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ESSENTIAL OILS. RECIPES. TIPS.

Our in-depth blogs show you how to harness the power of blending essential oils.

Essential Oils for Headaches

Essential Oils for Headaches

What is a Headache?

Essential oils for headaches are a great solution to headaches which are the most common things that humans feel. Headaches can occur to signal that something is going on, stress, anxiety, depression, migraines, high blood pressure, and emotional distress can cause headaches. These headaches can make life more difficult and find things harder to concentrate on our work to be more difficult.


What are the Causes of a Headache?


A headache can happen in any part of the brain, both sides of the head, or localized in one area in the head. Headaches are categorized into different ways to identify the types.


The International Headache Society (IHS) categorizes headaches as primary when the headache is not caused by other factors, or secondary when there is some cause of the headache.


Primary Headaches


Primary headaches are often by themselves ailments that are provoked by overactivity or problems with structures in the head that are pain-receptive. Ranging from blood vessels, muscles, and the neck and nerves around the head.


Prevalent primary headaches are known as cluster headaches, migraines, and tension headaches.


Secondary Headaches


Secondary headaches are caused by symptoms that other conditions that encourage the pain-receptive nerves of the head. This means that the headaches are caused by other factors outside of what is happening around the head area.


These conditions include:


  • Brain tumor
  • Concussion
  • Panic attacks
  • Hangover
  • Brain freeze
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Stroke
  • Blood clots


Headaches can be a warning sign for something more significant and are it imperative to seek medical advice if it becomes more severe, regular, or even repeated happening.


Symptoms that make the headache more disturbing and more destructive than before get worse or do not get better, or come with more symptoms such as confusion, fever, or sensory differences; a doctor should be contacted immediately.


How Essential Oils Help Relieve Headaches

Using essential oils for headaches and natural methods such as aromatherapy and relaxation techniques can have an amazing effect. Aromatherapy and essential oils help to calm down pain-sensitive nerves within the head to help prevent headaches that may occur with overactivity or other causes.


Essential oils can be used for the relief of headaches after an overwhelming day or to help relieve ailments. Essential oils can be used in aromatic baths and massages to help relax the mind and body. Inhalation of certain oils can also help relax and get rid of headaches.

Essential Oils for Headaches

Bergamot - Citrus bergamia - Bergamot is established in the perfume industry for its citrusy smell. Bergamot is also well-known as a relaxant & sedative contrary to popular belief with other citrusy oils. The sedative abilities help to soothe nerves and reduce anxiety and stress. A study published in 2015 suggests that bergamot is can be useful in reducing anxiety, which can contribute to headaches when dealing with anxiety. 

Roman Chamomile - Anthemis nobilis / Chamaemelum nobile - With a touch of a sweet apple scent, Roman Chamomile works to reduce anxiety and settle a queasy stomach with its calming properties. Roman Chamomile is well-known for its capability to bring serenity and peace of mind to the body. Roman Chamomile has also shown abilities to help with migraines in a study published in 2014.

    Eucalyptus - Eucalyptus radiata / Eucalyptus globulus - This oil is     effective in combating the effects of colds     and flu, and perfect for     sore muscles and joints. Its health benefits     attributed to as being     anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant,     deodorant,     antiseptic, antibacterial, and stimulating.


    Eucalyptus oil was shown in a study involving 52 patients that recently     had total knee replacement surgery used eucalyptus oil that showed     emotional levels stabilizing, anti-inflammatory, and reliving edema formation. The relaxing effects and pain-relieving properties within eucalyptus oil help people who are suffering from tension headaches.


Research that was done in 2011 showed eucalyptus oil when used for respiratory conditions that invite cough, tension, headaches, and sore throat symptoms. When reported, eucalyptus boosted breathing and to relieve a runny nose. Eucalyptus also showed anti-inflammatory effects when used for respiratory conditions. Furthermore, indicating antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial to combat and relieve sinus pressure caused by an inflammatory issue.

Lavender - Lavandula angustifolia / Lavandula officinalis - Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils on the market, lavender is beloved for its relaxation and reduction of feelings of anxiety while giving a sense of peacefulness and calmness. Lavender has also been shown in some studies to have linalool and linalyl acetate which affects the limbic system that is absorbed into the skin which helps to relieve headaches are a side effect of anxiety disorders and other conditions. Also shows that lavender is effective at combating disturbed sleep and restlessness. Serotonin is also affected by lavender which helps to reduce migraine attacks.



Headaches and migraines are believed to be caused by stress, which is one of lavender's specialties to help relieve stress to make sure you don't get headaches. Research done in 2012 shows that the inhalation of lavender oil is efficient at relieving migraine headaches.

Peppermint - Mentha piperita - Peppermint essential oil is effective at relieving tension headaches when the oil is placed topically on the forehead and temples, as shown in a 1996 study. The study showed 41 patients with over 164 headache attacks where peppermint oil was placed on the forehead and temples 15-30 minutes after the headache had started. It showed that peppermint was effective at relieving headaches and that there were no adverse side effects with the use of peppermint essential oil.


Another study done the year prior in 1995 in the International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology, showed thirty-two participants treated with a combination of peppermint oil, ethanol, and eucalyptus essential oil. When applied to the participants with just peppermint oil and ethanol, it was found that the mixture lowered the sensitivity of a headache.

Rosemary - Salvia rosmarinus / Rosmarinus officinalis - Rosemary is a fantastic oil for reducing stress and emotional responses that can contribute to headaches. Also helping the digestive system and relieving a queasy or upset stomach, which is a common symptom to a severe headache shown in a study.


Noteworthy research done in 2013 showed that rosemary oil was sufficient for the relief from withdrawal syndromes with people that have a history with opium overuse. The symptoms of withdrawal included nausea, muscle aches, insomnia, fever, and dysphoric mood. The treatment of rosemary relieved the symptoms caused by withdrawal when taken internally for four weeks. Also, rosemary oil helped to combat tension and muscle jerks, helping sleeping patterns and convulsions.

Essential Oil Recipes for Headaches

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2 Comments
Melissa
Posted on  04/06/2022 09:31 AM Will any of these oils, or the ones you have listed in your book about therapeutic blending, work as a roll-on blend. I wanted to let my grandpa use my roll-on blend for his headache but it contained peppermint which isn't good for high blood pressure. =/
Domenic Sammarco R.Ph.
Posted on  05/17/2022 10:28 AM can i place some of your aromatherapy information on my pharmacy webpage thank you
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