Best Essential Oils for Headaches & How To Use Them

Essential oils for headaches offer a gentle yet effective way to soothe the throbbing pain leaving you feeling refreshed and re-energized.

Headaches can be caused by various reasons from persistent stress and tension to dehydration, lack of sleep, allergies, or hormonal imbalance.

When using essential oils for headache relief, the key is to know which oils are best for different types of headaches. Knowing how to use essential oils for headaches the right way is equally important.

The Power Of Essential Oils For Headache Relief

Essential oils, extracted from various plant parts, have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties. These concentrated plant essences contain a variety of compounds that can have a profound effect on both physical and emotional well-being.

Many essential oils have been shown to possess pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and stress-reducing qualities, making them promising solutions for alleviating headache symptoms.

Pain Relief and Relaxation: Many essential oils possess analgesic properties that can help alleviate headache pain. They can promote relaxation and reduce muscle tension, which often contribute to tension headaches.

Reduced Inflammation: Inflammation plays a significant role in many types of headaches. Essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce swelling and irritation, providing relief from headache symptoms.

Stress Reduction: Stress is a common trigger for headaches. Essential oils known for their stress-reducing qualities, such as lavender and chamomile, can help calm the mind and body, reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches.

Improved Blood Circulation: Certain essential oils can help improve blood flow to the head and neck, promoting oxygenation and reducing inflammation. This can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with headaches.

Below you’ll find some of the best essential oils for headaches and how to use them.

Lavender: Best Essential Oil For Stress Headaches

Lavender essential oil is renowned for its calming and analgesic properties, making it a popular choice for headache relief.

Its active compounds, including linalool and linalyl acetate, have been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and muscle tension, all of which can contribute to headaches. Lavender is the best essential oil for stress headaches.

In a clinical trial, migraine sufferers who inhaled the scent of lavender experienced less severe migraine headaches than those who inhaled a placebo. The study concluded that inhaling lavender essential oil may be safe and effective in the acute management of migraine and stress headaches.

Peppermint: Best Essential Oil For Tension Headaches

Peppermint essential oil offers a cooling and invigorating effect, helping to alleviate tension headaches. Its active ingredient, menthol, can stimulate blood flow to the head and reduce inflammation, providing temporary relief from pain and discomfort.

Peppermint is the best essential oil for tension headaches. This menthol-rich oil is particularly effective for headaches caused by extreme tension, sinusitis, and hangovers.

From its pleasant minty aroma to its immensely cooling sensation and pain-relief properties, menthol works several different ways to provide headache relief.

The pleasant menthol aroma of peppermint essential oil is immensely refreshing, uplifting, and energizing. This makes the oil a particularly great option for daytime headache relief as it also helps boost focus and energy levels.

Peppermint is also the best essential oil for relieving headaches brought on by sinusitis. The menthol content of the oil activates the mucus receptors in the nose and clears the mucus. This opens up the airways, reduces congestion, and eases sinus-related symptoms including headaches.

Eucalyptus: The Best Essential Oil For Sinus Headaches

Eucalyptus essential oil is known for its ability to clear nasal passages and reduce congestion, making it beneficial for headaches associated with sinus pressure. Its active compound eucalyptol helps improve breathing and reduce inflammation in the sinuses.

Eucalyptus is the best essential oil to use for headaches caused by sinus issues. Rich in 1.8-cineol, also known as eucalyptol, eucalyptus is well known for reducing inflammation and soothing sinus-related problems.

Inhaling the aroma of eucalyptus essential oil clears the sinuses and opens up the nasal passages, relieving sinus tension, which causes the headaches.

Eucalyptus oil also refreshes and stimulates the brain, reducing mental exhaustion and fatigue. Topical application is known to soothe pain and reduce inflammation.

Related Read: 27 Ways to Use Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Roman Chamomile: Best Essential Oil Insomnia-Related Headaches

Roman Chamomile is a gentle essential oil with anti-inflammatory and sedative properties. Its active compounds, such as bisabolol, can help reduce inflammation and promote relaxation, providing relief from headache pain and associated symptoms.

If your persistent headaches are caused by chronic insomnia, using Roman chamomile can help.

Roman Chamomile essential oil induces a feeling of calm and relaxation that is conducive to falling asleep. On a physical level, its anti-inflammatory properties help relax the muscles and alleviate aches and pains. These properties make it a good essential oil for headaches caused by insomnia and lack of sleep.

Roman chamomile’s soothing properties are also effective for easing anxiety, which is a common cause of headaches.

Rosemary: Best Essential Oil for Headaches Caused By Muscle Tension

Rosemary essential oil is a versatile natural remedy that offers numerous benefits for those suffering from headaches. Its active compounds, including camphor and alpha-pinene, can improve circulation and reduce muscle tension.

Its potent properties can help alleviate pain, reduce tension, and promote overall well-being.

One of the primary ways rosemary oil helps with headaches is by improving blood circulation. This increased blood flow can help to oxygenate the brain and reduce inflammation, both of which are common factors in headache pain.

