Essential Oils That Help With Migraines

The Best Essential Oils For Headaches

Before using any essential oils, its important to talk to your doctor to make sure there are no health risks from using them. Also talk to a doctor before using these oils if youre pregnant or breast feeding.

Since essential oils are highly concentrated substances, its important to find the highest-quality oils you can. Good quality oils wont be cheap, but thats okay because a little bit goes a long way. Look for sellers that talk openly about their process and have high customer reviews. Look for in-depth labels. You should look for essential oils that are pure, un-adulterated, and organic. Avoid those that use synthetic fragrances or dyes, as these could trigger headaches.

The Herbal Academy has a great overview and some recommendations for finding the best essential oil brands.

And, if you suffer from headaches, its always a good idea to track your symptoms. Since many essential oils are more pure, they likely wont trigger pain. However, some might for you. Track which ones work and which ones dont, especially as youre getting started.

Effective Essential Oils For Migraine

Essential oils are chemical compounds extracted from different parts of a plant, including its bark, leaves, flowers, buds, seeds, and more. In the simplest terms, they are the oils extracted from a given plant and used for different purposes depending on the plant and the benefits it can offer.

Thousands of plant species today have been identified, with hundreds of essential oils being sold commercially as:

• Herbal medicines

Although it has only just recently become more widely known throughout the U.S., research has shown that essential oils date as far back as 4500 BC in ancient Egypt, between 3000 and 2000 BC in Chinese and Indian cultures, and between 500 and 400 BC in Greek history.

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How To Use Peppermint Oil For Migraines

• There are several ways of using peppermint essential oil for treating migraines:
• Diffuse the aroma of peppermint essential oil in a room using an aroma diffuser or humidifier. Inhale the aroma gently for several minutes.
• Dilute peppermint oil and rub it on the forehead, temples, back of the neck and ear lobes.
• Mix the oil of peppermint in bath water and have a relaxing bath.
• Add a few drops of the oil on the handkerchief, tissue or napkin and inhale the scent.

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What Is The Best Essential Oil For Headaches

Essential oils are ideal if you want to explore natural and effective options to relieve headaches, whether its brought about by PMS, accompanied by a bad hangover, or simply a nasty migraine attack.

One advantage of essential oils for headaches over common headache medications is their ability to tackle the underlying causes of headaches, such as stress and blocked sinuses. Meanwhile, the most common over-the-counter drugs for headaches are designed to treat pain, not the root cause.

Our Top 5 Essential Oils For Headaches And Migraines

Heres how you can use any of these essential oils for headaches and migraines:

• Topical use — dilute a few drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil
• Inhale — use a few drops in a bath or a bowl of hot water
• Diffuser — use your favorite oil in a nebulizing diffuser

Essential oils are generally safe to use when diluted but can irritate. Test a small amount on your skin before using it more extensively.

Never ingest essential oils unless you have explicit directions from a health care professional.

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Basil And Lavender Compress

A headache-soothing compress with essential oils can be just what you need to relieve the pangs in your head. Basil essential oil is one of the most commonly used home remedies for headache and is especially useful for easing symptoms when combined with Lavender.

These steps can be repeated up to three times a day as needed for relief of your symptoms.

How Essential Oils Work

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years by native cultures to relieve pain, fight infections, improve mood, boost the immune system, improve circulation, heal respiratory conditions, reduce inflammation, and much more. Today, aromatherapy is used by natural health practitioners and in hospitals across the globe.

More and more clinical research is being conducted on individual essential oils and their roles in modern medicine. Currently, there are over 200 clinical trials listed in the National Institute of Healths U.S. National Library of Medicine database. A quick glance shows that clinical trials are being done the world over to determine their effectiveness for conditions including:

Essential oils can be diffused and their aromas inhaled, or they can be applied topically. In aromatherapy, it is believed that all organs in the body are related in some way to the olfactory system. And when we inhale molecules in the essential oils immediately travel to the brain and then through the respiratory system.

In some cases, the application of essential oils can help to relieve pain, including headaches. However, some essential oils for headaches can cause irritation when applied directly to the skin. Before application, mix essential oils with a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil to avoid irritation or a rash.

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Best For Stress Headaches: Lavender Oil

People often use lavender to improve sleep and reduce stress, anxiety, or depression. Many individuals also believe it can help relieve migraine episodes triggered by stress.

A 2022 review suggests that inhaling lavender essential oil can be a safe and effective treatment for managing acute migraine.

