Most people who have headaches have a "bag of tricks" they consider to be essential to their survival. I know I do. One thing I have in my collection are essential oils.
I am at the beginning of my essential oil journey, but I have found 3 very common and simple oils that help my head pain.
1. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is good for headaches as it has a cooling sensation when it comes in contact with the skin. It helps relax the muscles of the head and neck. It can also clear nasal passages and calm nerves which helps if it is a sinus or tension headache.
This is my "go to" oil when I feel a tension headache or migraine coming on. I place a little carrier oil in my palm and place 2-3 drops in, mix it up and rub it over my temples.
I also carry a vial with me and take a "whiff" when I feel a headache coming on. The key for me is I MUST do it as soon as I "feel" the headache coming, if I wait, it does not do much good.
You can also put a couple drops on a cool compress and apply it to your forehead to help with the pain.
Peppermint oil is not recommended for use while pregnant.
2. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has a strong effect on the nervous system causing a sedative or calming effect.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
I find lavender works best when I am getting ready to "lay down" during an attack. Again, I place carrier oil in my palm and add 3-4 drops mix it together and rub it on my temples and on the back of my neck.
Many people like to diffuse lavender oil during an attack. I haven't gotten into "diffusing" oils yet, but I read many great things about it, so I imagine I will soon!
3. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil can soothe and relax muscles, but it can also help clear nasal passages, making it a great oil for sinus headaches.
I use this oil when I am having a sinus headache. I do the same with the carrier oil, but I put it on my temples, and a tiny bit under my nose.
Other Oils
I reached out to the world of Twitter to find out what types of oils others find helpful with headaches. Here are 3 more to add to your "bag of tricks".
Lemon
Clary Sage
Frankincense
Carrier Oils
Since I am pretty new to essential oils, I usually just use some of my cooking olive oil as a carrier oil. From my research though, olive oil is not the best choice, so it seems I need to invest in another more suitable carrier oil.
I would love to know the essential oils you use for headache relief! Let me know some in the comments below.
** Of note: While the use of essential oils helps many people during migraine attacks, some find the smells are too overwhelming and can lead to making the pain worse. So, if you are new to oils, start slow**
Sources Cited:
Labels: Chronic Headaches, Migraine, My Headache Chronicles, Tips & Tricks