Additionally, rosemary oil’s analgesic properties can provide direct relief from pain and discomfort.

Beyond its physical benefits, rosemary oil also promotes relaxation and reduces stress. This is particularly important as stress is a common trigger for headaches. By calming the mind and body, rosemary oil can help prevent or alleviate tension-related headaches.

Studies have shown that rosemary oil can also address other symptoms associated with headaches, such as insomnia and nausea. Its calming and soothing effects can help improve sleep quality and reduce digestive disturbances that may contribute to headache pain.

Special Mention: Plant Therapy Tension Relief Essential Oil Synergy Blend

Plant Therapy’s Tension Relief Essential Oil Blend contains a carefully crafted combination of natural ingredients designed to promote relaxation and alleviate headache pain.

It has a refreshing and invigorating aroma that provides a cooling and calming sensation, helping to reduce tension and discomfort while also boosting mood and improving mental clarity.

This powerful synergy blend contains Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Spearmint, and Lavender essential oils, each offering unique benefits for headache relief. Together, they address the root causes of tension headaches, including stress, dehydration, and muscle tension.

The Tension Relief Synergy Blend from Plant Therapy is available in 5ml and 10 ml bottles and as a pre-diluted roll-on for added convenience.

How to Use Essential Oils for Headaches

Topical Application to Pulse Points

Topical application is one of the fastest and most effective ways to alleviate headache pain. It helps the oil’s active components absorb into the skin more rapidly, allowing the beneficial compounds to reach your bloodstream faster and target the source of discomfort.

For rapid relief, gently massage diluted essential oil to pulse points. The best pulse points for headache essential oils are the temples, forehead, wrists, and back of the head.

Remember to always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil such as coconut, almond, or jojoba oil to prevent skin irritation.

Use A Cold Compress for Headaches

Cold compresses can provide instant relief from headache pain by constricting blood vessels, reducing inflammation, and numbing the affected area.

Here’s how to make and use a cold compress:

• Moisten a clean cloth with cold water. Fold the damp cloth and add 1-2 drops of essential oil to the inner fold of the cold compress. This helps prevent the essential oil from coming in direct contact with your skin.
• Place the cold compress on your forehead or temples and hold it in place for 15-20 minutes. Reapply the cold compress as needed throughout the day.

Steam Inhalation

Inhaling the aroma does not work as quickly as topical application. It takes time for the molecules to enter the bloodstream from the time you inhale them. But it does work.

There’s more than one way to get the benefits of essential oils for headaches through inhalation.
Add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser and allow the scent to fill the air or breathe in the aroma directly from the bottle or by cupping your hands around it.

Another option is to add a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water, drape a towel over your head, and inhale the steam.

Make a pillow spray with lavender and spray your pillow before getting into bed.
Make a salve using a synergy blend of essential oils for headache relief.

Aromatic Bath

Add a few drops of essential oil to warm bath water. Relax in the bath for 20-30 minutes.

Specific Ways To Use Essential Oils for Different Types Of Headaches

Tension Headaches: Massage diluted oil onto the temples, neck, and shoulders to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation.

Migraine Headaches: Gently massage diluted Peppermint, Rosemary, or Eucalyptus essential oil to the forehead and temples to improve circulation and alleviate pain. Or apply a cold compress to the forehead or temples.

Sinus Headaches: Inhale steam infused with decongestant oils such as Eucalyptus, Peppermint, or Spearmint to help clear nasal passages and reduce congestion.

Headaches at High Altitude: Headaches are common at high altitudes because of the sparser oxygen levels. I’ve written a guide that covers everything you need to know about the best essential oils for altitude sickness and how to use them.

Hangover Headaches: Hangover headaches can be brutal. The throbbing never seems to stop and then there’s that awful nausea that just doesn’t seem to abate. While you just have to wait it out, using these essential oils for a hangover can help manage the symptoms and even shorten the time it takes to sober up.

Safety Precautions When Using Essential Oils For Headaches

• Allergy Testing: Before using essential oils topically, it is essential to perform a patch test. Apply a small amount of diluted essential oil to a small area of skin and monitor for any allergic reactions, such as redness, itching, or swelling.
• Avoid Direct Contact: Essential oils should be avoided coming into direct contact with the eyes, ears, or other sensitive areas. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
• Consult a Healthcare Professional: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils. Individuals with underlying health conditions, such as allergies or skin sensitivities, should also seek advice from a healthcare provider.
• Proper Storage: Essential oils should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from heat and direct sunlight. This helps to preserve their potency and prevent degradation.
• Avoid Internal Consumption: Unless specifically advised by a qualified healthcare professional, essential oils should not be ingested. Always use them topically or aromatically as directed.
• Keep Out of Reach of Children and Pets: Essential oils can be harmful if ingested by children or pets. Store them in a secure location out of their reach.

Essential oils offer a natural and effective approach to managing headaches. The key in using essential oils for headaches lies in understanding the benefits of specific oils and using them correctly.

You may also be interested in:

How To Use An Essential Oil Diffuser

How To Use Essential Oils In The Bath

How To Use Essential Oils in the Shower

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.