Headache might be very debilitating. To find a relief is vital especially if we talk about our loved ones. To live with pain is not OK.

Is there natural relief for headaches?

Let us find out.

Headaches are very uncomfortable and painful. It is important to find out the immediate cause. It could be fatigue, pollution, eye strain, tension, lifestyle.

Headaches can be due to stress and anxiety, muscle tension and eye-strain, allergy, hunger and dehydration, sinus pressure and fever, hormonal imbalance, trauma to the head, nutritional deficiencies, drugs, pollution.

According to the causes, headaches are divided into three groups:

Vascular headaches

These headaches include migraines.

Muscular contraction headaches

These are the most common headaches which are brought on by muscular tension.

Inflammatory headaches

These indicate underlying pathology and infection in the central nervous system.

Where do headaches come from?

The pain of a headache comes from outside the brain. The brain tissue does not have sensory nerves. Pain arises from the scalp, its blood vessels, and muscles when they are stretched or tensed.

Therefore, headache is a tension which is connected to the neck, eyes, teeth, or other structures.

Head and neck muscles are especially vulnerable to the effect of emotional stress. When we worry or are stressed, we tend to clench the jaws and tighten the neck.

Trigger points in the muscles of the neck and head can refer pain to the head.

Therapeutic essential oils due to their analgesic, anti-inflammatory and calming qualities may be your natural relief for Headaches. The best method of application might be a massage.

The most effective essential oils to treat headaches are Lavender, Peppermint and Rosemary. Before choosing essential oils to treat a headache it is helpful to find the cause of the headache.

If the cause is a long period of mental effort, you might use Rosemary essential oil.

If anxiety and stress – try Lavender essential oil.

If a Headache is associated with allergies and sinus congestion Roman Chamomile and Eucalyptus may help.

Application

Now that we know what oils we can use it is important to know how to apply them. Although massage is very relaxing for tension, it is not always the best option. Massage can aggravate a headache. Then the best option will be inhalation.

There are some essential oils that may relieve headaches in a safe way. These oils possess analgesic properties. Of those the most effective are Lavender and Peppermint.

Rosemary essential oil is helpful as it clears the head and relieves pain when the Headache is a result of mental effort. Lavender and Peppermint, separately or together, can be rubbed on the temples (just a drop) or used in a cold compress. It is worth knowing, that lavender has a quality to enhance the action of other oils. Also, Lavender is soothing, and Peppermint is a stimulant which is a useful combination to kill pain.

If a headache is caused by sinus infection, inhalation with Lavender, Peppermint, Eucalyptus or Rosemary may help relieve the headache and congestion, which is the cause of the pain. The essential oils are antiseptic and will relieve the symptoms of respiratory infection.

Most headaches have an immediate cause. It can be fatigue, stuffy air, eye strain, tension. Headaches can appear with no reason, and it needs to be given a careful thought. Think about a lifestyle, diet, or environment.

Essential oils that can act as natural relief for headaches

  • Cajeput (local analgesic)
  • Roman Chamomile (anti-inflammatory)
  • Clary Sage (antispasmodic and sedative)
  • Eucalyptus (analgesic, anti-inflammatory)
  • Frankincense (alleviates nervous tension)
  • Lavender (antiseptic, harmonising on nervous system)
  • Lemon (energising, antispasmodic)
  • Sweet Marjoram (analgesic, vasodilator)
  • Peppermint (analgesic, stimulant)
  • Rosemary (analgesic, stimulant)
  • Thyme (antispasmodic, stimulant).

As you can see there are plenty of ways to get natural relief for headaches. Depending on the cause of the pain one can choose an essential oil that shows the suitable action.

I would like to add that the choice of the essential oil is very individual and sometimes calming or energising essential oils may provide help. Whether it is a single essential oil or a blend you can carry it in a 5 or 10ml bottle and inhale at your convenience. Another way will be to use the oils in an aromatherapy necklace or just a drop on your clothing.

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