When your head is pounding, and you want relief, give oils a try! Here are the best ways to use Essential Oils for Headaches safely and effectively.
Overview
Most everyone suffers from a headache from time to time. It can be difficult to get through the day you have a million and one things to do and your head is pounding.
According to the National Headache Foundation, there are at least two dozen type of headaches. Among the most common types of headaches are tension headaches and migraines. It is estimated that up to 80% of the population gets occasional tension headaches. Although migraines are less common, impacting just 12% of the population, they can be debilitating to the point that they require you to put your life on hold.
Luckily, essential oils for headaches can be very effective!
Important Note - When to See a Doctor Immediately:
Occasional headaches are one thing, but there are certain things that you don’t want to ignore. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should head to the doctor right away:
- You experience speech or vision problems or lose your balance.
- You have a high fever with a headache.
- You develop intense pain that comes on suddenly.
- You are disoriented and lethargic
- You suspect you are having a stroke.
- You suspect, for any reason, that what you are experiencing is more than just a standard headache. When in doubt, see a professional!
Why use Essential Oils for Headaches?
If you have been around here long, you know that I am not a big fan of taking medication unless something serious is going on. While there can be a time and place for pain relievers, they do not come without risks. They can cause stomach distress, gastric damage and are very hard on your liver. This is why it is important to know how to treat non-serious issues naturally.
The Best Essential Oils for Headaches
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Peppermint
- If you had to pick a single oil to use for your headaches, the best essential oil for headache relief is peppermint. According to a study of Germany, peppermint essential oil may work just as well on headaches as acetaminophen.In addition to using peppermint in essential oil blends for headaches, try these methods.
- Place 1 drop of peppermint on your thumb. Press to the roof of your mouth every 30 minutes.
- Massage the back and neck with diluted peppermint oil and then place a warm moist compress on top of the area for 15 minutes.
- Try a self-massage. Dilute 3 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil in a ½ ounce of carrier oil. Dip your thumbs into the blend and then clasp your hands behind your head. Place your thumbs on the spot where the neck muscles attach to the skull and massage.
- For a sinus headache with congestion, put 10 drops on the floor of a steamy shower and inhale deeply.
- If you had to pick a single oil to use for your headaches, the best essential oil for headache relief is peppermint. According to a study of Germany, peppermint essential oil may work just as well on headaches as acetaminophen.In addition to using peppermint in essential oil blends for headaches, try these methods.
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Basil
- Sweet Basil (Basil Linalool) is especially effect at dealing with stress or tension headaches. It is also a fabulous digestive aid, which can be beneficial if a headache is accompanied by an upset stomach.
- To use, mix 2 drops basil and 2 drops lavender with a ½ ounce of cream or carrier oil. Rub on the neck and temples.
- Sweet Basil (Basil Linalool) is especially effect at dealing with stress or tension headaches. It is also a fabulous digestive aid, which can be beneficial if a headache is accompanied by an upset stomach.
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Bergamot
- Bergamot is also good and helping with tension related headaches. It is an analgesic and antispasmodic, and is also calming to the nervous system. It works well in a massage oil to soothe tension.
- To use, mix 3 drops with ½ ounce of carrier oil and massage the neck and shoulders. Please not that Bergamot is a phototoxic oil and you should avoid direct sunlight for 24 hours after applying.
- Bergamot is also good and helping with tension related headaches. It is an analgesic and antispasmodic, and is also calming to the nervous system. It works well in a massage oil to soothe tension.
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Frankincense
- Frankincense has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is a good choice for all types of headaches, and can also help to reduce tension in the neck muscles.
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Grapefruit
- Grapefruit contains analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and cooling properties. It is helpful in headache and pain blends. It has a sparkling aroma that is very uplifting and energizing. This is perfect for when you have a headache and need to power through your day, but not a good idea if you are trying to go to sleep. Grapefruit should always be well diluted as it can cause skin irritation if left undiluted. (Use extra care if you are using older oils as Grapefruit can oxidize leading to greater skin irritation.) Grapefruit is phototoxic you should avoid direct sunlight for 24 hours after applying.
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Ho Wood
- Ho Wood is anti-inflammatory and is fabulous blended with Lavender to get relief from headache discomfort. Blend it with a carrier oil and rub onto the back of the neck, throat, and shoulders at the first sign of a headache.
