From time to time, everyone suffers from a headache. Worse, some people suffer from prolonged migraines that can leave you debilitated for days at a time.
There are a number of essential oil blends for headaches and migraines. Many of those recipes include peppermint for its soothing and pain-relieving properties.
On its own, peppermint works great. Combined with other “headache relief” oils, it can work wonders.
Essential Oils For Headaches and General Head Pain
Before revealing our top essential oil blends for headache relief, here are several oils that can be used singularly. Everyone’s body works differently. So depending on the person, some oils might work better than others.
1. Rosemary
Used in folk medicine, rosemary can not only relieve headaches, but also treat poor circulation. This is done through its analgesic and anti-inflammatory characteristics. It’s calming properties also help to boost alertness.
A recent study detailed in Addiction and Health researched the effectiveness of rosemary essential oil as a natural alternative for addiction. The study found relieving effects for opium withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, head pain, fever, and insomnia.
[amazon box=”B00PM2T3N6″]
2. Eucalyptus
Acting as an expectorant, eucalyptus essential oil helps rid the body of damaging toxins. Moreover, it can reduce sinus pressure while clearing up the nasal cavity. That’s why eucalyptus is an excellent solution for sinus headaches.
A clinical trial outlined in Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine revealed that inhaling the oil directly can moderate blood pressure and reduce general pain. The trial evaluated over 50 patients who had recently undergone a total knee reconstruction operation. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, eucalyptus curbed edema formation while relaxing patients who experienced tension pain.
[amazon box=”B07SWQX5YS”]
3. Lavender
Typically referred to as a “gateway oil,” lavender is known for its mass variety of therapeutic properties. It can work as an anxiolytic, antidepressant, sedative catalyst, and calming agent. Furthermore, it is a great essential oil for relieving pain.
A recent study published in European Neurology discovered that applying lavender oil through various inhalation methods can help manage migraine headaches. In the placebo-controlled trial, patients inhaled lavender essential oil for 20 minutes while suffering from a migraine.
The participants then recorded the severity of their head pain for 2 hours, in 30-minute intervals. The results were astounding. 92 of the 129 cases responded either partially or entirely from the lavender.
[amazon box=”B005V22SEI”]
4. Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil provides a cooling effect when applied to the skin. In addition to curbing muscle contractions, this benefit helps stimulate blood flow in the forehead when applied to the skin topically.
Applying on the forehead and around the temples can impactfully relieve tension headaches. This process was resolved in a 1996 study that observed 164 “head pain” attacks from 40 different patients. After each individual headache occurred, peppermint was applied to the skin 15 and 30 minutes following.
The patients reported significant relief in their headache trials. Not to mention, the oil was highly tolerated and a more cost-averse solution to typical head pain therapies.
[amazon box=”B00P6O9KDS”]
Peppermint Oil Recipes for Headaches
Each of the oils above can work wonders for headaches and migraines. But you can further enhance your results by crafting your own essential oil blend. Here are a few basic blends to consider:
1. Topical Blend
Applying oils topically can provide more direct benefits that can last for a moderate amount of time.
To bolster circulation, mitigate pain, and ease tension, combine 2 drops of peppermint with a drop of rosemary (diluting with a carrier oil) and apply topically to your forehead, temples, and back of your neck.
2. Diffuser Blend
Diffusing oils is an easy way to gain sustained benefits for a prolonged period of time. Just run the diffuser in your home or office and gain the therapeutic benefits of essential oils for hours at a time.
To curb tension and ease head pain, run 3 drops of peppermint, 2 drops of lavender, and 2 drops of orange through your diffuser. The lavender in this blend will improve relaxation and the orange will provide uplifting benefits.
3. Portable Blend
A convenient way to gain the powerful, therapeutic benefits of essential oils is by diffusing on the go.
Depending on the portable diffuser accessory you have (such as the lava stone diffusers we offer in our online store), simply add 1 drop of peppermint and 1 drop of lavender to relieve your head pain while you’re out and about.
