arent drugs, there is no FDA regulation or grading certification to look for. However, you can check the label for the latin names of the oil. For example, the Latin name for lavender is lavandula angustifolia. Do a little research to make sure you can recognize those Latin names. If thats the only ingredient, it should be a pretty good sign.
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Peppermint Oil: Common But Effective
One of the most commonly used essential oils as a natural remedy for migraines, peppermint oil is ideal for relieving the symptoms of migraine attacks and treating tension headaches. Peppermint essential oil contains menthol which helps your muscles to relax whilst easing pain. This oil also has a cooling effect when the diluted oil is applied topically. This can help to reduce muscle contractions in your head and neck whilst stimulating blood flow. One study found that applying diluted peppermint essential oil to the forehead and temples during a migraine attack significantly reduced pain levels after just 15 minutes, with no adverse effects. This proved for the first time that peppermint oil can help to alleviate tension headaches and migraines. Try applying peppermint oil to your temples when you notice the first signs of a migraine attack. However, be sure to dilute this oil with a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or coconut oil before application to avoid any irritation.
How To Make Sure Your Oils Are The Real Deal
Heres the thing with essential oils: they arent regulated by the FDA, and there are no grading systems or certifications to look for on a bottle.
That means that basically anyone out there with a distiller could make a bottle of the stuff and sell it, which isnt the most comforting thought. Some of them could include an ingredient or filler that isnt on the label, or they may not have been harvested correctly.
They could also be contaminated. Heres how to avoid that situation:
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Eucalyptus Oil For Headaches And Migraines
Extracted from the leaves and branches of the eucalyptus tree, eucalyptus essential oils benefits include being able to help clear the sinuses, relieve tension and improve inflamed nasal cavities.
Use eucalyptus essential oil for migraine relief by inhaling the essential oil when experiencing symptoms of a headache, or add 3-4 drops to a diffuser with water and let circulate.
How Essential Oils Relieve Migraine Pain
Significant triggers of migraines and tension headaches are stress and a lack of sleep.
Humans have used aromatherapy for thousands of years to treat illnesses and promote well-being. Studies have shown it can even reduce pain.
Manufacturers extract essential oils from plants into a highly concentrated substance that you can use for various complaints. These oils are inhaled, rubbed into the skin, added to a bath, or applied to the forehead.
They work by sending scent molecules to the emotional center of the brain, the amygdala. Odors have a powerful impact on our mood and emotions and can trigger memories and feelings of calm.
You only have to read about scent marketing to see how the power of smell is used in advertising and by companies to try and lure clients.
Powerful aromas can often trigger migraines. Still, when used in the right concentration or on the right person, some essential oils for headaches can ease symptoms.
They work by reducing stress or helping you feel relaxed enough to sleep.
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Clove Bud Essential Oil For Migraine
Clove oil is good for relieving the pain and suffering associated with tension headaches because it improves circulation. Clove oil’s anti-inflammatory qualities help to keep colds and coughs at bay. It is also used to treat sinusitis and headaches caused by it.
To open the blood vessels, apply clove oils to the back of your neck, forehead, or temples. When used in aromatherapy, clove bud oil helps stimulate the brain as it has a very sharp fragrance that instantly relieves headaches and migraine.
The 5 Best Essential Oils For Headaches And How To Use Them
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Why use essential oils for headaches?
Headache disorders are among the most common disorders of the nervous system, with research estimating that three-quarters of adults around the world experience headaches.
Causes vary, including illness, stress, alcohol, skipping meals, poor posture, dehydration, and more. At present, the most common treatment of headaches is the use of medications such as paracetamol, aspirin, or ibuprofen.
Yet with mounting evidence that over-the-counter painkillers can actually make headache symptoms worse, many people are now looking to natural alternatives for relief . . .
. . . and thats where essential oils for headaches come in!
In this article on essential oils for headaches, well be covering:
- Common types of headaches.
- The benefits of using essential oils for headaches.
- The 6 best essential oils for headaches.
- 3 easy ways to use essential oils for headaches.
The Basics Of Essential Oils For Headaches
The use of essential oils, for aromatherapy or massage, is based on the premise that the body has the potential to heal itself, and that by carefully choosing the right oils, people can harness those innate healing powers to alleviate a variety of ailments, including headaches. Research is sparse, however several studies have revealed benefits of the more popular scents. Headache benefits of other, less-studied scents are based on knowledge accumulated during this centuries-old tradition.
The practice of using essential oils is thought to stretch back to ancient cultures, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese, with each society contributing to the discipline. Several oils specifically have shown promise in alleviating headache pain. These oils work by:
- Reducing inflammation
- Managing hormone levels
- Minimizing sinus pressure or allergies
For a brief overview of types of headaches, their causes, and other treatment options, check out the video below.
