Essential Oils for Headaches and Migraines
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that can be used for a variety of reasons and ailments. Overall, they have the ability to relax the nervous system, soothe tension and relieve pain, making it an exceptional tool for relieving headaches and migraines.
Headaches and migraines are caused by varying reasons. It could be due to stress, hormonal imbalances, diet, muscle tension, changes in weather, or even how stuffy your room is (Hoffman, 2003). For whichever reason, there are simple practices you can introduce to relieve these symptoms.
This could be by noting down certain triggers, making changes in your diet and lifestyle, cutting down alcohol and tobacco, practice breathing exercises, alongside introducing essential oils into your protocols.
5 Essential Oils for Headaches and Migraines
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Organic Lavender essential oil
Lavender essential oil is relaxing and soothing. Being a sedative and nervine, it has the ability to relax the nervous system and soothe tension in the body, making it an effective essential oil for the treatment of headaches and migraines.
Lavender also has the ability to enhance the action of other oils. Combine lavender essential oil with peppermint essential oil for a sedative and stimulating relief.
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Organic Marjoram essential oil
Marjoram essential oil is warming and toning. A wonderful culinary herb that can take you to the mediterranean mountains with just a whiff of its sent, it also has great potential for soothing inflammation and tension. It is relaxing on the nervous system, making it a beneficial tool for relieving stress, headaches, anxiety and insomnia.
Dilute 5 drops of marjoram essential oil in a diffuser, body oil or facial steam to soothe persistent headaches and migraines.
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Organic Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint essential oil is cooling and stimulating. Menthol in peppermint can help relieve tense muscles, headaches and migraines, especially ones caused by sinus congestion from colds and flus.
Massage your temples and forehead with diluted peppermint essential oil for a soothing relief from headaches and migraines.
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Organic Rosemary essential oil
Rosemary essential oil is energising and refreshing. Its circulatory stimulating and anti-inflammatory properties have made rosemary a common plant to use for relieving pain and stagnation. When applied topically and inhaled, rosemary essential oil can stimulate blood in the local area, refresh the senses and vitalise energy levels, which can be particularly helpful for symptoms of headaches and migraines.
Dilute up to 5 drops of rosemary, lavender and peppermint essential oils in a diffuser for a synergistic blend. When combined, these essential oils will strengthen the potency of each other.
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Organic Clary Sage essential oil
Clary sage essential oil is relaxing and sedative. It is a powerful oil for relieving headaches caused by stress, anxiety and depression. Clary sage essential oil can calm the nervous system, lower blood pressure, improve mental clarity and inflammation in the body.
Dilute 3 drops of clary sage essential oil with 2 drops lavender essential oil in your diffuser for a sedative treatment for headaches and migraines.
DIY Essential Oil Blend for Headaches and Migraines
Ingredients
3 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops marjoram essential oil
2 drop rosemary essential oil
2 drops peppermint essential oil
1 drop clary sage essential oil
1 ounce carrier oil (ie. sweet almond or jojoba oil)
- Combine ingredients in an amber glass bottle.
- Use this oil in your bath or as a massage oil to relieve headaches and migraines.
Diffuser Blend for Headaches and Migraines
Ingredients
1 drop rosemary essential oil
2 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops peppermint essential oil
- Dilute essential oils into a diffuser.
- Sit in a comfortable seating, relax and unwind. Take deep breaths in, and deep breaths out, inhaling the soothing aromas along the way. Allow yourself to centre and stabilise.
- You can also add a massage oil to this practice, massaging your temples and forehead to soothe symptoms of headache and migraines.