Most effective natural essential oils for headache

When I'm feeling stressed or tired, I often get headaches. If you're like me and spend a lot of time in front of computers or other screens, it's common to feel neck pain and headaches as well. Luckily, essential oils can be very helpful in treating these symptoms naturally! Depending on what type of headache you have, there are specific essential oils that can help.

Natural essential oils are a wonderful, safe way to treat headaches

Natural essential oils are effective and affordable, and can be used in a variety of ways to treat headaches. When used along with other treatments for headaches (such as acupuncture), they can help maximise the effectiveness of all your health care options.

Essential oils are also a great way to treat headaches without drugs. They're safe and effective, and they don't have any side effects - making them a perfect choice for anyone who wants to avoid medication.

Whether you’re a chronic sufferer or simply get the odd headache here and there, the pain caused by migraine or tension headaches can be unbearable. Using an essential oil for headache relief may offer natural pain control, while saving you from reaching for the medication. These 5 oil for headache remedies are natural, safe and effective. In fact, each essential oil for headache offers a unique property and can be used either on their own, or in a blend.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil is one of the most effective natural remedies for headache and migraine. It works by stimulating blood flow to the brain, which can relieve tension headaches. Peppermint is also known to reduce inflammation in the body, which may help improve symptoms of a migraine headache. Using peppermint oil for headache is thought to help by regulating blood flow, relaxing the muscles and clearing sinus congestion which may contribute to pain.

If you experience frequent headaches or migraines, peppermint oil can be a great option for you! It’s best applied topically as a massage oil or diffused into the air with an essential oil diffuser. You can also apply peppermint directly to your temples and forehead - or even rub some on your back of neck if needed! The active ingredient in peppermint oil is menthol, which has been shown in studies to reduce pain caused by migraine headaches within approximately 2 hours. If you are a chronic sufferer, using peppermint oil for headaches is a healthy and natural alternative to pharmacy medicine. Another benefit of using an essential oil for a headache is that it leaves you smelling delicious. 

​Lavender oil

Is there anything lavender oil can’t do? This fragrant flower is beneficial for relieving stress, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia and tension, so it makes sense that lavender oil for headache provides beneficial effect. As most migraine and tension headaches are brought on by stress, the calming effects of lavender oil can be felt through topical application or aromatherapy inhalation.

Lavender oil is a natural anti inflammatory, which means that it can help reduce swelling and irritation. It also acts as a natural pain reliever, making it very effective in relieving headaches. It’s important to note that lavender oil is most effective when used topically rather than internally - though if you are feeling nauseous or have an upset stomach, it might be useful to take this as well as applying on your temples and forehead for relief from pain (just make sure not to swallow!).

In addition to these benefits for headache relief, lavender oil has been shown to have sedative effects on the body; meaning that even if you don't get a full night's sleep because of your headache, at least you'll feel more relaxed during the day! Choosing Australian certified organic means you will be getting a high quality oil yielding the best therapeutic effects.

​Frankincense oil

Frankincense oil is derived from the Boswellia tree, a common plant used in herbal medicine treat pain and inflammation. Pure frankincense oil contains a collection of natural compounds known as monoterpenes, many of which have potent anti inflammatory properties. As migraines are characterised by constricted blood vessels, using frankincense oil for headache reduces pain caused by swelling and inflammation. 

Additionally, frankincense oil can be used to treat chronic pains, including headaches and migraines. Frankincense oil also contains properties that are beneficial for skin conditions such as acne or psoriasis. It works by reducing the amount of sebum that is produced in your skin, which can help to reduce acne. Additionally, it has anti bacterial properties that can help treat infections or inflammation caused by bacteria.

​Hemp oil

Hemp oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant, which is a member of the cannabis family. It's rich in omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids, which are good for inflammation and pain relief.

The active ingredient in hemp oil that assists in pain relief comes from cannabidiol (CBD). Not to be confused with tetrahydrocannabdiol (THC), the component in the hemp plant that causes psychoactive effects, CBD oil is a safe and effective remedy for pain. Hemp oil isn't psychoactive like marijuana - you won't get high if you use it on your skin or ingest it orally (though you may feel relaxed).

If using hemp oil for headaches, it does need to contain the active ingredient CBD to have any beneficial effect. However, plain hemp oil can be used as a carrier to dilute essential oils in order to make your own natural headache or migraine remedy. 

Additionally, hemp oil is a good moisturiser for your skin because it's full of antioxidants and essential fatty acids. It can help reduce inflammation, eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions. There are also studies that show it can be used to treat arthritis pain and even acne!

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil is great for tension headaches. Along with being a fantastic natural anti bacterial, eucalyptus oil helps to clear sinus congestion which may contribute to headaches, particularly if you have come down with the common cold virus. You can use it in a massage, or add it to a bath before bedtime. It can be mixed with other essential oils such as lavender, or diluted with a carrier oil and then applied to your forehead or temples.

If you are someone who suffers from persistent headaches due to sinus congestion, eucalyptus oil may be a beneficial alternative rather than reaching for the pharmacy decongestant day in and day out. 

If you have a headache, try applying a little eucalyptus oil to your temples. It will help soothe the pain and clear your sinuses. You can also use it for tension headaches by adding a drop or two to a carrier oil like olive or sweet almond oil and rubbing it into the skin of your temples and forehead.

My favourite blend

If you're suffering from a headache, there are a few essential oil blends that you can use to help soothe the pain and relax your muscles.

My personal favourite blend is Inhale Essential Oil Blend as it contains peppermint, lavender and eucalyptus essential oils that supports decongestion and relief from sinus irritations.

I would also highly recommend Tranquility Essential Oil Blend - relaxing and uplifting blend to help reset the senses and support tension relief. It containls a lavender essential oil - to calm nervous tension, chamomile - to relax and orange sweet - to uplift.

Conclusion

If you suffer from chronic headaches, you know how miserable they can make your life. Many people turn to over the counter painkillers or even prescription medications to deal with headaches, but these often come with side effects that range from mild to serious.

Luckily, there's another way! Natural essential oils are a wonderful, safe way to treat headaches. They can be used directly on the skin or inhaled for fast relief.

Essential oils are made up of aromatic compounds produced by plants and trees. When you smell them, they trigger receptors in your nose that send messages to your brain - these messages can help reduce swelling and inflammation around your sinuses and head as well as balance hormones like serotonin (which is often low during migraines).

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