Essential oils for headaches and migraines offer different benefits. Some have potent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Others can relieve stress, relax tensed muscles, improve circulation, and promote sleep. If you want relief without medicines, there are many essential oils that could help you.
Experiencing a headache or a migraine is not uncommon. In the United States, one in every four households has a member with migraine, a severe form of headache. [1] Stress headache, also called tension headache, is the most common type of headache among adults in their 40s.
Depending on your symptoms and diagnosis, taking over-the-counter or prescription medications are enough to relieve the pain once it has begun and prevent or reduce the frequency of attacks. Some medications you could take to stop headache pain include aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen, and ibuprofen. For treating migraines, your doctor may prescribe two types of medicines: preventive (valproic acid, propranolol, verapamil, and tricyclic antidepressants) and abortive (triptans).
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How Do Essential Oils Treat Headaches and Migraines?
There are three routes for delivering the therapeutic compounds of essential oils: by applying on the skin, through inhalation, and by taking them by mouth (which I don’t recommend, unless a qualified aromatherapist is supervising you). Among the three, some experts believe that inhalation is the best way of using essential oils, especially for treating migraines.
People who suffer from migraines are highly sensitive to certain smells. The most common smells that can trigger an attack are perfume, gasoline, and tobacco. [2] Thus, it’s not surprising when some people find relief from inhaling essential oils to treat headaches.
How does inhaling essential oils work?
It’s still unclear for researchers how it works. However, the common belief is when you inhale essential oils directly from the bottle or by using a diffuser, their gaseous particles interact with the specialized sensory cells (olfactory cells) on the roof of your nose. These sensory cells communicate directly with certain areas of your brain (amygdala and hippocampus), which process your memories and emotions.
For instance, some scientists believe that lavender essential oils work similarly to sedatives by directly affecting the activity of the brain cells in your amygdala. [3] When you inhale sandalwood or frankincense, one of its active compounds called sesquiterpenes can increase oxygenation around your endocrine glands (pituitary and pineal glands). As a result, your body releases neurotransmitters (brain chemical messengers), endorphins (natural painkillers), and antibodies.
Now, let’s talk about some of the best essential oils you can use for headaches.
Best Essential Oils For Headaches and Migraines
Peppermint
Botanical name: Mentha piperita
Peppermint is used for a variety of health purposes. Because of its ability to ease pain, loosen tight muscles, and promote calmness, people often use it topically to relieve tension-type headache. In controlled studies, results have shown that 10% peppermint essential oil in ethanol has the efficacy that’s comparable to over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol and acetylsalicylic acid. [4] Scientists still need to do more studies to prove its effectiveness for this purpose, though.
How to use:
- Dilute 2 to 3 drops of peppermint essential oil with 2 teaspoons of carrier oil (e.g. almond oil, olive oil, and coconut oil). Then, massage on your forehead, shoulders, temples, chest, back of your neck, and other areas of your body with tight muscles.
- Pour 1 to 2 drops of peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball then inhale it throughout the day or until your headache or migraine disappears. Place in a resealable plastic bag to preserve its therapeutic scent.
Precautions and side effects:
- This is not for pregnant or breastfeeding women, young children (7 years old and below), and people who are suffering from diabetes, gallstones, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and other medical conditions affecting the stomach and intestines.
- It may cause skin rashes and eruptions, severe headaches, lightheadedness (if overused), seizure (if used in large doses), slow heart rate, nausea, breathing problems, and nostril blisters.
Lavender
Botanical name: Lavandula angustifolia
There are different ways lavender essential oil can help ease a headache and migraine. For one, it can promote better sleep and ease feelings of tension. Stress and lack of sleep are known causes of headaches and migraines.
In one study, patients with diagnosed migraine were divided into two groups: the control group and the treatment group. [5] The control group inhaled lavender essential oil for 15 minutes, while the control group inhaled liquid paraffin (placebo) for the same amount of time.
Out of 129 migraine attacks, 92 completely or partly responded to lavender essential oil. In the control group, out of the 68 migraine attacks, 32 responded to the liquid paraffin. Researchers suggested lavender essential oil is a possible treatment for migraine headaches.
How to use:
- You can add 1 to 2 drops of lavender essential oil to your pillows, blankets, and sheets.
