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Using Aromatherapy For Headache Relief

Cartoon woman with red lightning rods pointing at her head and bubble saying

Here are some guidelines for using aromatherapy for headache relief. Of course, check with your healthcare practitioner first to make sure your headaches aren't caused by a serious medical condition.

This article focuses on tension headaches. Also see Migraine Pain Relief.

Essential Oils For Headaches

For a tension headache, most people can safely gently massage 2 drops of undiluted lavender essential oil on their temples, behind the ears, and across the back of the neck. Apply twice, if needed.

An alternative to lavender is Roman chamomile, which soothes and relaxes. Dilute the essential oil using a carrier oil if you prefer or tend to be sensitive.

Although many people swear by lavender for headaches, it never much worked for me. My personal experience is that rubbing a drop of peppermint essential oil into my palms and smelling it for a few minutes usually does wonders for getting rid of a headache. Keep it away from your eyes, as peppermint fumes will cause your eyes to burn.

For sinus congestion headaches, eucalyptus and peppermint may help relieve congestion. Add 4 drops of each to a pot of steaming water and breathe in the vapors, being careful not to burn yourself.

For headaches during your menstrual period, marjoram may help.

This next suggestion works best if you use it at the first sign of a headache: Add 2 drops each of lavender, marjoram, and peppermint to a tissue. Sniff deeply three times. Or use the oils to make an aromatherapy inhaler that you can carry with you.

All-Purpose Headache Oil

Place the following oils in a 1-ounce (30 ml) bottle and then shake gently:

2 tablespoons jojoba oil
10 drops frankincense essential oil
6 drops rosemary essential oil
1 drop patchouli essential oil

When you have a headache, rub some of the blend onto your neck and shoulders. You can also massage a few drops into your scalp. Be sure to avoid your eyes.

Source: Aromahead Newsletter

Aromatherapy Massage Oils For Headaches

You can use these three aromatherapy blends to prevent headaches or to help relieve headache pain.

Make the blends using 2 teaspoons carrier oil. Use the blends to massage your temples, forehead, neck, and shoulders.

Blend 1: Aromatherapy for headache caused by muscle tension

5 drops peppermint essential oil
4 drops lavender essential oil

Blend 2: Essential oils for headaches caused by negative emotions

8 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops Roman chamomile essential oil

Blend 3: Aromatherapy for headache caused by nervous tension

5 drops marjoram essential oil
3 drops neroli essential oil
3 drops Roman chamomile essential oil

You can also use 15 drops of this blend in an aromatherapy bath.

Computer Headaches

Use this blend if you get headaches caused by computer eye strain:

3 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops peppermint essential oil
3 drops geranium essential oil
1 drop eucalyptus essential oil
3 tablespoons unscented base cream or almond oil

Combine all ingredients and store in a small, dark glass jar with a lid.

Keep the jar by your computer. When you feel a headache coming on, massage a little of the mixture into your temples and the back of your neck.

Source: Massage & Aromatherapy

Headache Relief Bath Blends

For a bath to help relieve a tension headaches, add one of the following essential oil blends to your bath water:

3 drops each of marjoram, Roman chamomile, and lavender
1 teaspoon carrier oil

4 drops rosemary essential oil
2 drops pine essential oil
2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
1 teaspoon carrier oil

Or use this foot bath and compress:

3 drops rosemary essential oil
3 drops lemongrass essential oil
5 drops lavender

Mix the rosemary and lemongrass into a basin of hot water.
Add the lavender to 1/2 cup of cold water.
Soak your feet in the hot water for at least 10 minutes.
At the same time, apply a compress that's been dipped in the cold lavender water to your forehead.