A 2016 study found that participants self-reported a lower Migraine Disability Assessment Score after 3 months of lavender essential oil therapy.

Recent research looked at the effects of lavender oil aroma on people going through bone marrow biopsy. It found that inhaling this essential oil helped reduce anxiety in these participants.

An example of a lavender essential oil available to buy online is Natures Truth 100% Pure Lavender Essential Oil.

This oil is available in a 0.51 fluid ounce bottle and is suitable for use for aromatherapy, massages, baths, and topical use. The company warns people not to apply the oil directly to the skin. People must first blend it with a carrier oil.

This product has a list price of around $8.

Using Essential Oils Topically For Migraines

Applying essential oils topically is one of the fastest ways to benefit from essential oils for your migraine. Essential oils are very concentrated, so you should never apply undiluted or neat essential oils directly to your skin. To avoid skin irritation, you should first mix your chosen oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, jojoba oil or sweet almond oil.Mix a few drops of your chosen oil with a carrier oil and then massage it onto your forehead and temples. Take care that you dont get any of the mixture in your eyes or mouth. You can also use the same mixture for an aromatherapy massage, either a scalp and neck massage for tension or a full-body massage for stress release and relaxation. This will help you to relax while you inhale the soothing aromas of your chosen essential oil.

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How Common Is A Migraine Headache

More than 35 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches. That means 1 in every 4 households has a migraine sufferer. Of those, 43 percent are women, which is thought to be due to hormonal changes women experience that men do not. Most migraine sufferers are between the ages of 35 and 45. According to the Migraine Institute, migraines are the worlds third-most prevalent and sixth most disabling illness.

Migraines are not exclusive to adults. Children can get them, too. According to the Migraine Research Foundation, about 10 percent of school-aged children suffer from migraines. The age group with the highest risk is adolescents 15 to 19, with 28 percent of them affected by migraine. Half of all migraine sufferers have their first migraine before age 12, with boys more likely to suffer from migraines before puberty than girls. The prevalence flip-flops after age 17, when 23 percent of young women have migraines compared with 8 percent of young men.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Migraine

The symptoms of migraines can include the following:

• People with migraines often report auras, which are similar to what you see after a camera flash, in their vision. The aura often becomes sizeable enough to block the ability to see. This usually lasts from 20 to 60 minutes.
• Unlike the all-over pain of a regular headache, the pain of a migraine is usually limited to one side of your head or in the frontal lobe.
• A sensation of pins and needles may be present in your arms and legs. The overall feeling is similar to a muscle going to sleep when you havent moved it for a while.
• You may experience aphasia, or difficulty in your speech and communication skills. This generally disappears soon after the migraine stops.

Migraines may be caused by:

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Different Pain Different Symptoms Of Migraines

Is a migraine just a really bad headache? Not at all. A migraine is usually accompanied by other symptoms. Headache sufferers rarely encounter, such as nausea, vomiting, extreme sensory sensitivity and the inability to move without making the migraine pain worse. It is suspected to be caused by irritation and swelling in the blood vessels of the brain. This in turn can impact blood flow in this area. Some people find it is triggered by hormones, certain foods or weather conditions, while with others it can strike at any time no particular reason.

How To Use Essential Oils For Headaches

There are a few ways of using essential oils for mitigating the symptoms of headaches and treating headaches:

• Use an aroma diffuser and diffuse the aroma of the essential oil in the room. Inhale the aroma, preferably in a meditative stance for several minutes.
• Dilute the essential oil or oils and rub on the forehead, temples, back of the neck and ear lobes.
• Mix the oil in bath water and have a relaxing bath.

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Best For Sinus Headaches: Eucalyptus Oil

People also traditionally use eucalyptus to clear sinuses and reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Individuals with a respiratory illness or asthma can sometimes benefit from inhaling eucalyptus, which may ease their symptoms.

Additionally, there is evidence it may help treat muscle and joint pain and regulate the nervous system to reduce headaches. One older study found that inhaled eucalyptus oil was effective for relieving pain and lowering blood pressure.

An example of a product to purchase online is Cliganic USDA Organic Eucalyptus Oil.

This certified organic oil is available in 0.33 fl. oz. The company recommends using this oil with a diffuser but also states it is suitable for use with a carrier oil for topical use.

This product has a list price of around $9.

How Essential Oils Help With Headaches

Every essential oil contains a unique set of healing properties. Some help by stimulating blood flow to the brain, many have been proven to lower stress, and some help you breathe better, like the oils in our Respirium Blend.

