From stress to hormonal surges to allergies to dehydration to low blood sugar, headaches can make an appearance when we least expect it. What is important is finding a safe and effective way to treat those headaches.
Some of us are not fans of taking pills and would prefer to pursue a more natural approach to relieving a headache.
Are you looking for a natural way to treat a nagging headache? Good news, there are multiple ways to natural cure a headache.
Essential oils are an excellent alternative therapy for treating a headache and ranks highly among those who prefer to lead a naturalist life. Also, if you are one who prefers to leverage a combination therapy approach, essential oils are a fantastic augmentation or supplemental treatment.
These natural agents can treat various types of headaches including migraine headaches, tension headaches, and sinus headaches to name a few. Essential oils are particularly useful because they generally go to the source of the problem thanks to their unique ability to stimulate chemical releases in the brain that can generate feelings of calm, address pain, reduce stress, regulate hormonal surges, and improve circulation.
You can apply many of these oils topically, but many experts recommend using a diffuser when possible for best results.
There are several essential oils that relieve symptoms associated with headaches. Finding the best oil for your needs will vary person to person, but do not be afraid to spend time discovering the essential oil that works best for you. Here are five essential oils that provide headache relief.
Lavender
Lavender essential oil promotes relaxation and soothes our senses, enabling us to release pent-up tension and stress –all symptoms that can contribute to a throbbing headache. It functions as an anti-anxiety, antidepressant, sedative, and calming agent.
You can use this oil as a component of aromatherapy, or you may use it as a topical oil with dilution. Lavender oil is particularly useful in relieving migraine headaches. You can massage this oil into the temples and the back of your neck to treat symptoms.
Rosemary
Rosemary essential oil aids in the reduction of pain and helps to relieve tension. Rosemary oil is an excellent natural stress reducing agent. Studies show that rosemary oil not only reduces tension but acts as a natural analgesic which helps to treat pain. Also, it can demolish other symptoms that may accompany headaches such as nausea and insomnia.
Peppermint
When applied to the forehead, peppermint oil delivers a cooling sensation, stimulating circulation, and reducing muscle contractions. Peppermint oil is especially useful in treating tension headaches (American Family Physician). You can apply peppermint oil to your wrists, forehead or temples.
Eucalyptus
Apply eucalyptus oil to the tip of your nose, chest, and temples to aid in relieving sinus tension while also opening your nasal passages. Eucalyptus has a rich history and reputation for getting the necessary results that help to reduce inflammation and eliminate blockage that accompanies sinus problems.
Oregano
Oregano oil can help to cure mild headaches as well as migraines. Its chemical ingredient carvacrol acts as a potent anti-inflammatory agent which aids in rapid relief. You can take this oil orally by placing a few drops beneath your tongue or apply it topically. Of course, when consuming any essential oil, make sure it is intended for oral consumption.
Best Essential Oil Synergy Blend to Relieve Headaches in Kids
Knockin’ Noggin KidSafe Essential Oil Blend from Plant Therapy is specially formulated to soothe headaches in kids.
Tension & Head Stress Relief Blend Recipe:
Ingredients
1 Tbsp Carrier Oil
2 drops Lavender Essential Oil
2 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
1 drop Peppermint Essential Oil
How to Use Essential Oils to Soothe Your Headache
The easiest way to soothe your headache is by adding a few drops of any one of the oils or blends above in your diffuser. Switch the diffuser on, sit back, and inhale the aroma of the oil.
If you do not have a diffuser, put a few drops of the oil on a tissue, hold it up to your face, and inhale the aroma. Be careful not to touch the tissue to your mouth or face.
Topical application is also very effective. Mix 2-3 drops of your chosen oil with a carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond, and gently massage your temples and forehead. The aroma of the oil and the massage both work together to soothe your headache.
There is substantial research to show each of these oils is useful. Each of these oils has strong inflammatory and analgesic properties that help to soothe a headache. You have the option to use each of these oils topically or orally. Next time you have a headache, try one of these oils for relief.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using any natural medication or if you experience any unusual symptoms. See Full Disclaimer here.