- If you’re always on the go, you can make lavender essential oil inhaler. The materials you need include a blank inhaler tube, inhaler cap, cover, cotton wick, tweezers, bowl, and essential oils.
- Add 8 drops of lavender essential oil and 4 drops of rosemary essential oil to a bowl. Dip the cotton wick in the bowl. Roll it around using your tweezers to allow full absorption of the essential oils. After, place the cotton wick into the blank inhaler tube then put the cap in the bottom to preserve the oils’ healing properties.
Precautions and side effects:
- In most adults, diluted lavender essential oil is typically safe. However, children, particularly young pre-puberty boys, should avoid using this oil because it could cause enlarged breasts (gynecomastia).
- Inhaling or applying lavender essential oil to your skin may trigger an allergic reaction. Some people may also experience vomiting, nausea, chills, and headaches after inhaling or applying it topically.
- Due to its sleep-inducing properties, people taking anti-anxiety medicines or sedatives, such as chloral hydrate, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines, should avoid using lavender essential oil. It may increase the effects of these medicines, which could lead to extreme sleepiness.
Eucalyptus
Botanical name: Eucalyptus radiata (Narrow-leaved peppermint) or Eucalyptus globulus (“Blue Gum”)
Aboriginal Australians used eucalyptus essential oil as a remedy for symptoms of respiratory infections, such as sinus congestion and body pain. Today, people use it mostly for easing mental fatigue because it’s refreshing and cooling.
Medical specialists believe that migraine is linked to inflammation, as evidenced by high levels of C-reactive protein in the blood. [6] C-reactive protein (CRP) tells your doctor if there’s inflammation. Thus, the use of anti-inflammatory medicines may be effective for some migraines, especially in young women. Eucalyptus essential oil contains a potent anti-inflammatory compound called 1,8-cineole, which helps ease headaches, especially if they’re due to congested sinuses. [7]
How to use:
- Dilute 1 to 3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil in 2 teaspoons of carrier oil. Gently rub on your chest, temples, forehead, back of your neck, and shoulders.
- Add 3 to 4 drops of eucalyptus essential oil into the diffuser you prefer. If you don’t have a diffuser, add 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a hot, non-scalding water. With your head and the bowl covered by a towel, inhale deeply. Or, you can add a drop of eucalyptus essential oil on an organic cotton ball or cotton pad then inhale it several times a day until you achieve relief.
- Eucalyptus essential oil blends well with other essential oils, such as rosemary, thyme, lavender, cedarwood, marjoram, geranium, lemon, sandalwood, and melissa essential oils.
Precautions and side effects:
- If you have sensitive skin, you may develop rashes if you use it topically.
- The following should avoid using eucalyptus essential oil:
- Asthmatics: It may trigger an asthma attack in susceptible people.
- People on sedatives: It may lead to extreme drowsiness if you take it by mouth. Thus, people who are on sedatives should avoid it.
- Infants and children under the age of 6: Don’t use it on or around them. Inhaling, ingesting or applying it on their skin may cause temporary suspension of breathing (apnea), wheezing (a continuous, high-pitched whistling sound produced when breathing), and other asthma-like symptoms.
- Cancer patients: It can enhance the absorption of a chemotherapy drug called fluorouracil (Adrucil) if applied to the skin.
Spearmint
Botanical name: Mentha spicata
Spearmint essential oil has a refreshing and sweet scent that’s uplifting and allows you to focus better. Aromatherapy practitioners use it to ease migraine, headache, anxiety, fatigue, and digestion-related problems because of its menthol content. A study suggests that spearmint can be an effective remedy for ailments that cause inflammation, fever, and pain. [8]
How to use:
- To make a healing massage oil, add 3 drops of spearmint essential oil, 1 drop of orange essential oil (anti-inflammatory and sedative), and 2 drops of basil essential oil (for pain and stress) in 3 teaspoons of carrier oil. Stir well. Don’t add the essential oils all at the same time. Make sure to test a small amount on your inner forearm to see if you’re allergic to these essential oils.
- If added to bath water, spearmint essential oil can make you feel more relaxed, cool you off by lowering your body temperature, and relieve aching and tensed muscles. Simply mix 3 drops of spearmint essential oil and 5 ounces of vegetable glycerin. Next, pour the solution to your bath water. Stir the water to mix.
