When a headache or migraine strikes, it can be hard to focus and accomplish tasks or be there for those who rely on us. Thankfully we can turn to mother nature for headache relief and to help set our heads on straight. Instead of reaching for a jar of aspirin or acetaminophen which come with a plethora of side effects including heartburn, stomach irritation, etc, aromatherapy can fit the bill spectacularly well. By taking a few minutes of respite with essential oils you can get back on track to tackle the day. But first, let's understand a little more about headaches. 

There are a few headache categories that we succumb to due to different triggers. Tension headaches and migraine headaches have somewhat different symptoms. Both can cause a lot of discomfort in the head or face. Each varies greatly in headache severity and regardless of the name, no headache actually occurs in the brain but through a network of nerves, muscles and blood vessels around the head and scalp. 

Migraine headache is a type of headache that can include vomiting, lightheadedness and sensitivity to light. Tension headaches on the other hand are slow to onset where the pain is usually bilateral and can range in severity from dull throbbing to what amounts to the feel of a vice around the head. They are usually caused by muscle stress and tension but can also be attributed to dehydration, eye strain, lack of sleep and loud noises. A cluster headache is another type that is generally long-term and unilateral with severe pain usually behind one eye. 

Aromatherapy functions through the limbic system in the brain after quickly being absorbed by odor receptors in the nose. The limbic system houses our hormone centers and is the seat of our emotions, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, etc. It is located just beyond the nasal passages. Since aromas can directly enter the brain from the nasal passages, inhalation of essential oils have a direct impact on stress and hormone levels and immediately trigger responses that promote homeostasis.

Essential oils assist headache pain relief and migraine relief by improving circulation, offering muscle relaxation, cooling the body and decreasing stress. It should be noted that for those with migraines, some aromas can actually be too stimulating, triggering a migraine or making one worse so it's best to go about this slowly. Be sure to smell the oils when you are feeling well to make sure they don't backfire on you making a migraine worse. Minimizing the triggers that cause stress and anxiety can also assist in reducing migraine headache frequency.

To understand what essential oils help migraines, general tension and headache pain and how to get rid of migraines naturally, let's take a look into the essential oils found in Headache & Migraine Aid essential oil blend.  

Essential Oils for Headaches and Migraines

Ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora)

The main component of Ravinstara is 1,8 cineole. This constituent alone has been shown to reduce neuropathic pain which exhibits also an anti-inflammatory response and reduces oxidative stress. In research studies, it has significant analgesic effects to thwart pain. Traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda have made use of Ravinstara for centuries as an analgesic and for headache applications. Simply, it can help to open up the respiratory pathways, making breathing easier which in turn improves circulation and calms stress.  

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

By far the best essential oil to bring headache relief, peppermint essential oil is known for its ability to reduce pain and inflammation. The menthol found in it has been shown to bring on a calmer disposition which is one way it helps to relieve headaches and the pain associated with them. Peppermint oil has been found to be “significantly more effective than placebo in controlled studies”[4] and a worthy partner in relieving acute headaches caused by tension. 

Frankincense- Serrata (Boswellia serrata)

Frankincense- Serrata is spectacular in its ability to reduce anxiety and inflammation that may be a trigger for migraine and headache pain. This is most likely in part due to its compounds of monoterpenes which can actually reduce the swelling of blood vessels that are usually the start of a chain reaction of pain that present as headaches. Research has found that the Boswellia essential oils, in particular, contain superb ability as anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. 

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) 

According to a triple-blind study, using a 6% concentration of Basil essential oil was found to reduce both the intensity of pain and the frequency of a migraine attack better than a placebo. This same study has also shown that basil is a pain reliever for any migraine sufferer due to its ability to reduce the level of amino acids that interfere with pain and that it also can potentially stimulate the body's natural opioid system in the brain, further relieving pain.

Lavender- Bulgarian (Lavandula angustifolia)

The ability to reduce stress and anxiety is high on the list of abilities of Lavender essential oil. When general tension headaches strike, they are very often the result of mental stress and anxiety and even muscle tension. “Lavender essential oil has been used as an anxiolytic drug, a mood stabilizer, a sedative, spasmolytic, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, analgesic agent as well as a wound healing accelerator.” And now, it’s used as a treatment for acute migraine and tension headaches via inhalation and is gaining traction in studies.

Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana)

Sweet Marjoram is known as “the joy of the mountains” in Greece and we consider it bliss in a bottle. It has an unmatched ability to uplift mood, calm the spirit and put a rosy glow on life. It grounds and centers and protects the heart and for centuries has been traditionally used in tea to cure headaches, quell nervousness and improve respiratory function. It has antimicrobial, antioxidant and pain-relieving effects and also improves circulation. Other actions include anti-inflammatory, calming, immune stimulant and it naturally reduces blood pressure. 

Where to place Peppermint oil, Lavender oil and other oils for Migraines and Headaches

Peppermint oil and Lavender oil are both excellent single essential oil choices to assist with relieving headaches and migraines. To use the oils, you will want to start by diluting the essential oil with a carrier oil into a roll-on. When used for spot treatment a roll-on can be made with a dilution of 5-10% since it will be used for spot treatment rather than for a full body massage. 

