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20 Best Essential Oils For Headaches & Migraines

Overview

Migraines disrupting your day? Discover the 20 best essential oils to get back on track here. We’ll also show you the common lifestyle choices that cause headaches and how aromatherapy can help you cope better.

Table Of Contents

Essential Oils For Headaches

Headaches are a common, yet frustrating part of life. Whether caused by stress, tension, dehydration, or sinus issues, they often interfere with our daily activities, making it difficult to focus or enjoy the day. For many, these moments of discomfort are an unfortunate routine. While over-the-counter medications may provide temporary relief, people are increasingly seeking natural headache relief options that are gentler on the body. One such alternative that has gained popularity is the use of essential oils for headaches.

Essential oils have been used for centuries as part of holistic health practices, and today, they're known for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and stress-relieving properties, which make them particularly effective for treating headaches. From soothing tension in the temples to easing sinus pressure, certain essential oils, such as peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus, can target the root cause of the pain, providing natural relief.

This guide will explore how essential oils work as headache remedies, their benefits, and how to incorporate them into your routine. Whether you're dealing with a mild tension headache or something more intense like a migraine, essential oils offer a holistic, natural option for managing and reducing the discomfort.

Different Types of Headaches

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are often caused by stress, poor posture, or fatigue, resulting in a dull, aching sensation across the forehead or back of the head. Known for its cooling and soothing effect, peppermint oil can relax tight muscles and reduce the tension causing the headache. It works particularly well when applied topically to the temples or neck, creating a cooling effect that relaxes muscle contractions.

Migraines

Migraines are intense headaches often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light, and throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head. Lavender oil with its calming and analgesic properties, is ideal for reducing the intensity of migraines. Inhaling lavender oil has been shown to relieve symptoms and reduce the duration of migraines.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are severe, piercing headaches that occur in clusters or cycles, often on one side of the head, and are usually accompanied by nasal congestion. Rosemary oil oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and improve circulation. Its ability to alleviate nerve pain makes it ideal for relieving cluster headaches.

Sinus Headaches

Sinus headaches are caused by inflammation and pressure in the sinuses, leading to pain around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead. A powerful decongestant, eucalyptus oil helps to open the nasal passages, reduce sinus pressure, and relieve the pain associated with sinus headaches. Inhaling its vapor can clear blockages and improve airflow, reducing sinus discomfort.

How Do Essential Oils Help Conquer Headaches?

Essential oils are known for their natural healing properties, and they have been used for centuries to help alleviate various ailments, including headaches. The primary way that essential oils help relieve headaches is through their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and stress-relieving properties.

Analgesic Properties 

Certain essential oils like peppermint and lavender contain compounds that act as natural pain relievers. These oils can help reduce headache pain by soothing tension in the muscles and nerves. Peppermint oil, for instance, contains menthol, which creates a cooling sensation that helps relax muscles and ease pressure in the head, offering quick relief from tension headaches.

Anti-inflammatory Effects 

Inflammation is often a root cause of headaches, particularly in the case of migraines and sinus headaches. Oils like eucalyptus and rosemary have potent anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling in the sinuses or blood vessels, alleviating pressure and pain. By reducing inflammation, these oils help to address the underlying cause of many headaches.

Stress Relief 

Stress is a common trigger for headaches, especially tension headaches. Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and frankincense are known for their calming and relaxing effects. They help to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), promoting relaxation and reducing the likelihood of stress-induced headaches. Inhaling these oils through diffusion or steam can help calm the mind and body, preventing headaches from escalating.

Improving Circulation 

Oils like rosemary and frankincense help to improve blood flow and oxygenation in the body, which can relieve headaches caused by poor circulation. Increased blood flow helps to reduce muscle tension, relieve pain, and promote overall relaxation.

What Are The Best Essential Oils For Headaches?

If you’re looking for a holistic approach and are thinking of using essential oils for headaches, there are numerous essential oils that help with headaches, but here are 20 of the best essential oils for the job

1. Peppermint Oil For Headaches

Wonderfully fresh and crisp, Peppermint Oil is known as the “flavour of Christmas”. Gently apply this cooling remedy on temples to experience relief.