- Other essential oils that combine well with spearmint essential oil are benzoin, jasmine, eucalyptus, lemon, lavender, rosemary, and peppermint.
Precautions and side effects:
- Spearmint essential oil may irritate or burn your skin, or even cause photosensitivity, if you use it undiluted. As with all essential oils, you should dilute it any carrier oil you prefer, such as coconut oil and almond oil.
- Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designated it as “Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS),” you shouldn’t take it by mouth without the supervision of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. [9]
- Women who are pregnant should stay away from spearmint essential oil because it stimulates the release of estrogen, which may potentially cause a miscarriage.
- Compared to peppermint essential oil, it’s milder and safer, so it can be used on children. However, as with all essential oils, I still recommend you speak with a doctor or experienced aromatherapist before using it on children.
Rosemary
Botanical name: Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosemary essential oil is clear in color and has a refreshing herb-like fragrance. In folk medicine, people use it for treating poor blood circulation and headaches because it relieves pain and inflammation. It can also reduce the symptoms of overwhelming stress and emotional reactions that can lead to migraine attacks.
Its main chemical constituents include alpha-pinene, camphor, and 1,8-cineole, which study shows all have pain-relieving effects when used in combination with analgesic drugs (codeine and paracetamol). [10] In another study published in Addiction and Health, rosemary essential oil helped ease symptoms associated with opium withdrawal, which include headaches, inability to sleep, nausea, fever, anxiety, and muscle pain. [11]
How to use:
- To ease headache pain, dilute 3 drops of rosemary essential oil in 2 teaspoons of any carrier oil you like. Gently massage in your temples, the back of your neck, forehead, and other areas of your body that have tight and painful muscles. The pain in tension-type headache often originates somewhere else in the body, such as in the upper back due to bad posture.
- Pour 4 teaspoons of carrier oil into an amber glass roller bottle (around 20ml), and then add 10 drops of rosemary essential oil, 5 drops of frankincense essential oil, and 3 drops of chamomile essential oil. Stir using a stainless-steel cocktail stirrer. If you don’t have one, you can gently roll the bottle between your hands to mix everything.
Precautions and side effects:
- Rosemary essential oil is toxic if you take it by mouth because it contains camphor. Possible negative effects are spasms, epileptic convulsions, vomiting, kidney damage, and death. If you accidentally ingest it, seek medical attention fast.
- People with sensitive skin may develop a rash after topical use of rosemary essential oil. Like with other essential oils, it’s important to dilute it properly and do a spot test to determine if you’re allergic to it.
- Rosemary essential oil is contraindicated to children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people suffering from hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (abnormally high blood sugar).
Clary sage Essential Oil
Botanical name: Salvia sclarea
Clary sage essential oil is usually colorless to light yellow, with a sweet, herb-like aroma. Most people like this essential oil because of its stress-relieving and calming effects.
In a small, double-blind, randomized study, researchers discovered that inhaling 5% clary sage essential oil for an hour has a more relaxing effect than inhaling lavender essential oil for the same amount of time. They also identified that the compound responsible for this effect of clary sage essential oil is linalyl acetate, which relaxed the participants’ blood vessels, thus lowering their blood pressure. [12]
Clary sage essential oil is also effective in reducing pain, especially pain that’s due to dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps). [13] Its main constituents, linalyl acetate and linalool, have a potent anti-inflammatory action, which could be helpful for inflammatory conditions, such as inflammatory-type headache and migraine. [14] The popular theory is migraine pain is due to inflammation around the blood vessels.
How to use:
- When it comes to clary sage essential oil, always remember that a little of it goes a long way. To ease anxiety and headaches, add 1 to 2 drops of the essential oil to your choice of diffuser or a bowl of freshly boiled water then inhale deeply. Repeat this process around three times a day or as needed.
- Make a massage oil to soothe pain and beat stress by diluting 2 drops of clary sage essential oil and 1 drop of lavender essential oil in 1 ½ teaspoons of carrier oil. Massage a small amount on your forehead, temples, shoulders, and the back of your neck.
Precautions and side effects:
- Never take clary sage essential oil by mouth, especially if you’re drinking alcohol or using narcotics.