Essential Oils For Cluster Headaches
Using essential oils for headache relief provides a natural way to cope with intense pain. This is particularly helpful when dealing with cluster headaches, which cause reoccurring, short-lasting waves of excruciating pain on one side of the head.
Cluster headaches can last anywhere from fifteen minutes to three hours. Reoccurring cluster headaches often last weeks and typically affect young males, and can be very painful.
These headaches are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as forehead or facial sweating, nasal congestion, drooping or swelling of the eyelid, or eye redness.2
The best essential oils to use for cluster headaches are peppermint or rosemary, as they will provide soothing relief for intense pain.
Rosemary Essential Oil For Scalp Headache
Rosemary oil has energizing effects and has been used for millennia in traditional medicine to increase circulation and alertness. Its significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, on the other hand, can reduce tension, give pain relief, and promote circulation, all of which can aid with headaches.
It also aids in the reduction of sleeplessness and the relaxation of tight muscles, both of which are major causes of headaches. The research looked at the effects of rosemary essential oil and discovered that it effectively suppressed both inflammation and discomfort and aids withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and mood disturbances.
Essential Oil Blend For Headache
Use the following essential oils for migraine headaches, or for headaches that occur regularly. When applied topically, this essential oil recipe for headaches will provide a cooling, soothing sensation.
Packed with the best essential oils for migraines, this at home remedy will be your new EO for headache and migraine relief.
Ingredients:
What Can Essential Oils Do For Migraine Or Headache
The relationship between scents and the brain is complicated, says Lin. For some people with migraine, strong odors can actually trigger an attack, and so essential oils or scents should be used very carefully, she says.
If youre in the middle of a migraine attack or a headache, any scent, even one you typically find calming, can be bothersome if its too strong, says Lin. It could be too stimulating. You might need to dilute the oil more than you normally would for day-to-day use if youre using it for migraine, she says.
Classically, when were thinking about migraine, migraine attacks tend to be triggered by things like stress, not getting enough sleep, or when theres some strong environmental stimulants like bright light or sounds, says Lin.
Part of migraine prevention is trying to minimize those things, she says. Since stress and anxiety and tension are big triggers for headaches in general, things that reduce stress and anxiety can also potentially reduce headaches, she says.
Essential oils shouldnt replace doctor-prescribed migraine therapy, but there are some small studies to show that some types of essential oils may reduce the frequency or severity of migraine, says Lin.
Stress Headache: Lavender Frankincense Neroli Or Citrus
We all know that a stressful day can cause our heads to pound and scientific research backs that up. Inhaling essential oils can help to relieve that stress and foster calm. But which one to choose? It depends on what you find personally relaxing, but Green likes lavender, frankincense, neroli, and citrus oils for unwinding.
“If an aroma is perceived as pleasant, we take a deeper breath that in itself helps to slow the heart, align the nervous system, and help us to relax,” says Green. Pick an essential oil you love and inhale 1-2 drops from a tissue, add to an essential oil diffuser, or apply 1-2 drops to your palms with a carrier oil, rub together gently, and inhale deeply.
Allergic Reactions And Irritations
When applying an essential oil to your skin, there is always a risk of adverse side effects like an allergic reaction or skin irritation.
To avoid a severe reaction, avoid ingredients you know you’re allergic to and implement the patch test on ingredients you have never been exposed to before. This test consists of putting the oil on a small patch of your skin to test whether you will have a reaction.
Ginger Oil For Migraines
Ginger is known to treat symptoms of cold and flu. It is also an excellent cure for headaches due to various pain-reducing properties.
Why to use?
Ginger oil has anti-inflammatory, antihistamine and anti-nausea effects. Its intake or application can readily reduce migraine headaches and uneasy feeling associated with this condition.
How to use?
You can apply ginger oil on the affected area, inhale its vapors via steam or add little amounts in a diffuser to get rid of migraine pain quickly.
Essential Oils For Headaches
If you’re one of the 78 percent of people who suffer from headaches, you know how taxing they can be at times. There are typically very few things that can assist, whether tension headaches , migraines, sinus headaches, hormone headaches, or even a hangover headache. Once that uncomfortable hammering sensation begins to pound on your head, an essential oil cupboard is probably not the first place you’d look for relief. But perhaps it should be…
While over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and acetaminophen are commonly used to treat headaches, they are not your only choice. Essential oils are capable of much more than simply making a space smell nice. Each has its own set of advantages, and some are especially useful for relieving headaches and migraines.
Essential Oils For Headaches And Migraines
Headaches usually start with an awful pounding in your head. For some its a dull, constant pain and for others it can be a sharp, throbbing pain that lasts for hours.1 Regardless, everyone has experienced some sort of headache in their life.