Once you have your blend, you will want to start by giving yourself a break if you can by finding a quiet, low-lit area to relax for a few minutes. Start by rolling or massaging the oil onto the palms of your hands, cupping your hands over your nose and breathing in deeply 4-5 times. Then massage the oil blend onto the back of your neck, your temples, a dot under your nose and even on the breast bone - basically anywhere that the aroma will waft up to your nose. Massage the oil in lightly all the while taking deep breaths. Repeat as needed.

What relieves headaches instantly?

Most headaches are caused by stress or muscular tension, lack of sleep, dehydration, loud noises or even vision problems. Inhalation and topical massage treatments can do wonders to soothe headaches. To put essential oils to use, combine 1 oz carrier oil with 15-25 drops of Headache & Migraine essential oil blend and massage it into the back of your neck and onto your temples. If you have a heating pad, find a nice quiet place where you can rest for 5-10 minutes and let the warmth of the pad and the aroma from the oils do their magic. 

How to use Headache & Migraine aid Essential Oil Blend & Useful Essential oil Recipes

1. Steam Inhalation
   
   One of the best ways to relieve headaches is through inhalation. Steam inhalation is an advantageous way to get the oils directly to the brain to relieve inflammation from a headache or migraine.
   
   What you will need: a comfortable place to sit, a large glass or ceramic bowl, a large towel, Headache & Migraine essential oil blend and a hot steamy water.
   
   Place the large bowl you will be using where you will sit for the steam. Pour the hot steamy water into the bowl, sit down and drape the large towel over your head. Place 1 drop of the headache blend into the water and tent the towel over the bowl and your head. Close your eyes (very important!) and with your head about 8-12” above the hot water, begin breathing in deeply. You can stay under the towel anywhere from 1-15 minutes. Repeat morning and night as needed.
   
   
2. Neck Tension Massage Oil 
   
   To reduce neck tension, dilute Headache & Migraine Aid by combining 18 drops with 1 oz of Trauma oil or Grapeseed oil. Massage the blend into the back of your neck and shoulders and apply moist heat for 10 minutes (place a small, lightly damp towel under a heating pad after you apply the massage oil to the skin.) For added relief, also massage the headache oil around the temples.
   
   
3. Migraine Temple Rub Roll-On 
   
   With Edens Garden premade Headache & Migraine Aid Roll-On, it's a breeze to apply whenever needed. It also makes a great travel companion, fitting easily into bags or pockets. Roll the oil over the temples, the nape of the neck and a dot under the nose and massage into the areas to encourage tension relief. Use as often as needed.
   
   
4. Bath Salt Blend 
   
   While running a warm, cozy bath, blend 1 cup of magnesium-loaded Epsom Salts, with ½ cup Castile Soap and 6 drops of Headache & Migraine Aid essential oil blend. Mix this concoction fully and when the water level in the tub is just about right, place this salt blend into the water and swirl it around to disperse and diffuse. Hop into the bath, close your eyes and breathe the aromatics in deeply for a good 15 minutes. 
   
   
5. Migraine Bath Bomb 
   
   What You Need: 1 cup Baking soda, ½ cup Citric acid, 1 oz Jojoba carrier oil, 8 drops of  Headache & Migraine Aid essential oil blend and a Silicone bath bomb mold.
   
   Combine the baking soda and citric acid. In a separate bowl, stir Headache & Migraine Aid into Jojoba oil. Next, combine dry and wet ingredients until the mixture is damp and holds together. Pack the mixture into the bath bomb mold before allowing it to dry and harden overnight. Once hardened, transfer to an airtight container. When ready to use, run your bath and put your bath bomb in the tub, allowing it to fizzle out and hop in.

SOURCES:

1. Phytochemical composition of essential oils from Cinnamomum camphora leaves of different areas and their analgesic properties http://www.ijps.ir/article_43107.html
2. In vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of Cinnamomum camphora extracts https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16182479/
3. Analgesics - Side Effects & Precautions https://www.everydayhealth.com/analgesic/guide/
4. Peppermint oil in the acute treatment of tension-type headaches https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27106030/
5. Long-term efficacy of Boswellia serrata in 4 patients with chronic cluster headache https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3620238
6. A systematic review of herbals as potential anti-inflammatory agents: Recent advances, current clinical status and future perspectives https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3263046/
7. Study: Frankincense Oil — A Remedy For Headaches And Migraines https://reset.me/study/study-frankincense-oil-a-remedy-for-headaches-and-migraines/
8. The Efficacy of Topical Basil Essential Oil on Relieving Migraine Headaches: A Randomized Triple-Blind Study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32155616/
9. Lavender essential oil in the treatment of migraine headache: a placebo-controlled clinical trial  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22517298/
10. Best Essential Oils and Scents to Ease Headache and Migraine Pain https://www.everydayhealth.com/headache-migraine-pictures/soothing-scents-to-ease-headache-pain.aspx
11. Headache https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/headache