Previously we were trying effective home remedies to relieve a headache and lifestyle tips but this time I am going to talk about how to use essential oils for migraine. There are some essential oils that can help relieve or prevent a migraine without the need to ingest pain medication.
Headaches may be due to many factors but it is important to find in each case the underlying cause. So depending on the type of a headache we can recommend a particular essential oil.
Most of these essential oils have the ability to reduce inflammation, swelling and pain. But many of our headaches are caused by stress or anxiety so in these cases, it is especially recommended to use oils also with soothing and relaxing effect like Lavender essential oil. When a headache is caused by poor blood flow essential oils like Rosemary or Peppermint can improve blood circulation to your brain and relieve mental fatigue.
If you are suffering a headache caused by tension, an antispasmodic essential oil like Basil will help to relax your tight muscles. To treat a sinus headache try essential oils like Eucalyptus or Peppermint because opens the nasal airways and eliminates sinus pressure.
How to get rid of a headache with essential oils:
Lavender essential oil (Lavandula Angustifolia): is a sedative that relieves stress and anxiety, and headaches caused by tension. Lavender oil can increase the release of serotonin and as a result produce a calming effect. Contains high percentage of esters (linalyl acetate), and therefore, has anti-inflammatory properties. Also has antispasmodic properties.
Suitable oil to use with children. The ideal choice to soothe headaches during the evening or night.
Topically: Lavender oil can be safely applied directly without to dilute to the back of neck, temples and wrists to relieve stress or tension headaches.
Inhaled: Add a few drops (up to 4-6) of the lavender essential oil into a bowl of hot water and inhale up to 10 minutes. Drape a towel over your head, and take deep breaths directly above the water.
Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil: Recommended to treat a sinus headache because opens the nasal airways and eliminates sinus pressure that can lead to a headache or migraine attack. Contains Cineole that acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Can decrease pain and blood pressure.
Topically: Dilute two drops of eucalyptus oil with a teaspoon (5 ml) of carrier oil like almond or olive oil, and apply it topically to the chest, back of the neck, temples and forehead.
Inhaled: Add a few drops (up to 4-6) of the Eucalyptus essential oil into a bowl of hot water and inhale up to 10 minutes.
Rosemary essential oil (Rosmarinus Officinalis): recommended to treat headaches caused by poor blood circulation because improves blood and oxygen circulation in your system. Considered a very good oil for stimulating the brain and improving memory, mental fatigue and nervous exhaustion. Also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Topically: Mix two drops of rosemary oil with one teaspoon (5 ml) of coconut oil, and rub it into the temples, forehead and back of neck to reduce headache pain.
Inhaled: Add a few drops (up to 4-6) of the Rosemary essential oil into a bowl of hot water and inhale up to 10 minutes.
Peppermint essential oil: Recommended to treat headaches due to poor blood flow. Peppermint contains Menthol that works by opening the clogged blood vessels which cause headaches and improves blood flow.
Has soothing and relaxing effect, can ease tension headaches and muscular aches and pains. Also opens up the sinuses so that more oxygen can get into the bloodstream.
Topically: Dilute two drops of peppermint oil with a teaspoon (5 ml) of coconut oil or olive oil and massage onto your temples, the back of your jaw, and forehead.
Inhaling: Add three to four drops of peppermint essential oil into a bowl of hot water and inhale up to 10 minutes.
Do not use during the evening hours as it can interfere with your sleep.
Cloves Bud (Eugenia Caryophyllata):effective in relieving headaches due to tension. Contains Eugenol, a component that may decrease swelling (inflammation) and pain because has analgesic action. Clove oil also contains many flavonoids which are anti-inflammatory agents. It also has a stimulating effect on the brain function and removes mental exhaustion and fatigue.
Topically: Simply massage the forehead and temples with two drops of clove oil in a tablespoon of carrier oil
Note: undiluted clove oil can cause damage and burns
Basil essential oil (Ocimum Basilicum):The oil works as a muscle relaxant (antispasmodic) so it is especially helpful for headaches caused by tension and tight muscles. Due to the calming nature prevents nervous tension and mental fatigue by stimulating blood flow. It is an analgesic and provides relief from pain
Topically: Dilute one drop of basil oil in a teaspoon (5 ml) of base oil and massage the forehead and temples with it.
*Note:For kids the dilution recommended is 1%: 1 drop of Essential Oil per 5 ml of carrier oil