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Lavender
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Thanks to the anti-inflammatory and sedative compounds, lavender is one of the best oils for migraines. For best results, dilute in a carrier oil and massage on the neck, shoulders, and temples. If you have someone available that is willing to give you a foot massage, this can be immensely helpful since the feet contain pressure points that can be effective at relieving pain.
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Ravintsara
- Ravintsara increase blood flow to the head and also has analgesic and antispasmodic properties. It is great for reducing the pain of headaches. Ravintsara can also help to soothe anxiety and stress. It should not be used in children under 10 years old.
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Roman Chamomile
- Roman Chamomile is Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic. It is also calming to the central nervous system, and can help to reduce anxiety. It is a gentle oil that is safe to use on children.
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Spike Lavender
- Spike Lavender is fabulous for headaches thanks to the 1,8 cineole content! It offers great circulatory effect, is an analgesic, and is anti inflammatory.
- Spike Lavender is fabulous for headaches thanks to the 1,8 cineole content! It offers great circulatory effect, is an analgesic, and is anti inflammatory.
The Quality of The Essential Oils You Use Matters!
After looking closely at the quality, purity, and ethics of so many companies, I've fallen in love with both the company and their oils. They have a large line of organic oils and are serious about safety. Every single batch is tested to ensure purity!
Read my full Plant Therapy Review for why they are my go-to company.
Essential Oil for Headache Relief Recipes
Basic Massage Blend - Good for All Types of Headaches
Essential Oils for Headache Relief Massage Blend
Ingredients
- 2 drops peppermint
- 2 drops Spike lavender
- 2 drops frankincense
- 1 teaspoon carrier oil
Instructions
- Blend oils and carrier oil in a small dish.
- Apply to temples, forehead, and back of the neck as often as needed.
Easing Migraines with Essential Oils
Essential Oils for Migraines
Ingredients
- 6 drop lavender
- 1 ounce carrier oil
Instructions
- Blend together essential oils and carrier oils.
- Dab under your nose and inhale deeply.
- You may also use an essential oil diffuser to diffuse lavender.
Tame Tension Headaches with Essential Oils
Essential Oils for Tension Headaches
Ingredients
- 6 drops lavender
- 2 drops Roman chamomile
- 1 tablespoon carrier oil
Instructions
- Combine lavender, Roman chamomile and carrier oil in a small dish.
- Massage the base of skull, hairline, neck, shoulders and upper back with the blend.
- Place a hot pack at the base of the neck and shoulders.
- You may also alternate with a cold pack on the temples.
Notes
Tip for Tension Headaches
Tension headed can be caused by overtaxed muscles in the neck and shoulders. Try texting less! Angling your head over your phone can put up to 50 pounds additional pressure on your spine, as compared to when your head is upright.Get Relief From Sinus Headaches
Sinus Headache Relief Blend
Ingredients
- 4 drops Spike lavender
- 4 drops Frankincense
- 2 drops Eucalyptus globulus
- 1 drop Peppermint
Instructions
- Combine the oils together.
- Put a drop on your hands and inhale deeply.
- Dilute the remaining blend with a drop of a carrier oil and rub on your shoulders, neck, and feet.
Natural Remedies for Headaches
- Did you know that cayenne can help with migraine pain? A study in the journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology found that capsaicin in nasal spray form reduces migraine pain.
- Ever heart of butterbur? Yeah, me neither. If you have migraines, you will want to learn all about it. Studies show that after taking it for three to four months people experienced a reduced frequency of migraine attacks. The plant contains a compound called petasin which is believed to be extremely anti-inflammatory. “I’ve had patients get off their migraine prescriptions after taking butterbur,” says Aaron Michelfelder, professor of family medicine and bioethics at Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine.
- Talk to your doctor about two newly FDA approved gadgets for migraines. Cefaly is a band you wear across your forehead for 20 minutes a day. It uses electrical signals to stimulate nerves in the head. SpringTMS is a device you hold to the back of your head at the onset of pain. It uses magnetic energy to stimulate the nerves.
- Some evidence suggests that biofeedback is effective and managing migraines.
