It’s a beautiful morning and you’re ready to take the day by storm. You have a laundry list of people to see and places to be, so you head out, ready to seize the day. That is, until your head begins to seize up and pound. 

It’s the dreaded headache, come to put a stop to an otherwise productive day, and you need some fast and effective relief. We’ve been there, and have a few tips on deflating mean headaches and migraines the natural way, so you can get back to doing what’s important to you. Read on to learn more. 

What Causes Headaches? 

Before tackling a headache head-on, it’s important to know what’s causing it. Here are some common reasons why a headache might strike. 

Dehydration

Some believe that not drinking enough water is a leading cause of headaches. Whether you’ve been exercising, have been adversely affected by hot weather or you’ve simply forgotten to drink H2O, there are many reasons why you might get a dehydration headache.

Medication

While this may seem counterintuitive, taking the same pain relief medication frequently or above the recommended dosage for headaches can lead to a medication overuse headache. The exact reason for this may vary depending on what medication you’re taking. 

Hormonal Changes

In women, fluctuations in hormonal levels are a common cause of headaches. Hormonal changes may occur during PMS, menopause, pregnancy and when taking birth control. 

Food & Drink

Caffeine, alcohol and aged cheese are three common causes of headaches. If you eat or drink substances that contain caffeine frequently, you may develop withdrawal headaches. Alcohol can also lead to a hangover headache because it causes dehydration and chemical imbalances. Lastly, aged cheese is high in tyramine–a natural chemical that constricts blood vessels, thus causing headaches.

Sleep

Our body needs a sufficient amount of sleep to function at its best. When we don’t get enough sleep, a variety of health problems can occur. Doctors and scientists have long-established a connection between sleep problems, headaches and migraines.  

Stress

The most common trigger of a tension headache is stress. This type of headache stems from muscle tension, which is the body’s natural reaction to stress and anxiousness.

Sinus Headache

A sinus headache is usually felt in the face, brow and cheeks and it is commonly characterized by sinus pressure, pain, sinus congestion and fatigue. Many people mistake a sinus headache for a migraine headache because the symptoms are so similar.

Headaches and migraines are rarely caused by serious health conditions, but we suggest consulting with a medical professional if you are experiencing serious, frequent headaches.
 

How To Prevent Headaches

The best way to combat a headache is to avoid it altogether. And by following these steps on a consistent basis, that just might be achievable. 

• Drink plenty of water

• Take medication at the prescribed dosage

• Eat and drink headache-triggering foods in moderation or avoid altogether

• Get at least 8 hours of sleep each night

• Avoid smoking

• Find ways to manage stress

• Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine

• Manage symptoms of hormonal imbalance 
  
  

Which Essential Oils Are Best For Headaches?

Finding a good headache remedy online can, well, lead to more headaches. That’s why we’ve compiled this short guide of our favorite aromatherapy products for headaches (essential oils for headaches) and how to use them–so you can get back feeling better faster. 

Peppermint

Yep, that’s right — Peppermint essential oil isn’t just a great-smelling oil. This essential oil contains a significant amount of menthol, which is known to help relax and ease tension headaches while providing significant pain relief. Use with caution, as Peppermint oil is an energizing oil that can interfere with sleep. On the other hand, it can help you stay awake when migraine-related fatigue sets in. 

For quick and convenient migraine relief, try the Peppermint roll-on which is prediluted in Fractionated Coconut oil and can be applied directly to the temples, neck and forehead. 

Lavender

Is any job too big for Lavender oil? This 100% pure essential oil offers a high percentage of esters (linalyl acetate) and anti-inflammatory properties. Because it features sedative properties, Lavender essential oil offers you the opportunity to get a full 8 hours, thus preventing and stopping headaches altogether. 

Don’t have Lavender oil? Try Clary Sage. It may smell like an entirely different essential oil, but it’s quite similar in composition to Lavender and offers equivalent benefits towards headache relief and prevention. 

Dilute 18-30 drops of either oil in 1 oz of carrier oil such as Jojoba oil or olive oil and apply to the temples, neck and forehead. 

Eucalyptus

Containing high quantities of the oxide 1,8-cineole (acting as both an anti-inflammatory and expectorant), all varieties of Eucalyptus oil offered at Edens Garden can help ease headaches. However, it should be noted that Eucalyptus essential oil specializes in easing sinus pressure and headaches.

To up the ante, create an essential oil blend of Eucalyptus and Roman Chamomile essential oil to ease a stubborn headache. Chamomile oil is highly antispasmodic and a favorite for relieving tension. Combine 10 drops each of Eucalyptus and Roman Chamomile in 1 oz of carrier oil. Apply to your forehead and temples to release a bad headache. 

Head Ease

When your headache or migraine is in full bloom, reach for the specially formulated Head Ease synergy blend. This essential oil blend offers a minty, earthy aroma and is an all-natural remedy for headaches.

Head Ease contains:

• Lavender oil

• Peppermint oil

• Rosemary oil

• Frankincense oil

• Basil oil

• Chamomile oil

• Ginger oil

• Spearmint oil

• Helichrysum oil

Use it in an essential oil diffuser while you spend a little time in bed healing up. 

Head-A-Sore-Us

Adults aren’t the only ones that have to contend with the occasional headache. Look out for your children by keeping Head-A-Sore-Us on hand. Specially formulated to be safe for kids 2+ and effective for the whole family, this blend is ready to make headaches go extinct. Try diffusing it or grab the prediluted Head-A-Sore-us roll-on for topical application. 

Sources:

1. Recognizing a Dehydration Headache. https://www.healthline.com/health/dehydration-headache

2. Headache. https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/brain-and-nerves/headache.html

3. Medication overuse headaches. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/medication-overuse-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20377083

4. Hormonal Headaches: Causes, Treatment, Prevention, and More. https://www.healthline.com/health/hormonal-headaches#TOC_TITLE_HDR_1

5. Foods That Can Trigger Headaches. https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/neuroscience-blog/2015/november/foods-that-can-trigger-headaches

6. Sleep Deprivation and Migraines. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-deprivation/sleep-deprivation-and-migraines

7. Tension headache. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20353977

8. Sinus headaches. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sinus-headaches/symptoms-causes/syc-20377580