Essential oils for headache

Essential oils for headache

There are many essential oils which can be used to relieve headaches. Two of the analgesic oils which seem to be most effective are lavender and peppermint, either separately or in combination. Rosemary is another essential oil which clears the head and relieves pain, especially if the headache follows a period of mental effort.

Lavender can be rubbed neat on the temples (just a drop) or made into a cold compress and applied to the temples, forehead or back of the neck. Lavender has the ability to enhance the action of other essential oils when it is used in blends.

If the headache is caused by catarrh or sinus infection, inhalations with lavender, peppermint, rosemary, or eucalyptus essential oils help both to relieve the headache and clear the congestion that is causing it. All these essential oils are antiseptic and will fight nasal infection as well as relieving symptoms.

Some of headaches can be traced to a cause such as fatigue and our synergistic blend Fatigue Free will be a possible solution as the essential oils included are basil, rosemary, lemon and peppermint where basil shows analgesic, antispasmodic and antiseptic properties as well as lemon is an excellent tonic for the circulatory system and can help overcome mental fatigue. This synergistic blend is especially helpful for people who cannot stand lavender essential oil.

One of the best essential oils to relieve a headache is frankincense. It helps to calm inflammation around the head and neck, while also inspiring the feeling of being calm and peaceful.

Headaches are a common symptom that may be due to a wide variety of causes including stress, tension, anxiety, allergies, eyestrain, sinus pressure, muscle tension, hormonal imbalance, trauma, nutritional deficiencies, the use of alcohol, fever, and dehydration.

The most effective essential oils for headaches are lavender, peppermint and rosemary. But it is important to identify the cause of the headache before selecting the essential oils and method of application.

If a headache has been triggered by a long period of mental effort, then rosemary essential oil will be the best aromatherapy treatment.

If a headache is associated with anxiety and stress it should be treated with lavender essential oil.

If a headache is associated with allergies and sinus congestion, then Roman chamomile and eucalyptus will be the best solution.

The method of application is equally important. Massage may aggravate a headache but compress or inhalation would be more suitable.

Migraine headaches may be treated by cold compresses with peppermint and lavender essential oils. Many migraines occur due to restricted blood supply to the brain, and hot or warm compresses with sweet marjoram or lavender on the back of the neck will increase the blood flow to the head. Sweet marjoram is a vasodilator, and warmth itself also helps.

There are many essential oils for headache but there are also many causes of headache. Another very important factor is the aroma. If you like the aroma of the chosen essential oil for headache, than your brain recognises the smell through the odorant receptors of the olfactory system as a pleasant experience.