While some may only get the occasional headache, others can suffer from head pain regularly, experiencing tension headaches, cluster headaches, and migraines.
There are many different ways to get rid of headache pain, usually by taking over the counter drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, however, aromatherapy for headaches has proven to be very helpful in relieving a variety of symptoms.
You can use essential oils for headaches, and essential oils for migraines, to provide pain relief in a more natural way.
Want to learn more about essential oils? Get our FREE Video Series here
Is It Safe To Use Essential Oils For Migraines
Essential oils are natural remedies for migraines and headaches and typically have fewer side effects than traditional migraine medications. However, there are a few safety guidelines that you should be aware of. The biggest risk associated with essential oils is skin irritation. This typically occurs if an essential oil is applied directly to the skin, without being diluted. You should mix all essential oils with a carrier oil before applying topically. Like anything, essential oils may also cause an allergic reaction in some people. You should always perform a patch test before applying essential oils more liberally. Some essential oils may also be contraindicated with some medical conditions or during pregnancy. If you have a pre-existing condition such as high blood pressure, asthma or heart problems, or if you are pregnant, you should check with your medical provider before beginning to use essential oils.
Aromatherapy Bath For Migraines
Many migraine sufferers find that an aromatherapy bath may help to ease their symptoms, particularly if their migraines are triggered by stress or congestion.Mix your chosen essential oils with a carrier oil such as sweet almond, jojoba or coconut oil and then swirl the mixture into your warm bath. If you dont have any carrier oil on hand, you can mix your essential oil with two tablespoons of full-fat milk. This will enable the essential oil to disperse effectively throughout the water.Learn more about carrier oils here
Make Sure The Latin Name Is There
Many plants all over the world have similar common names, but that doesnt mean that they were all created exactly the same. If you look for the Latin name and the common name, youll be assured that youre buying the correct oil and not just something that has been generically named.
For example: if you want to buy lavender, look for the name Lavandula angustifolia, as thats the correct Latin name. This might require a little research on your part, but its worth it in the end.
Theraice Rx Migraine Relief Stick 10 Ml Organic Essential Oil Roll On Headache Tension Aromatherapy: Peppermint Spearmint Lavender Chamomile Rosemary Eucalyptus Metal Roller Usa Made
- All ingredients are USDA certified organic in this safe, natural remedy. Made in the USA. Vegan. Cruelty free
- This migraine treatment uses natural aromatherapy to fade away headaches brought on by stress and tension. Experiment with stress relief by applying to your forehead, temples, the back of your neck, and behind your ears.
- The TheraICE Rx Headache Relief Stick has six organic essential oils mixed in a fractionated coconut oil base for a fast and natural headache fix. Peppermint, spearmint, and eucalyptus relax muscle contractions and provide cooling relief. Lavender, chamomile, and rosemary boost circulation while suppressing inflammation.
- TheraICE Rx Headache Relief Stick is true headache help for everything from tension headaches and stress migraines to seasonal allergies and sinus pressure, plus neck problems. Put your pain in the past and keep up with your busy, on-the-go lifestyle.
- The easy-to-use metal roller makes oil application a breeze. Its self care made simple with a quick roll of the stick. Mess free and travel friendly! Pairs perfectly with the TheraICE Rx Headache/Migraine Relief Cap.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil For Sinus Headache
If you suffer from sinus headaches, eucalyptus essential oil might be the best remedy for you because this oil will swiftly expand the nasal passages, cleanse the sinuses, and assist reduce sinus tension, which is often the source of headaches.
Eucalyptus oil’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial qualities aid in relieving sinus pressure and respiratory disorders that cause headache, discomfort, and stress. The chemicals present in this oil have a soothing impact on both the muscles and the psyche, which may help relieve headaches. The research discovered that inhaling eucalyptus oil was good for alleviating pain and reducing blood pressure.
What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Using Essential Oils For Headaches
Some people who suffer from headaches and migraines are sensitive to strong scents, so its best to start slowly when using essential oils and use only very small amounts, so as not to create an overwhelming smell.
Some of the above oils do come with risks and contraindications. Peppermint oil, for example, should never be given to children or people with heart disease because of its chemical makeup. Rosemary oil shouldnt be used by pregnant people, or people with high blood pressure or epilepsy, because it comes in three different species that can have different effects on the body. Finally, lemon oil is phototoxic, so you should be careful when going outside if youve applied it to your face or other exposed skin, as it could lead to a bad sunburn, says Rodgers.
In order to ensure the oil you’re using is safe for you, check with your doctor before turning to it as a headache remedy.
The bottom line: Multiple essential oils, particularly lavender and peppermint oil, can be used as a headache remedy when inhaled from a diffuser or applied to the skin with a carrier oil. But check with your doctor beforehand to find out if the oil you’d like to use may cause any adverse side effects for you.