5 essential oils that relieve headaches quickly and naturally

When a headache occurs, you need quick relief. Luckily, there are many essential oils for headaches that can quickly and naturally relieve the discomfort. Keep reading to learn which oils work best and how to use each to get the most benefits.

What are essential oils?

“Essential oils are plant extracts that, when distilled, have certain therapeutic properties, such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, vasodilator and vasoconstrictor,” says Jennifer Pressimoneclinical aromatherapy expert, CEO and educator of JennScents, Inc. “Evidence-based research shows that certain essential oils have these properties in higher potencies, making them excellent natural remedies for headache relief.”

Note. While essential oils are generally safe and well-tolerated, be sure to check with your doctor first if you are taking any medications or have any medical conditions.

5 Best Essential Oils for Headaches

If you want to try essential oils for headaches, Markus Plesser, MDdirector of innovation, psychiatrist and integrative medicine physician at Open Mind Health, notes three methods: “Aromatherapy, topical application or indirect inhalation.”

While all three provide the pain relief you need, certain oils are more effective when used in certain ways. Because essential oils are a highly concentrated liquid, when applied topically, it is best to dilute them with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond) to reduce the risk of skin irritation.

Here we look at the most useful essential oils for headaches and how to use them:

Try Peppermint Oil for Tension Headaches

One of the most popular remedies tension headache (the most common type) is peppermint oil. “Peppermint oil helps with headaches because it contains menthol, a compound known to help relax muscles and improve blood flow,” says Brynna Connor, MD, PhD Health Ambassador for NorthWestPharmacy.com. “This directly addresses the root cause of most tension headaches—tension and/or contraction of the muscles of the head and/or neck.”

In fact, it is so effective that learning German found that applying peppermint oil to the forehead and temples relieved headaches as effectively as taking acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol). And relief began to come within 15 minutes.

It is best to rub peppermint oil on your temples, neck or forehead to relieve headaches. This oil is strong and can irritate the skin, so Dr. Connor suggests diluting it with a carrier oil first, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil. Do not add more than five drops to the mixture; repeat every two to four hours as needed.

Try Lavender Oil for Stress Headaches

Another common essential oil for headaches is lavender. Soothing aroma may reduce headaches stress-induced. “One of the reasons lavender oil may help with headaches is that lavender has components that interact with the body’s nervous system, especially the parasympathetic nervous system,” says. Doctor Connor. “It regulates processes associated with anxiety, which can be a common trigger for headaches.”

It may even be helpful for migraines. Journal study European neurology found that simply inhaling the scent of lavender oil stopped migraines in 71% of study participants. The compound linalool in lavender helps regulate blood flow to the brain, preventing painful blood vessel spasms.

Connor explains that to get the most benefits from lavender oil, it’s best to hold the essential oil bottle a few inches away from your face and inhale slowly and deeply, or use the steam from a diffuser or warm bowl. To do this, place the bowl on a table or flat surface, add a few drops of essential oil, etc.cover your head and bowl with a towel. Close your eyes and inhale the steam deeply for a few minutes. You can use it several times throughout the day or as needed for relief.

Try eucalyptus oil for sinus headaches.

“Eucalyptus oil is useful for headaches associated with sinus pressure“, – speaks Raj Dasgupta, MDmedical consultant of the HelpGuide directory. “It has anti-inflammatory properties and can relieve pain, open nasal passages, clear sinuses and reduce inflammation.”

Dr. Dasgupta suggests adding a few drops to a small bowl of hot water and inhaling the steam to use it. Once diluted with a carrier oil, you can also apply eucalyptus oil to your temples to treat headaches. Note. Eucalyptus is very effective, so a small amount goes a long way in healing.

Try rosemary oil for energy-sapping headaches.

Dr. Plesser says rosemary oil is known for its stimulating properties and can help improve circulation and reduce pain. “It is helpful for tension headaches, helps improve concentration and reduce mental fatigue.”

Journal study Psychiatric research confirms this. Scientists have found that inhaling the herbal aroma of rosemary reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol by 23 percent in minutes. And at the same time, increased vigilance.

For best relief, mix a few drops with a carrier oil and massage the mixture into your temples, scalp and neck. Tip: Rosemary oil is most effective when you start to feel a headache.

Try chamomile oil for anxiety headaches.

Just as you drink chamomile tea to calm yourself before bed, you can also use chamomile oil to soothe a headache. “Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, it is helpful for headaches caused by stress, anxiety, or tension,” says Dr. Plesser. This may also promote relaxation and sleep. (Research in Complementary Medicine and BMC Therapy shows that The relaxation-promoting effects may even help you fall asleep 16 minutes faster.)

Chamomile oil can be used topically or inhaled. “Dilute 3-4 drops of carrier oil and apply to temples and forehead,” says Dr. Plesser. You can also use it in a diffuser or add a couple of drops to a warm bath for even more relaxation.

What to Look for When Using Essential Oils for Headaches

“One of the most important things to look for when purchasing essential oils is quality,” explains Dr. Connor. “Therapeutic grade” is a marketing term that usually indicates a higher quality oil.

It is also critical to look for reputable oil brands that disclose the botanical name, country of origin, and extraction method. Dr. Plesser adds that essential oils should be stored in dark glass bottles, as light can degrade the oil.

While essential oils can help relieve headaches, there are a few other natural techniques that Dr. Dasgupta recommends to speed up pain relief. “Staying hydrated, eating regularly, and getting quality sleep can also naturally help with headaches before turning to over-the-counter medications,” says Dr. Dasgupta.

For more headache relief!

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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your doctor before attempting any treatment plan..