Scent profile: Fresh, Sweet & Minty

2. Rosemary Oils For Migraines

Beloved by the Spanish to restore health and wellness, you should definitely keep a bottle of Rosemary Oil handy. This herbaceous wonder of rosemary oil takes the edge off for carefree days.

Scent profile: Herbaceous

3. Tea Tree Essential Oil For Sinus Headaches

A native aboriginal plant, this traditional remedy actively clears congestion from blocked sinuses. Say goodbye to morning sniffles by diffusing this over the morning paper and a hearty breakfast.

Scent profile: Leafy & Herbaceous

4. Lavender Oils For Migraines

Hormonal imbalances can heighten and trigger headaches. Thankfully, there’s Lavender Oil. After a hectic day, swipe this floral oil on temples before leaving the office, or inhale it directly to unwind.

Scent: Floral & Herbaceous

5. Frankincense Oil For Migraines

Grounding and earthy, Frankincense has helped monks and gurus maintain their concentration for long hours. Let this peaceful remedy with meditation or yoga session provide you with relief.

Scent: Warm & Woodsy

6. Clove Oil For Headaches

Cultivated on the Spice Islands of Indonesia, Clove Oil is a fast-absorbing oil which when applied, feels pleasantly warm, helping you feel instantly comforted.

Scent: Warm & Spicy

7. Clary Sage For Headaches

Clary sage is said to have gotten its unique, fresh scent from the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. If you’re getting a minor issue before date night, simply swipe Clary Sage Oil for headaches on your temples.

Scent: Herbaceous & Earthy

8. Cinnamon Bark Essential Oils For Headaches

A comforting wellness remedy from Ethiopia, Cinnamon Oil bolsters you to prevent sinus blockage accompanying migraines. It’s also excellent at soothing tense temples with its pleasant warmth.

Scent: Earthy, Spicy & Woodsy

9. Ginger Essential Oils For Migraine

Well-known as a cooking spice for exotic cuisines, a gentle rub of Ginger Oil will deliver great relaxation.

Scent: Spicy & Earthy

10. Pine Needle Headache Oil Blend

Symbolically, pine trees have a special use in Native American tribes for healing pain. Pair Pine Needle Oil with Lemongrass Oil for faster relief during long roadtrips and car rides.

Scent: Woody, Earthy & Balsamic

11. Cinnamon Cassian Essential Oil For Headache

Shake off discomfort and be your best self! Sweet Cinnamon Oil eases headaches for happy days. Just apply this on your temples daily to keep them at bay.

Scent: Warm & Spicy Like Cinnamon Sticks

12. Cypress Headache Relief Oil

When you’re getting headaches from being overworked, take a break with gentle Cypress Oil. The oil has an earthy, pine-like scent that helps you manage such issues.

Scent: Balsamic, Earthy & Woodsy

13. Wintergreen Headache Essential Oil

A herb used by Native Americans such as the Mohawk and Ojibwe people, this minty oil is a traditional remedy. You can use Wintergreen Oil to clear stuffy noses right before your morning workout.

Scent: Woodsy & Sweet

14. Marjoram Oils For Tension Headaches

Originating from the Mediterranean, the Greeks have used this herb to treat all kinds of ailments. Marjoram Oil is great for fighting jet lag.

Scent: Minty, Earthy & Spicy

15. Turmeric Essential Oils And Headaches

Crafted from ancient spices for spiritual-healing, Turmeric Oil has warm, relieving properties for headaches that accompany feeling low.

Scent: Warm & Spicy

16. Chamomile Essential Oil For Migraines

This herbaceous, daisy-like oil is perfect for creating a quiet space to recharge. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, allow its floral scent to spread throughout your room for complete comfort.

Scent: Sweet, Herbaceous & Floral

17. Vetiver Oil For Headache

A prized ingredient used in modern colognes, Vetiver Oil is great for soothing headaches right before date night. Dab it on temples and massage a few drops on your neck to enjoy a smoky scent that exudes mystique.

Scent: Earthy, Smokey & Woodsy

18. Bergamot Essential Oil For Headache

A sweet and citrusy oil originating from Italy, Bergamot Oil is useful during long road trips. Before heading on an outdoor adventure, remember to pack a few convenient bottles to-go.