- Consider Osteopathy! Just what is it you ask? According to the Australian Osteopathic Association, it can be defined as “a form of manual medicine which recognizes the important link between the structure of the body and the way it functions. Osteopathy focus on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function as a holistic unit.” It has been reported as being effective at treating a wide range of conditions, including migraines.
- Consider if gluten is a problem for you. A review paper in The New England Journal of Medicine listed 55 “diseases” that can be caused by eating gluten. Migraines were among them.
- Supplement with magnesium. Most people don’t get enough, and it is believed that this could be a factor most common headaches too.
Have you used essential oils for headaches? Please share your experience!
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Lavandamichelle.
I have to get some peppermint essential o. Thanks for sharing and it seems to do the trick.
Khushboo
I suffer from migraines pretty regularly and I find peppermint oil to be the most soothing.
Joanna
This post is very useful. I don't get headaches but I do get migraines every few years. I have tried every medication out there and nothing helps. But I didn't think of essential oils before, that they could help relief the pain.
Marissa Zurfluh
I love using oils for my ailments. They really work wonders for my headaches.
Sarah Bailey
Thank you so much for this - I am going to have to try and make a blend up as I do get awful headaches.
Wendy Polisi
I hope it helps you as much as it does me!
Fatima Torres
I've always been amazed by how much you can use essential oils for. More so for when you're not feeling well.
Aduke Schulist
I need to try some of these. I have been having headaches a lot lately.
Garf
I have been hearing good things about essential oils. I need to give them a try.
Ava
My Uncle is suffering from migraine problem.
And he always keep lavender oil with him and it really help him to recover from his migraine headache.
I'll surely suggest him about the remaining three oil peppermint, Frankincense and Roman Chamomile. Thanks for sharing this with us 🙂
Kelly
I took prescription meds for my migraines most of my adult life. In 2008, I started weaning myself off using frankincense, peppermint, and lavender. After 6 months (a full year for other meds), my body was free from dependence on the migraine meds and responding to the essential oils!
I learned to keep a “migraine kit” ready to go sothe pain could be attended to quicker. I put peppermint on my temples, across my forehead, on the pain area, across the back of my neck, on the soft spots behind my ears, and on the roof of my mouth using the thumb pressure method. When it’s debilitating, I spray peppermint all over my head.
I also use frank behind my ears and under my tongue. I diffuse peppermint, lavender, and lemon by my bedside with heat around my neck and an ice pack on the pain.
I used to get three types of migraines, but after weaning off the meds, and lessening my dairy and gluten, I only get one kind now. I’m super grateful I tried quality essential oils in 2008!
Terri Bargerhuff
I make a 10ml migraine roller(actually about 3 of them, so I always have one wherever I am) with about 20 drops peppermint, 10 each of Lavendar and Frankincense. Then I add fractionated coconut oil(any carrier oil will work). I roll it on my temple, forehead, and on the back of my neck and down to my should(mine are always on the right aide) about every 30 minutes. This totally keeps me functioning until I can lay down with an ice pack!
MPaula
Here's an idea for sinus headaches. Put eucalyptus, lavender and, according to your list above, peppermint, essential oils in a carrier oil. Rub it onto the edges of the orbital bones above and below your eyes - be careful not to get any in your eyes - and under your cheekbones to spread the oil.. Then press on pressure points all along the edges of the bones - on the underside of the upper bones and cheekbones and the upper side of the lower orbit.
You can work on both sides at the same time using either the tips of your index or pointer fingers. Start near the nose and work outward; press fingers tips in one spot for 2-3 seconds then move just 1 fingertip along and repeat until you come to the outside edge of the bone. Once again sweep your fingers along the bone from inside out.
You can use the same preparation to stimulate the lung area on your feet. Rub the oil on your feet. Work on one foot at a time. Put your thumb on top of the foot; use all four fingers underneath. "Inch" your fingers across the ball of your foot. Use as much pressure as you can; repeat as desired.
Wendy: please evaluate for clarity. I have never written such instructions before. I graduated from a program in Massage and Hydrotherapy in Ontario, Canada. I was regestered to practice for several years but that was many years ago.
Wendy Polisi
Thanks so much for sharing this with us! Sinus headaches are the type I get most frequently and I will for sure try this next time I get one. Lately I've found that eucalyptus is something my body really responds to.