Headaches are one of the most prevalent symptoms which can be faced by any person regardless of age or the level of education. Despite the fact that many drugs can be bought without prescription for the purpose of eradicating headaches, today’s society is more inclined to natural solutions such as the use of essential oils.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are potent, natural aromatic compounds derived from the leaves, flowers, bark, stems, and other parts of plants. Common oils used in the treatment of headache are lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary.
These essential oils are not just fragrant; researchers found that they have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, sedative and stimulatory properties depending on the scent and the method of application which is inhalation or through massage on specific areas of the body. In comparison to the prescription and even over the counter medicines, the pure essential oils as a medicine or therapeutically do not have any side effect if used as recommended.
In What Ways Does One Benefit From Using Essential Oils For Headaches?
There are a few ways essential oils can help provide headache therapy:There are a few ways essential oils can help provide headache therapy:
1. Aromatherapy
Literally, the human inhales the essential oil molecules that have an impact on the human brain, and more specifically, on the limbic system that controls the responses to emotions. It can alter the mood, lower stress levels and even cause relaxation which can help to alleviate tension headaches.
2. Anti-inflammatory Action
Substances such as esters, aldehydes and ketones contained in essential oils produce highly anti-inflammatory effects that help improve circulation when the oils penetrate the bloodstream. This can help soothe out pain such as migraine headaches.
3. Hormone-like Effects
Essential oils that include clary sage and thyme for instance have properties similar to the stress hormones like serotonin and dopamine once they have been inhaled. This reduces stress while raising the general wellbeing which also treats headaches brought about by stress and anxiety.
4. Pain Relief
Products such as peppermint and peppermint oil have chemicals including menthol which when applied externally, desensitise the receptors. This has a mild anesthetic property that is used in the management of headache.
Essential Oils That Work Best for Every Type of Headache
With many essential oils to choose from, these specific types are considered the most effective for relieving major headache types:With many essential oils to choose from, these specific types are considered the most effective for relieving major headache types:
- Migraines– The best oils for migraines are lavender, rosemary, peppermint, and eucalyptus oil for the most severe migraine pain. Having two or more of them work at once is even more effective.
- Tension – For tension caused headaches relieve stress and muscle tension using essential oils such as lavender, lemon balm, and basil.
- Sinus Headaches – Eucalyptus, oregano, thyme and peppermint oils should be used to help with the sinus congestion and sinus infection.
- Stress Headaches – For stress provoked headaches, the recommended anti-anxiety aromatherapies include bergamot, frankincense, lemon balm and lavender.
Essential Oil Application Methods
There are many uses of essential oils. The delivery method depends on the extent to which pain relief is required based on the current pain management system.
1. Inhalation
Take a few drops of the essential oil in both hands one at a time. Palms interlock, place hands across mouth and nose, breathe in for five minutes. This releases compounds rapidly to the brain to alter emotional state and experience of pain or discomfort.
2. Massage Oil Blends
It’s also helpful to dilute the essential oils in a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or grapeseed oil. Use this by massaging it on temples, back of the neck and the ears. The oil penetrates the skin thus passing the oil characteristics into the body fluids.
3. Warm Compresses
They should involve soaking a cloth in warm water and adding a few drops of diluted lavender or eucalyptus essential oils. To use it, rub it on the forehead or the back of the neck. The warmth of the air helps with absorption, while the sniffing of the aroma in the item has an added advantage.
4. Baths
Mix 5-10 drops of essential headache oils such as peppermint and lavender in warm water into which the bath water is already warming. Immerse the body in water for about 20 – 30 minutes as the oil content penetrate the skin and the vapors are inhaled. This helps in the relaxation of the full body and relief of any form of pain.
Discovered Oil Combinations for Migraine Relief
To get the maximum revival, it is best to blend specific particular essential oils for relieving headaches and other related pains. Here are some of the easy and effective blends that I have for my students.
- Headspace and Mood Change –if you want to change the mood that causes headache, you can mix 3 drops lavender, 3 drops bergamot, 1 drop of clary sage. Massage gently on the neck, forehead, and around the eyes. Inhale remainder from fingers.
- Cooling Blend – For headaches that have inflammation factor, then take 5 drops of peppermint essential oil and 2 drops of eucalyptus in one tablespoon of carrier oil. Tapping at temples and forehead and back of the neck.
- Tension Releasing Oil – Since lavender, marjoram, Roman chamomile, and clary sage are all part of the blend with 3 drops of each, it should take only 1 drop of clary sage. Rub on areas that are aching in the neck and shoulders. Inhale deeply.
- Anti Nausea – For headaches that are accompanied by nausea and vomiting take 1 drop peppermint oil, 1 drop spearmint oil, 1 drop ginger oil, 1 drop lavender oil and 2 drops carrier oil. Massage of the abdomen, neck region especially behind the ears.
- Headache Pulse Points – Use cold self-made menthol creams with added oils such as peppermint directly on the head/neck pulses. This reduces the ability of sensory receptors to elicit awareness to headache pain triggers.
Use Essential Oils Safely
When applying essential oils it is important to note that they are potent plant extracts hence can produce adverse effects if applied recklessly in certain persons. Keep these tips in mind:Keep these tips in mind:
- They should carry out a skin patch test before widespread use to check for the side effects that may appear due to allergy.
- Some oils may cause skin sensitization, thus, it is recommended that the oils be diluted with a carrier oil before being applied directly on the skin.
- When applying the oils, use pure therapeutic-grade oils, not synthetic fragrances as those found on the market.
- For purpose, employ the smallest volume of application which will help to attain the desired results. Generally, they use only 1-2 drops in a single application, depending on the need.
- Do not apply to the face or head, eyes, or inner ears as the oils are hot and can burn thin membranes.
As with the use of any new product from natural sources including the essential oils, first seek the advice of a doctor especially if you are under medication or have an ailment affecting your health. When taken in moderation specifically therapeutic grade essential oils are one of the most effective and relatively quick acting remedies with minimal side effects for most headache sufferers.