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8 Essential Oils For Headache You Must Try

Essential Oils For Headache
Contents

OVERVIEW

Can essential oils help a headache? Many people get headaches now and then, from a dull ache to a severe, throbbing pain. Migraine is also common, affecting millions of people. Staying hydrated, sleeping well and eating regular meals can help prevent some headaches, and some people also try aromatherapy.

Evidence for essential oils is limited. A few oils, mainly peppermint and lavender, have small studies behind them, while most others have little or none. Effects vary from person to person, and some people simply find the scent relaxing.

People use essential oils for many kinds of headache, such as tension headache, throbbing headache, stress headache, migraine, hormonal headache and dehydration headache. They are not a substitute for medical care.

See a doctor if your headaches are frequent or getting worse. Get emergency care for a sudden, very severe headache, or a headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, weakness, vision loss or trouble speaking.

Essential oil safety

  • Never swallow essential oils.
  • Dilute them in a carrier oil before putting them on skin, and test a small patch first.
  • Keep them away from the eyes and out of reach of children and pets.
  • Don't use peppermint or eucalyptus oil on or near the face of babies and young children, since menthol can affect their breathing.
  • Ask your doctor before using essential oils if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have asthma.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR HEADACHE

Here are oils people commonly use, and what is known about them.

  • Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is the best-studied oil for tension-type headache. A limited amount of evidence suggests that peppermint oil applied to the skin might relieve tension headaches. It can cause skin rashes or irritation in some people.

To use it, mix a few drops with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil. Gently rub a small amount on your forehead and temples, keeping it away from your eyes. It is one of the best-supported essential oils for headache.

Some people also put one or two drops on a tissue or cotton pad and breathe in the scent.

  • Lavender Oil:

If you have migraines, there's some early research on lavender. In a small 2012 trial, people who inhaled lavender oil for 15 minutes during a migraine reported more pain relief than those who inhaled a placebo.

That was one small study, so lavender should not replace migraine medicine your doctor recommends. If you try it, inhale the scent, or massage diluted oil into your neck and shoulders. Lavender can cause allergic skin reactions in some people.

  • Geranium Oil

Hormone changes around a period can trigger headaches in some women, along with symptoms like breast tenderness and bloating. Some people rub diluted geranium oil on the abdomen for relaxation.

There is no good evidence that geranium oil relieves premenstrual or hormonal headaches. If your headaches follow your cycle, talk to your doctor about treatments that are known to work.

  • Orange Or Tangerine Oil

One common cause of headaches is not drinking enough fluids, known as a dehydration headache. The treatment is to drink water and rest. Symptoms usually improve as you rehydrate.

Some people like to add a couple of drops of orange or tangerine oil to a bowl of water, soak a cloth in it, and place the cool compress on their forehead. Don't drink water with essential oil in it. There is no research showing citrus oils treat headaches, and some citrus oils can irritate skin or make it more sensitive to sunlight.

  • Lavender, Neroli or Citrus Oil, Best Essential Oils for Headache

Many people get headaches when they are stressed. Along with standard pain relievers, some people find calming scents such as lavender, neroli or citrus oils help them relax.

Essential Oils For Headache

To try it, put a couple of drops of diluted oil on your palms or a tissue and breathe in slowly and deeply. Also drink plenty of water and rest.

  • Blend of Different Oils:

Some people mix lavender, peppermint and rosemary oils, hoping to combine their effects. There are no good studies on such blends for headache.

If you make a blend, use only a few drops of each oil in a carrier oil such as coconut, almond or olive oil, and shake well. Inhale the scent or apply a small amount to your temples or neck.

  • Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is often promoted for tension headache, stress headache and migraine, but there is no reliable evidence that it relieves headaches. If you try it, dilute it first and apply a small amount to your temples or neck.

  • Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil is sometimes used for headaches linked to a stuffy nose. Use it only in diluted form on the skin, never swallow it, and keep it away from young children, since it can be poisonous if swallowed.

THE FINAL WORDS

Almost everyone gets a headache at some point. Peppermint and lavender oils have some early evidence and may help some people, while most other oils are untested.

Use essential oils safely, diluted and never by mouth, and see a doctor for headaches that are severe, frequent or come with other worrying symptoms.

Sources

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