Even if your headache is not severe, it can come with associated symptoms such as aching, tightness in the neck and shoulders, nausea, and more. The oils listed below may help with such symptoms.

Consider using specific essential oils in tandem with other treatments. For instance, you can choose your favorite relaxation oils for a massage treatment if your headache is a result of back or neck pain.

In any case, try a few drops of diluted peppermint or lavender on your temples and take a few deep breaths — youll most likely feel some relief right away.

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How To Use Essential Oils To Manage Migraine

I remember my reaction when someone would suggest a natural remedy for my debilitating migraine disease.

They were one of those people who thought a migraine is just a headache, I would quickly assume. They clearly had no idea on just how debilitating migraine can be the sensitivity to every light and sound, nausea and vomiting, and the pain.

Like many others, migraine often landed me in the emergency room. But I got to a place of realization that despite my doctors best efforts, I was still experiencing debilitating migraine attacks. I was still on board with his plan for care, but I realized I needed to be proactive in preventing migraine attacks.

Thats when my eyes were opened to a world of holistic care and natural remedies yup, the ones that I had been dismissing. To my surprise, food, yoga, and essential oils ultimately became my best strategies for reducing both the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.

Essential oils seem to be the least understood, but can be extremely effective remedies, in the context of holistic care. So Id love to shed some light on them for the migraine community.

Smell These 5 Fragrant Essential Oils And Get Relief From Your Headaches And Migraines In A Natural And Soothing Way

As our day-to-day stress increases, so does the problem of headaches and migraines. But instead of drinking cups of tea or popping painkillers, we have a more natural and fragrant alternative: essential oils for headaches!

Essential oils are the concentrated extracts from plants that are beneficial for our health and basically capture the essence of these plants, from their fragrance to their health benefits. One of the best uses for essential oils, regardless of your preferred method, is headache relief. Inhaling essential oils can be the solution you need if you have a severe migraine or a pounding headache, says Ayurveda expert Dr Chaitali Deshmukh.

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Recipe #: Migraine Headache Treatment Blend

Ingredients:

• 2 drops of cedarwood essential oil
• 2 drops of lavender essential oil
• 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil

Directions: Mix all the oils in a clean, dark-colored glass bottle. Then shake the bottle to blend the oils. Apply the mixture to your scalp as necessary, using circular motions to massage into skin.

Frankincense Essential Oil For Migraine

Because of its anti-inflammatory characteristics, frankincense oil can be beneficial in alleviating the discomfort associated with cluster headaches. Cyclic headaches are often preceded by pain in your muscles, neck, and back, which is why an anti-inflammatory medication can assist in alleviating that suffering.

According to research, frankincense essential oil reduces stress and improves sleep. It also seemed to serve as an antioxidant, preventing stress-related cell damage. Frankincense may also be relaxing and soothing, calming you down and relieving tension, which can help avoid headaches.

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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.

Geranium Essential Oil For Migraine

Geranium essential oil is far more than a pleasant accent to natural fragrances. Some study suggests that this floral Essential Oil may aid with hormonal and menopausal difficulties â and headaches may certainly be triggered by things like premenstrual syndrome .

Geranium oil is quite beneficial if you rub it, particularly near your temples, on your forehead, and behind your neck. Inhaling Geranium oil is also beneficial in the management of stress and anxiety and relieving headaches.

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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.

Best Essential Oils For Migraines

We have put this at the top of the list of best essential oils for migraines because it is so brilliant a relieving pain, it is relaxing and sedative, whilst also being refreshing and it improves mood.

Lavender essential oil is cheap and cheerful but holds the crown for being one of the most useful essential oils in an aromatherapists box.

Lavender and chamomile are probably the best essential oils for migraines that catch you unaware. Normally, we would say use essential oils in a dilution of around 3%, but its safe to use up to 50% dilution of lavender essential oil for migraine attacks. We recommend carrying a pre-prepared blend in a rollerball for emergencies. It is great to rub onto the temples, the neck, and shoulders to release tension and hopefully start to reduce your headache.

Migraine is identified as a certain type of headache that takes place down one side of your head. Often, it can present with a kind of nut of pain that you can put your finger on. Using your rollerball to just put pressure on that specific spot can work wonders.

There is also an acupressure point, that is located in the web between the thumb and the first finger of each hand, which is great for trying to reduce pain. Place some of your oil onto the web of each hand and use the thumb to massage it in.

All chamomiles are digestive, so are great for calming nausea and stomach disruption that migraines often bring.

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