- Using it in large doses could cause sleepiness and headaches. In some, it may make them feel extreme happiness or excitement.
- If you’re pregnant and/or on your first trimester, don’t use this essential oil topically because it could trigger menstrual flow.
- People who are hypotensive (abnormally low blood pressure) or have estrogen-related medical conditions should also avoid this essential oil.
Melissa
Botanical name: Melissa officinalis
Melissa officinalis, also known as lemon balm, bee balm, balm mint, and sweet balm, has long been used for promoting emotional wellness and restful sleep. When inhaled or applied on the skin, the oil from this herbaceous plant calms the mind, eases headaches, fights stress and depression, and treat certain ailments (like fungal infections, upset stomach, and inflammatory conditions).
Trivia: Melissa is a Greek word for honey bee. Bees are attracted to this plant because of its sweet, citrusy, and fresh scent.
According to a research article, melissa essential oil has potential anti-inflammatory actions. [15] This supports the traditional use of the oil and plant as a treatment for different ailments associated with pain and inflammation, such as headaches and migraines.
How to use:
- If you’re stressed out, nervous, or can’t sleep, add 2 drops of melissa essential oil and 1 drop of lavender essential oil in the diffuser of your choice. Inhale deeply and try to calm your mind through meditation or listening to soothing instrumental music.
- You can also make a healing salve for headaches or migraines. Start by adding melting 3 tablespoons of beeswax pellets using a double boiler. If you don’t have one, you can put the beeswax pellets in a microwavable glass bowl. Heat it for 45 to 60 seconds until the beeswax pellets completely melt.
- Once the melted beeswax slightly cools, add 8 drops of melissa essential oil, 3 drops of chamomile essential oil, and 4 drops of lavender essential oil, and 4 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil. Transfer to a dark mason jar and store in a cool, dark place. Use within six months.
- Melissa essential oil combines well with the following essential oils: frankincense, ylang-ylang, Roman chamomile, basil, rose, lavender, and geranium.
Precautions and side effects:
- There are not enough clinical studies on the adverse effects of melissa essential oil. However, it may cause skin irritation and sensitization because of its high aldehyde content. That’s why you should always use it in low doses or concentrations, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- Like with other essential oils, children and pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using this essential oil without consulting a qualified aromatherapist.
- Know what you’re buying. Due to the cost of its manufacturing, you might encounter fake melissa essential oil products, usually by using lemongrass or citrus essential oils. Don’t confuse melissa essential oil with citronella or melissa grass.
Conclusion
These are just some of the essential oils that you could use for headaches and migraines. This is by no means an exhaustive list. If they don’t work, you could also try other essential oils to treat your headaches such as jasmine (absolute), helichrysum, chamomile, and sweet basil.
Again, consult your doctor or a licensed aromatherapist before using any of these essential oils to ensure your safety. Although considered “natural,” essential oils may still cause mild to serious side effects.
A headache or migraine could be a symptom of a serious medical condition. Contact your doctor or call 911 (or any local emergency number) if you experience the following:
- Sudden, severe, and/or persistent headaches
- A headache that’s accompanied by the following symptoms: fainting, stiff neck, confusion, speech difficulty, inability to walk or see, fever (over 102˚F), vomiting, nausea, and one-sided body paralysis, numbing, or weakness.
What essential oils have you found effective for treating headaches?
References:
[1] http://migraineresearchfoundation.org/about-migraine/migraine-facts/
[2] https://migraineagain.com/dont-inhale-toxic-smells-that-are-migraine-triggers/
[3] http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/treatment/aromatherapy
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27106030
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22517298
[6] https://americanheadachesociety.org/news/migraine-and-inflammation-linked-in-young-adults/
[7] https://www.aromaweb.com/articles/aromatherapy-essential-oils-for-headaches.asp
[8] http://www.journalrepository.org/media/journals/BJPR_14/2013/Jul/1374403640-Yousuf342013BJPR4640.pdf
[9] https://www.anandaapothecary.com/archive/essential-oils-generally-recognized-as
[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25635991
[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3905473/
[12] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3700459/
[13] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22435409
[14] http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944711304701804
[15] https://www.hindawi.com/journals/aps/2013/101759/
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