We’ve all been there. Headaches are not only a pain in your head, but also in your neck to deal with. Unfortunately, I suffer from headaches on a regular basis. Be it from staring at my computer for too long, clenching my jaw or sleeping wrong, the headache is usually the first thing to attack.
Fortunately, I have found some essential oils for headaches, that help ease the pain and get me back to 100%. I have listed out some essential oil choices when it comes to headaches and migraines.
Headache Relief
Peppermint Essential Oil:
This is my favorite for getting rid of headaches. Peppermint is a natural pain reliever, so it makes sense that this wonderful essential oil will aid in ridding you of your headache. I simply apply a few drops of the essential oil to my finger tips, rub them together and then apply the oil to the area that needs it.
It doesn’t matter where the pain is; temples, sinuses, jaw or neck, apply the peppermint oil to any spot and within minutes you will notice the pain subsiding. Peppermint essential oil can also help ease the troublesome tension headaches that come about.
Remember to keep the oil away from any mucous membranes and don’t get too close to your eyes. Also, Peppermint can be stimulating for some, so use at bed time is not recommended.
Spearmint Essential Oil:
Spearmint will have close to the same benefits as the Peppermint essential oil. Some people prefer the aroma of Spearmint over Peppermint, it is has less menthol, so the aroma isn’t as strong. I have never used Spearmint for my headaches, but if you don’t like the aroma/effects of Peppermint, I suggest you try Spearmint instead.
Lavender Essential Oil:
Lavender would be the best essential oil to use for headaches that you get during the evening since Lavender is relaxing and has sedative properties. I prefer to use Lavender when I feel a headache coming on, to try to stop it in it tracks.
Lavender is anti-inflammatory, so if I think that the headache is brought on by certain muscles in my neck, I apply the Lavender to the area to alleviate the inflammation.
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil:
Chamomile will offer the same benefit as the Lavender essential oil. It is known to be relaxing and sedative, so Chamomile will also be a good one to use during the evening hours. It is also anti-inflammatory.
Migraine Relief
The essential oils I listed to help with headaches will also help with migraines. There are a few others that may assist you with migraine headaches:
Lemon Essential Oil:
If your migraine is stress or depression related, Lemon essential oil can help. Lemon has been known to have energizing and uplifting properties.
Rosemary and Marjoram:
These two essential oils increase circulation and blood flow to the capillaries. The benefit may give you some relief.
So there you have it. I have learned to rely on these essential oils to treat my headaches. I always use them before I make the decision to take any pain reliving medication. 9 times out of 10 these essential oils relieve me of my headache so there is no need to take any medication.
Please give them a try, if you have any others that you have used to help you with your headaches or migraines, please leave a comment below so they can be added to the list of Essential Oils for Headaches & Migraines.