Top 4 Essential Oils for Headache Relief and How to Use Them
Most of us have experienced headaches or migraines, at one point or another, so we know one is beginning when that familiar tightness or throbbing starts to creep up. While some people head straight for over the counter pain medication, there are other options that can help with headaches, ones that are less detrimental to your health. One of the safest and most natural options for headache relief is by using essential oils.
Can essential oils help provide headache relief?
There are plenty of essential oils that can provide you with headache relief, and often, the relief is almost instant. The wonderful thing about using essential oils as your go-to remedy for that throbbing headache is that they don’t have the horrible side effects on your health that most pain medications do.
Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids, extracted from a plant and are often used in aromatherapy. These natural, alternative medicinal practices have been in use for thousands of years. When using essential oils in this capacity, not just to make a room smell nice, it’s important to buy high quality, therapeutic grade essential oils so you can be sure they are pure and effective.
When using essential oils as a remedy to help with headaches, there are several ways that they can be used. The first method is topical, by applying directly to the forehead and temples. Another way is to inhale the oils by putting them in a diffuser or into a relaxing bath. You can also use the oils in a compress, by soaking a towel in cold water with a couple of drops of your favorite headache relief essential oils.
Use whichever method works best for you, everyone will respond to essential oils for headache relief differently.
The Best Essential Oils for Headaches
Lavender
One of the most popular essential oils among the general population is Lavender. It has several benefits including reducing stress & anxiety and promoting better sleep. Due to its popularity, most people are likely to already have it on hand when a headache hits, making it a convenient remedy.
Lavender is one of the best essential oils to help with headaches. In fact, this study found that it is a safe and effective treatment for migraine headaches. However, lavender oil isn't only good for treating migraines, it can help with any type of headache.
Peppermint
Another essential oil that is popular for headaches, and in general, is peppermint oil. Peppermint is very cooling and can often provide instant relief. It has been used in alternative medicine for thousands of years and is very effective for headaches when applied topically to the forehead and temples.
Chamomile
When you think of chamomile, you may automatically think of tea. It is a very popular tea for relaxation and chamomile essential oil is thought to provide the same calming effect. It can reduce stress and anxiety, one of the main causes for headaches. Chamomile essential oil also happens to be anti-inflammatory, which helps reduce the severity of headaches.
Spearmint
Another member of the mint family, spearmint, can also provide headache relief. Like peppermint, it has that instant cooling sensation which can help to bring down the severity of a headache when applied topically. In addition, spearmint is often used to treat nausea, a symptom some experience with their headaches or migraines.
Where can you get essential oils for headaches?
Essential oils are increasing in popularity and can usually be found in health food stores, as well as online. Be sure that when you’re shopping for yours you’re only purchasing pure, therapeutic grade essential oils without additional ingredients.
If you’re looking for an all in one option for headache relief through essential oils, Aculief's My Relief Essential Oil Roll-On could be your best bet. This natural formula made with essential oils comes in a convenient roll-on bottle that can be stored anywhere, including a purse or in the car, so you’re ready any time a headache strikes. With a blend of therapeutic grade peppermint, spearmint, lavender, and chamomile essential oils all your bases are covered for all-around headache relief. All you need to do is apply it to the back of your neck, behind your ears, and on your temples with the convenient roller for natural cooling, comforting relief from migraines and headaches. In addition to the topical treatment, you will also benefit from the aromatherapy provided by the essential oils once applied.
Headaches can be a real pain, but there are many option to help you find relief. Finding one that works for you with as few negative side effects as possible can be a challenge. By utilizing essential oils as your headache remedy, you can provide yourself some quick relief without all of the side effects and negative impacts on your health that over the counter medication has.
