28 Jul 5 Essential Oils for Headaches and Migraine
Our lives today are all about the hustle culture and being hyper productive. The direct consequence of this is stress and accompanying ‘lifestyle diseases’. One of the most common complaints is headaches and migraines. In this article we explore how essential oils and aromatherapy can help with headaches and migraines.
Ironically, while headaches are caused by stress at work they are also among the leading factors that hamper productivity. More than half of the world’s adult population suffers from frequent headaches. So much so that WHO (World Health Organization) has coined the term ‘headache disorders’.
Headaches are of different kinds: migraine, Tension-type Headache (TTH), or Cluster Headache (CH). While migraine is a headache of severe to moderate intensity, TTH is the most common headache disorder, followed by CH.
Not only are headaches painful they are also debilitating and tiring. There is a huge personal and economic cost of headaches at the workplace. Most people opt for over-the-counter medications which unfortunately have their own side-effects over time, when taken regularly. Meditation, exercise, a healthy diet, and alternative ways can help with headaches. Along with these ways, essential oils have also reportedly been found helpful.
How to use aromatherapy for headaches and migraines?
Aromatherapy involves the use of natural oils, also known as ‘essential oils’ (as they capture the essence of the plants they are derived from). Essential oils are used in different ways such as massages, topically, or through diffusion so that they are inhaled or absorbed by the skin.
Remember, that you must never use essential oils directly on the skin. Always dilute with suitable carrier oils such as coconut, jojoba, or olive. You must also avoid ingesting them. Keep in mind that with essential oils less is more. Just a few drops of these miracle liquids are enough. This is because essential oils are highly concentrated and potent in nature.
You can use essential oils in different ways to get relief from headaches and migraines. Some of the popular ways include:
- diffusing,
- cold compress towels,
- hot baths, and
- massage oils.
Which essential oils help with headaches and migraine?
Different essential oils have different effects and benefits. Here are our top recommendations for essential oils that can help with headaches and migraines relief.
1. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil contains menthol which has a cooling sensation. Dab a little Peppermint oil diluted with some coconut oil on your temples. It will bring balm-like relief from that throbbing headache.
2. Rosemary Oil
This essential oil is often called a ‘miracle oil’ owing to its healing properties. Rosemary essential oil is popular in folk medicine as a stress relieving oil. Many people have reported that it has excellent pain-relieving qualities.
Diffuse Rosemary or massage your scalp with the oil combined with some coconut oil. Not only will you feel refreshed but also will your hair by shiny and smooth.
3. Eucalyptus Oil
One of the most popular essential oils for diffusing for colds and congestion, Eucalyptus oil proves wondrous for relief from a heavy head or migraines. Besides diffusing you can also apply it diluted topically on your forehead and pulse points.
Its cooling sensation and woody fragrance have a deeply relaxing quality that will certainly make you feel better.
4. Chamomile Oil
Chamomile is a wonderfully powerful essential oil that helps reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Hence, it is particularly useful for headaches caused by stress and tension.
Add a few drops of Chamomile essential oil to a bath or to hot water and inhale the steam. You can also create a cold compress towel by adding a few drops of the oil to cold water and place the towel on your head and neck.
5. Lavender Oil
If your headache is caused by all work and no play, Lavender is your go-to. This delicious-smelling essential oil can uplift your spirits and soothe your senses. Many people have reported relief from headaches and migraines by simply inhaling Lavender essential oil.
Diffuse Lavender essential oil and sip your comfort beverage of choice as you feel that headache fade away.
While you can use each of the above-mentioned #EssentialOils individually, there’s nothing stopping you from experimenting and creating your own unique blends too.
So go ahead and handle those headaches through the magic of aromatherapy. Not only will you be saving yourself from the side-effects of medication, but you will also end up truly having a wonderful sensuous experience!
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