Essential oils have all kinds of great health benefits. Not only do they smell great (and maybe they take you mentally to the spa), but when used as aromatherapy, they help reduce anxiety, aid sleep, improve mood, and reduce inflammation in the body.
The highly concentrated liquid extracted from the plant can be rubbed on the skin and inhaled, placed in a diffuser and inhaled through the air, or attached to a pendant to enjoy the scent all day long. One of the coolest benefits of essential oils is headache relief. Yes, if you have headaches or severe migraines, inhaling essential oils can be the solution you need, says Nancy Rodgers, a masseuse and certified aromatherapist at the Mayo Clinic's Integrative Medicine Unit.
How exactly does smelling an essential oil relieve a headache?
Essential oils are quickly absorbed by olfactory receptors, which are connected to the limbic system, which regulates heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, and stress, anything that can cause migraines and headaches.
In fact, some small studies found that people experienced back pain after applying peppermint and lavender essential oils to their skin. One study even found no significant difference between using peppermint oil and acetaminophen (also known as Tylenol) for pain relief.
8 Essential Oils for Headache Relief
1. Peppermint:
This is probably the most important essential oil for headache relief. That's why peppermint oil contains menthol, which helps relax muscles and relieve pain. It also has an excellent cooling effect on the skin, preventing muscle processes in the head and neck and promoting blood flow to the area.
This type of EO is great for tension headaches. Studies have shown that applying diluted peppermint oil to the temples can help relieve headaches.
Great for soothing: Tension headaches
2. Lavender:
Another popular alternative is lavender essential oil. This inviting scent is known to be very relaxing (you may have heard of it being used as a sleep aid).
Studies have shown it reduces stress. When combined with exfoliation and gentle pressure, it can help reduce stress that can cause muscle tension in the back and neck, which can ultimately lead to headaches.
There is also evidence that lavender may be effective enough to treat migraine pain. Another clinical study found that inhaling lavender for 15 minutes reduced the severity of symptoms.
Great for soothing: Migraines and Tension headaches
3. Rosemary:
Research supports the fact that rosemary essential oil can be a powerful anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. It is often used to improve circulation and headaches.
Some studies have found that rosemary EO may help with opioid withdrawal symptoms. Because it can reduce pain and get rid of insomnia, a factor that causes headaches.
Some studies have found that rosemary can reduce anxiety and depression, two of the other conditions that cause headaches.
Great for soothing: Tension headaches
4. Chamomile:
Chamomile tea is one way to unwind after a long day. Studies have shown that chamomile EO can help reduce anxiety and depression, which can also cause headaches.
This is what has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve pain such as headaches.
Great for soothing: Tension headaches
5. Eucalyptus:
If your headache isn't caused by stress or anxiety, and it's not a migraine, it may be caused by congestion or sinus problems.
If this is the case, get your hands on eucalyptus essential oil as soon as possible. This substance has the ability to open and clear the nasal passages and has been shown to relieve some of the tension that causes such headaches. According to a 2013 study, inhaling eucalyptus EO may lower blood pressure and relieve pain.
It is also effective for migraines. Studies show that eucalyptus relaxes and cools the body, creating the stress that causes headaches.
Combine it with peppermint EO and you have a promising solution to headaches.
Useful for: Sinus headache/congestion headaches, headaches
6. Geranium
This essential oil is much more than an excellent ingredient in natural fragrances. Several studies have shown that this floral EO can help with hormonal and menopausal issues.
Mixing geranium with lavender and massaging yourself a little (especially near the temples) can be very effective.
Great for soothing: Hormonal, menstruation headaches or menopausal.
7. Frankincense:
Studies have shown that frankincense scent is effective in relieving cluster headaches due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Cluster headaches often begin with muscle, neck, and back pain, so anti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve these symptoms.
A 2019 study found that essential oils reduced the effects of stress and improved sleep in rats. Frankincense also acts as an antioxidant and appears to reduce stress-induced damage to cells.
Frankincense is also a balm with a calming effect that can help reduce stress, relieve stress, and prevent headaches.
Great for soothing: Cluster headaches and tension headaches
8. Ginger:
You probably already know that ginger is very effective against nausea and vomiting.But ginger essential oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with all kinds of pain.
A 2018 review of research found that ginger not only works to treat migraines but also raises blood pressure, may protect against bad cholesterol, has antioxidant effects that may play a role in cancer prevention, and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Ginger essential oil can play a role in the fight against diabetes. For thousands of years, ginger has been valued as a remedy for headaches and nausea.
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