Headaches can knock you off your feet no matter their source. Different factors trigger different forms of headaches.
For example, tension headaches may occur as a result of stress or muscle tightness in the neck and shoulder areas.
Sinus headaches may arise as a precursor of upper respiratory infections.
They can cause inflammation in the nasal passageways, which in turn creates pressure in your sinus cavities, including the places beneath your eyes and along your forehead.
Migraine headaches are particularly cumbersome. A myriad of things or events may trigger them including the following:
- Caffeine
- Light
- Exhaustion or sleep deprivation
- Certain foods
- Hormonal swings
No matter the source of your headache, your instinct may be to reach for an over-the-counter treatment or a prescription for immediate relief. You should also know, however, that there are also a few actions you can take to relieve your headaches naturally:
- Deep breathing exercises
- Finding a quiet, dark space with low stimulation
- Relaxation techniques
- Removal of stressful triggers
Another natural approach for treating headaches is the use of essential oils and aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is a potent and natural method for delivering relief from headaches for those who wish to dodge the use of synthetic medicines.
Aromatherapy for Headaches
Multiple studies have shown that essential oils are a safe method for managing headaches. Unlike pain relievers, which can have unwanted side effects, diffusing essential oils into the air can help your body use its natural circulatory system to relax. Aromatherapy massages, where essential oils are applied to the facial area at the onset of a headache, can also help relieve pain naturally.
Best Oils for Headaches
What are the best essential oils for managing headaches? There are several oils that research has overwhelmingly indicated are useful in decreasing headache pain. Depending on the cause of your headache, the right essential oil can help you to manage more than one of the things that are upsetting your system.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil can help relieve your headaches. It contains properties that improve blood flow throughout the body. It can also help open up nasal passages for you if you’re suffering from a sinus headache. If stress is the culprit of your headache, peppermint also has a fantastic way of helping you to gain a sense of inner calm.
You can apply this oil to the forehead (if mixed with a carrier oil like coconut oil) or add this oil to your diffuser for inhalation.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is an anti-inflammatory agent which can be extremely beneficial for relieving pain resulting from inflammation. It is also a decongestant that can help relieve the nasal congestion associated with sinus woes or a cold.
Lavender Oil
Inhaling lavender oil can help you safely manage or treat your next migraine headache, according to a study published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine. Thirty minutes of breathing the essential oil from a diffuser can be just as effective as taking Acetaminophen, better known as Tylenol.
Lavender oil has many other uses, such as aiding people in falling asleep at night, reducing symptoms of anxiety and stress, and promoting relaxation. It’s no wonder that this oil contains the necessary properties to alleviate pain from a headache.
In addition to adding a few drops of this oil to your diffuser or bath, you can apply a few drops of this oil (using a carrier oil like coconut oil) to the nape of your neck, forehead or temple.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that act as a natural pain-killer. It’s also a natural stress reliever, which can be useful when your headache is the result of a stressful episode or event.
Rosemary oil contains properties that improve circulation and promote healing. You can apply this oil directly to the forehead or your temples to manage devastating migraines, or you can add it to your diffuser or bath for inhalation.
Bergamot Oil
If you are prone to migraines or tension headaches, you might find bergamot oil to be especially effective in helping you to manage this pain. You can apply this oil topically behind your ears or on your forehead to aid in relieving your discomfort.
The best oil to meet your needs may vary based on the cause of your headache and general preference. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the different essential oils. You can reap the benefits of their power whether you blend the oils or use them independently.
