10 essential oils for headaches that actually work

Soniya
Best essential oils for headaches (Image via unsplash / Yogandha Oils)
Best essential oils for headaches (Image via Unsplash/Yogandha Oils)

When a pounding headache strikes, finding the best 'essential oils for headaches' becomes a top priority.

While over-the-counter painkillers may offer temporary respite, a growing interest in natural remedies has led to the rise of essential oils for headaches. Harnessing the power of nature's botanical wonders, these essential oils provide a gentle yet effective solution for soothing headaches without the drawbacks of pharmaceuticals.

In this article, here's a list of essential oils for headaches that have the potency in alleviating headaches naturally. From the cooling sensation of peppermint oil to the calming effects of lavender oil, this list of essential oils for headaches can come in very handy.

Whether you're dealing with tension headaches or sinus congestion-related migraines, these essential oils for headaches offer a holistic approach to managing and preventing those terrible pain


Finding your perfect blend: essential oils for headaches

Here are ten of them:

1) Peppermint oil

Clears your sinuses (Image via Unsplash/Sam Limon)
Clears your sinuses (Image via Unsplash/Sam Limon)

Peppermint oil's distinct cooling and invigorating properties make it an excellent remedy for headaches.

Its active ingredient, menthol, has muscle-relaxing effects and can soothe tension. By applying a diluted solution of peppermint oil to the temples or inhaling its aroma, one can experience quick relief from headaches caused by muscle tension or sinus congestion.


2) Lavender oil

Promotes relaxation (Image via Unsplash/Drew I)
Promotes relaxation (Image via Unsplash/Drew I)

Lavender oil is famous for its calming and relaxing effects on the mind and body. It helps relieve stress and tension, which are often the underlying causes of headaches.

Gently applying diluted lavender oil to the temples or back of the neck or simply inhaling its gentle fragrance, can promote relaxation and reduce the intensity of headaches.


3) Eucalyptus oil

Treats all sorts of headaches (Image via Unsplash/Brooke Lark)
Treats all sorts of headaches (Image via Unsplash/Brooke Lark)

Eucalyptus oil possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it a valuable option for headache relief.

It aids in sinus decongestion, improves blood circulation and reduces headache symptoms associated with congestion. By diluting eucalyptus oil and massaging it onto the forehead or temples, one can experience soothing relief from headaches.


4) Rosemary oil

Relieves tension (Image via Unsplash/Denise Chan)
Relieves tension (Image via Unsplash/Denise Chan)

Rosemary oil is known for its stimulating properties and has long been used to alleviate tension headaches.

It contains compounds with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce pain and tension. Dilute rosemary oil with a carrier oil, and gently massage it into the temples or neck or inhale its aroma, to experience its headache-relieving benefits.


5) Chamomile oil

Creates a soothing effect (Image via Unsplash/Yaroslava Stupnytska)
Creates a soothing effect (Image via Unsplash/Yaroslava Stupnytska)

Chamomile oil has a calming and soothing effect on the nervous system, making it an excellent choice for relieving stress-related headaches.

It helps ease muscle tension and promotes overall relaxation. Apply diluted chamomile oil to the temples, or add a few drops to a warm bath for an all-encompassing sense of calm and relief.


6) Basil oil

Also helps with muscle pain (Image via Unsplash/Yakov Lenov)
Also helps with muscle pain (Image via Unsplash/Yakov Lenov)

Basil oil contains compounds with analgesic and muscle-relaxing properties, making it effective in relieving tension headaches.

By massaging diluted basil oil onto the temples or inhaling its invigorating scent, one can experience relief from headache pain and muscle tension.


7) Frankincense oil

Apply a few drops. (Image via Unsplash/Chelsea Shapouri)
Apply a few drops. (Image via Unsplash/Chelsea Shapouri)

Frankincense oil has been used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties.

It helps reduce headache symptoms caused by stress and tension. By applying a few drops of diluted frankincense oil to the temple or back of the neck, individuals can find relief and alleviate their headache discomfort.


8) Peppermint and lavender oil blend

Make a blend of your favorite essential oils. (Image via Unsplash/Vero Manrique)
Make a blend of your favorite essential oils. (Image via Unsplash/Vero Manrique)

Combining both peppermint and lavender oil creates a powerful blend for headache relief.

Peppermint oil brings its cooling and analgesic properties, while lavender oil enhances the blend's relaxation and stress-reducing effects. Dilute a few drops of each oil with a carrier oil, and apply the mixture to the temple or inhale the aromatic blend to experience its synergistic benefits.


9) Lemon oil

Reduces tension and fatique (Image via Unsplash/Lauren Moncke)
Reduces tension and fatique (Image via Unsplash/Lauren Moncke)

Lemon oil has an uplifting and invigorating effect on both the mind and body. It can help alleviate headaches caused by fatigue or tension.

By diluting lemon oil and gently massaging it onto the temple or inhaling its refreshing aroma, individuals can experience a revitalizing effect that reduces headache symptoms.


10) Ginger oil

Use a carrier oil with essential oils for headaches. (Image via Unsplash/Lisa hobbs)
Use a carrier oil with essential oils for headaches. (Image via Unsplash/Lisa hobbs)

Ginger oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it beneficial for reducing headache symptoms.

It helps improve blood circulation and relieve tension, two common causes of headaches. By diluting ginger oil with a carrier oil and gently applying it to the temples or massaging it onto the forehead and neck, individuals can find relief from headaches naturally.


The aforementioned essential oils for headaches can provide soothing relief from headaches.

Remember to dilute the essential oils for headaches properly, and consult a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns.

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