Scent: Sweet, Tangy & Slightly Citrusy

19. Cedarwood Essential Oils For Migraines

Harvested from the Himalayas, Using Cedarwood Essential Oil is a super-soothing natural remedy for tense temples. After a stressful day, let your mental burdens fall away by inhaling its warm, pine-like scent.

Scent: Warm, Woody & Pine-Like

20. Headache Essential Oil Rollers

We’ve crafted our Migraine Manager Roll-On with an infusion of some of the best essential oils listed above. It contains cooling peppermint oil to encourage faster relief.

Essential Oil Primary Benefits Headaches Relieved Recommended Application
Peppermint Cooling, muscle relaxant, reduces tension Tension, migraine Topical, Diffusion, Massage
Lavender Calming, anti-inflammatory, stress-relief Migraine, tension Diffusion, Topical, Inhalation
Eucalyptus Decongestant, opens sinuses, anti-inflammatory Sinus, tension Inhalation, Diffusion, Topical
Rosemary Anti-inflammatory, nerve pain relief Cluster, tension Massage, Diffusion
Chamomile Anti-inflammatory, calming, pain relief Migraine, tension Topical, Diffusion
Frankincense Grounding, improves circulation, reduces pain Tension, sinus, migraine Diffusion, Topical, Massage

How To Use Essential Oils For Headaches?

Topical Application

Applying essential oils to your temples is a great way to combat headaches. Apply diluted essential oils directly to the temples, neck, or forehead. For best results, mix 2-3 drops of essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. Gently massage the mixture into the skin to relieve tension and pain.

Diffusion

Diffusing essential oils is the easiest and most common aromatherapy method. Using an essential oil diffuser, add 4-5 drops of your chosen oil into water and allow the scent to fill the room. This method is ideal for stress-related tension headaches and migraines, where aromatherapy can promote relaxation and pain relief.

Steam Inhalation

Add 2-3 drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a towel, lean over the bowl, and inhale deeply for 5-10 minutes. This is especially useful for sinus headaches, where oils like eucalyptus can help clear congestion.

Massage with Essential Oils

For an enhanced massage, combine 2-3 drops of your preferred essential oil with a carrier oil and gently rub the mixture into the neck, shoulders, or temples. This method helps release tension and improve blood circulation.

DIY Recipes Using Essential Oils for Headaches and Migraines

1. Lavender and Peppermint Diffuser Blend for Stress and Tension Headaches

This diffuser blend is perfect for relieving stress or tension headaches. Lavender essential oil is known for its calming properties, while peppermint essential oil offers a cooling sensation that reduces headache pain.

Ingredients:

  • 4 drops lavender essential oil
  • 3 drops peppermint essential oil
  • 2 drops rosemary essential oil

Instructions:

  • Add the essential oils to your diffuser filled with water.
  • Let the diffuser run for 30-60 minutes to relieve tension and create a calming atmosphere.

Benefits: Lavender and peppermint essential oils can help reduce headache symptoms by relaxing the muscles and relieving tension. The effects of rosemary essential oils also help increase circulation, making it effective for headaches and migraine attacks.

2. Topical Migraine Relief Roll-On

This roll-on blend is ideal for applying directly to the temples and back of the neck to relieve migraine pain. It can also be used as a preventative measure to stop migraines before they escalate.

Ingredients:

  • 10 ml roller bottle
  • 4 drops peppermint essential oil
  • 4 drops chamomile oil
  • 3 drops basil essential oil
  • Carrier oil (such as coconut oil or jojoba oil)

Instructions:

  • Add the essential oils to the roller bottle.
  • Fill the rest of the bottle with the carrier oil.
  • Shake well and apply the roll-on to the temples, neck, and behind the ears when you feel a migraine headache coming on.

Benefits: Basil and peppermint essential oils may help reduce inflammation and ease pain, while chamomile oil calms the nervous system. This blend can relieve migraine and reduce headache symptoms when applied regularly.

