Essential oils for headache

The issue of headache is common and millions of people all across the world experience headaches daily for different kinds of reasons. There are too many reasons behind headaches including allergies, hormones, fatigue, tension, stress, constipation, poor digestion, nutritional deficiencies, alcohol, drug intake, high blood pressure or even low blood sugar. You may become a victim of one or more of these reasons.

When we experience a headache, we usually try to get relief through a couple of acetaminophen. As a matter of fact, we usually take too much dosage and it causes several issues for us. These painkillers come with a host of ugly side effects. Apart from that, these painkillers don’t deal with the root cause of the problem. The American corporation WebMD says that excessive usage of acetaminophen can cause liver disease. The liver plays a vital role in cleaning our blood. It also deals with metabolism of drugs and chemicals and help to remove toxic materials from our body. Now a day people are using alternative methods to address headache issues instead of using medicines. There are a number of essential oils that can give you instant relief even in a condition of a severe headache.

Essential oils are considered as a safe remedial measure for all the types of headaches. The reason is that essential oils not only give you relief but they also deal with the root of the problem.

Why essential oils

Unlike the painkillers that are normally used to treat headaches and migraines today, essential oils produce relief and reduce stress and pain. These oils have several other benefits and they also boost the immune system instead of wreaking havoc on vital organs. Headache may be caused by the hormonal changes, especially occurring in women during or before their periods when estrogen level drops in their body.

I am mentioning some essential oils that you can use to combat your headache issue.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint Oil is the best for migraine and tension headaches. It is basically colorless fluid with a penetrating smell. It produces a cooling effect, helps to relax the muscles and stimulate the blood circulation.

How to use Peppermint essential Oil

For the best results, mix two to three drops of peppermint oil with the coconut oil and apply the mixture smoothly on the forehead, shoulders and back of the neck.

The other way to use the peppermint oil is through the process of inhalation. Add two drops of the oil to a tissue and inhale for a few minutes. You can also use it through steam inhalation. Add two to three drops of peppermint oil to the boiling water and inhale the steam gently. Breathe gently because peppermint has a strong smell and you may feel difficulty in breathing if you try to breathe heavily. However, the process of inhalation provides instant relief.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil comes with a number of therapeutic and curative properties. It works as antidepressant, anti-anxiety, sedative, calming and anticonvulsant agent. Lavender oil has linalool and linalyl acetate that are absorbed in the skin and produce smoothening effects on the central nervous system. In this way, Lavender oil helps to treat the headaches caused by the anxiety and tension. It is really helpful in the conditions of restlessness and disturbed sleep. Lavender oil helps to regulate the serotonin levels that help to minimize the pain.

How to use Lavender essential Oil

Both the aromatic and topical use of Lavender oil provides wonderful results. Gently apply five to ten drops of Lavender oil on the back of the neck, shoulders and wrists, and massage gently to relieve stress and pain.

Eucalyptus Oil

It works as an expectorant and helps to remove the toxic and harmful microorganisms from the body. It eliminates the sinus pressure and opens the nasal airways.

How to use Eucalyptus Oil

Apply ten drops of Eucalyptus oil on the upper back, neck, chest and forehead and massage gently. It will improve breathing and reduce a runny nose. It has anti bacterial, anti viral and anti microbial features that help to reduce the sinus pressure caused by an inflammatory response.

Rosemary Oil

It has been widely used in traditional medicines to treat headaches and circulation issues due to its anti-inflammatory, stimulating and analgesic features. It helps to release stress, emotional triggers and soothes an upset stomach that can cause a severe headache.

How to use Rosemary essential Oil

 Add a drop of Rosemary oil to tea, water or soup and drink it. A mixture of two drops of rosemary oil and peppermint oil each and one teaspoon of coconut oil proves beneficial to treat severe headaches and migraine attacks.

Roman chamomile oil

It helps to relieve headaches that are associated with hay fever or other allergy type conditions.

How to use Roman chamomile essential oil

Take three to five drops of Roman chamomile oil and massage onto the upper back, neck, forehead and chest. If you are experiencing severe headache, you can use it on your shoulder and wrists to get an instant relief.

Marjoram sweet oil

It is the best essential oil if the headache is associated with menstrual irregularity. Marjoram sweet oil has a soothing aroma that helps to relax the nerves and releases the stress and pain.

How to use Marjoram sweet essential oil

You can use it both by direct application on the body or through the process of inhalation.

I have described only a few essential oils that are normally used. However, there are many essential oils that help in different ways.

Other essential oils considered good for the headaches and migraines.

·         Wintergreen

·         Valerian

·         Jasmine

·         Ginger

·         Clove

·         Myrrh

·         Bergamot

·         Basil

·                                 Neroli