Handling Headaches with Essential Oils

Handling Headaches with Essential Oils

We all get headaches. Every single person - child, teenager, and adults - men and women - I don't honestly think there's a single person who can say they haven't had a headache. There are so many causes of headaches and because of that, one answer does not fit all. So today's blog is going to tackle the most common causes of headaches and ways you can treat them naturally with essential oils.

General Headaches - no particular cause, can occur anywhere on the head

1. One drop of peppermint over the spot that is hurting is often enough to help decrease or even stop the headache in it's tracks. Please do not get in your eyes!
2. Second best oil is Rosemary followed closely by Basil, Clove, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Lavender, Marjoram, and Patchouli. You'll need to try different combinations til you achieve your favorite combination.
3. You can diffuse a combination of any of these oils. Please note that Peppermint is energizing so you'll want to avoid this in the evenings if you're sensitive to it.
4. My routine: 1 drop peppermint massaged onto the temples and 1 drop to the back of the neck followed by 1 drop of Frankincense massaged onto the temples and then 1 drop of Lavender massaged onto the temples and 1 drop to the back of the neck. It may seem like a lot but really, it takes about 2-3 minutes and you'll have quick relief.

Tension Headaches - typically feels like a tight band around the head and affects neck and shoulder

1. Apply Peppermint to the temples, forehead, back of the neck, and over the tops of the shoulders for near immediate pain relief. Use caution to avoid your eyes.

Gastric Headaches - usually hurt all over, caused by bad food or food sensitivity

1. Apply 1-2 drops of Lavender, Peppermint, and/or Rosemary to the temples and back of neck.
2. Diffuse 3-4 drops of Lavender, Peppermint, and Rosemary.

Migraine Headaches - often occur in one area of the head, can include nausea along with light/sound sensitivity

1. 1 drop of Frankincense held to the roof of the mouth using your thumb for a few moments.
2. Apply 1-2 drops of lavender to the back of the neck and base of the skull..
3. 1-2 drops of Peppermint and Ginger applied topically or taken internally for nausea offers quick relief.

Ideally whenever you have a headache, you would apply the oils every 15 minutes until you find adequate relief. A cool compress to the forehead and neck can be very helpful. If at all possible, a nap is ideal. If you are in the throws of a migraine and cannot tolerate oils to your head and neck, then apply them to your feet and put cotton socks over top. 

Interested in essential oils? Contact me!