3. Cooling Headache Massage Oil

Massage is an excellent way to reduce tension and improve circulation. This massage oil blend helps alleviate stress and tension headaches and can be massaged onto the temples, forehead, and neck.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil (as the carrier oil)
  • 5 drops peppermint essential oil
  • 5 drops rosemary essential oil
  • 3 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

  • Mix the essential oils with the coconut oil.
  • Massage the oil gently onto your temples, neck, and shoulders for about 10 minutes to reduce pain and tension.

Benefits: The oil can also reduce stress and relieve headache symptoms, while peppermint and rosemary oils are often used to treat migraines, tension headaches, and muscle pain.

4. Chamomile and Basil Oil Migraine Headache Inhalation

This inhalation method is ideal for those suffering from frequent migraine headaches. Inhaling essential oils helps to alleviate the intensity of migraines within minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 3 drops chamomile essential oil
  • 2 drops basil essential oil
  • Hot water in a bowl

Instructions:

  • Add the essential oils to a bowl of hot water.
  • Place a towel over your head and breathe in the steam for about 10-15 minutes.

Benefits: Chamomile oil is great for calming the mind, while basil oil helps reduce tension and migraine pain. This essential oil inhalation method works as a natural headache treatment by reducing inflammation and stress.

5. Rosemary and Peppermint Headache Spray

This easy-to-make headache relief spray can be spritzed on your pillow or in the air to help soothe headaches. You can also use it to spray around your workspace or home.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup distilled water
  • 1 tablespoon witch hazel
  • 5 drops rosemary essential oil
  • 5 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

  • Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.
  • Shake well before each use.
  • Spray the blend around your space or on your pillow when experiencing headaches or migraine attacks.

Benefits: Rosemary essential oil and peppermint essential oil help relieve migraines and tension headaches. This refreshing spray can alleviate migraine symptoms and help ease tension, making it an excellent oil to reduce stress.

6. Essential Oil Migraine Compress

A compress is another effective way to use essential oils for headache treatment. This cold compress helps to relieve the pressure and pain caused by migraines.

Ingredients:

  • 2 drops peppermint essential oil
  • 2 drops lavender essential oil
  • 1 cup cold water
  • A clean cloth

Instructions:

  • Add the essential oils to a bowl of cold water and mix well.
  • Soak a clean cloth in the water, wring it out, and apply it to the forehead or the back of your neck for 15 minutes.

Benefits: This cold compress works wonders for reducing inflammation and easing migraine pain. Essential oils like peppermint and lavender are effective for treating headaches and migraine attacks.

7. Eucalyptus and Lavender Sinus Headache Relief Steam

For sinus headaches, steam inhalation with essential oils is a great way to relieve pressure and open up blocked nasal passages.

Ingredients:

  • 4 drops eucalyptus essential oil
  • 3 drops lavender essential oil
  • Hot water in a bowl

Instructions:

  • Add essential oils to a bowl of hot water.
  • Lean over the bowl, covering your head with a towel, and breathe in the steam for 10-15 minutes.

Benefits: Eucalyptus oil acts as a decongestant, while lavender helps calm the mind and relieve headache symptoms caused by sinus pressure. This method of oil inhalation is safe and effective for natural headache relief.

How To Use Essential Oils Safely

Essential oils are great for self-care routines. However, we should also take care and caution when using them to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe! Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind.

  1. Read the label and instructions to make sure you’re using the oil correctly.
  2. Make sure to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil for safe application.
  3. Avoid using essential oils of sensitive areas like the eyes and nose.
  4. Don’t apply it on broken skin either unless it’s mentioned on the bottle or label.
  5. Keep it out of reach of kids and furkids.
  6. Some oils may make you sensitive to sun damage, so be sure to load up on SPF.
  7. If you show signs of irritation, stop using and consult a health professional.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using essential oils like peppermint, lavender, chamomile, and rosemary can provide effective, natural relief for headaches and migraines. These oils help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and soothe tension through various methods such as diffusing, topical application, and massage. By incorporating essential oils into your headache treatment routine, you can find relief without relying on over-the-counter medications. Always ensure proper dilution of the oils, and remember to patch-test before applying them to your skin. With these natural remedies, you can better manage headaches and promote overall well-being.

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