Can essential oils relieve headaches?
If you’re searching for relief from headaches, essential oils may be the organic treatment to try. Many clinical studies are proving that essential oil therapy may be an effective treatment for both tension headaches and migraines. Finding the right essential oil treatment for you can make all the difference.
The best essential oil for your needs depends on what types of headaches you experience and how you plan to apply the oil. You can use essential oils topically to relieve pain around specific areas or inhale the oil through aromatherapy. You can use both methods to treat headache symptoms.
Topical Essential Oil
Multiple clinical studies support the use of peppermint oil (ethanol extract) topically to treat both tension headaches (the most frequent type) and migraine headaches.
In a double-blind controlled study on tension headaches, researchers found that applying peppermint essential oil to the forehead and temples during a headache attack was equally effective as taking one dose of acetaminophen. Peppermint oil is a viable, cost-effective solution for treating tension headaches without traditional therapies.
Another study focused on the use of peppermint oil to relieve migraine headaches. The subjects who received peppermint essential oil aromatherapy experienced a significant reduction in the intensity and frequency of migraine symptoms compared to those who received the placebo. The study confirms that intranasal therapy with peppermint oil is a successful treatment for relieving migraines.
Basil essential oil can also play a role in reducing headaches. Evidence from a randomized controlled clinical trial supports the use of basil essential oil to treat migraines. The triple-blind study found that a topical application of basil essential oil over time would reduce both the intensity and frequency of migraine attacks.
Essential Oil Aromatherapy
One clinical study suggests that lavender aromatherapy can help people manage migraine headaches. The study involved subjects diagnosed with migraine conditions, and those who received lavender essential oil experienced a significant reduction in the severity of their headaches. The results suggest that inhaling lavender essential oil may be an effective and safe treatment for migraines.
Top essential oils for headaches
Best of the best essential oil for headaches
Now Foods Peppermint Essential Oil
What you need to know: This four-ounce bottle of peppermint oil is a long-lasting headache treatment that delivers a soothing and cooling effect.
What you’ll love: The 100% pure peppermint oil is excellent for relieving tension headaches and migraines through aromatherapy or massage. The glass dropper makes for easy application.
What you should consider: There are no known drawbacks to this oil other than it is pure, so you need to dilute it before applying it directly to the skin.
Best bang for your buck essential oil for headaches
Healing Solutions Head Relief Oil Blend
What you need to know: This blend is a soothing escape of eight essential oils to help you feel refreshed and energized.
What you’ll love: The essential oil blend is excellent value for the price. Users are loyal to the unique scent, and many use it for regular headache relief.
What you should consider: The minty top note can be overpowering, so it may not be suitable for those who don’t enjoy the smell of mint.
Best roll-on essential oil blend for headaches
Migrastil Migraine Stick Roll-on Essential Oil Aromatherapy Relief
What you need to know: This roll-on aromatherapy stick is a convenient tool for fast relief from headache symptoms.
What you’ll love: The applicator tool’s convenience makes it easy to bring with you while traveling. The blend of peppermint, spearmint and lavender essential oils works together to deliver the best relief for tension and migraine headaches on the go. Since it’s already blended with a carrier oil, it won’t sting after applying it directly to the skin.
What you should consider: Some users say it will reduce their symptoms rather than completely eliminate their headaches.
Best dual-treatment essential oil for headache relief and muscle tension
Plant Therapy Tension Relief Blend
What you need to know: For those with tension headaches and tense muscles, this blend of 10 essential oils delivers relief for both.
What you’ll love: This pure essential oil blend soothes muscles and pain without being diluted by any carrier oil. Users like its refreshing and calming scent. It absorbs quickly into the skin and leaves no residue. You can also find it in a roll-on tube.
What you should consider: The unique scent isn’t for everyone. Some users noticed leaks in the bottle.
Best set of essential oils for headaches
Wellness Essential Oil Roll-On Set
What you need to know: If you’re packing for a trip or looking for relief on the go, this is a versatile set of essential oil blends you’ll want to take with you.
What you’ll love: You can mix and match the group of four roll-on blends to help relieve headaches, stress, muscle pain and improve your sleep. The roll-on bottles are easy to take anywhere, and users say the blends are safe for sensitive skin.
What you should consider: Some users reported leaky bottles, and others said the blends weren’t as potent as they expected.
Runner-up essential oil for headache relief
Now Foods Pure Basil Essential Oil
What you need to know: This pure basil oil comes from a reputable company and delivers a warm, spicy scent to keep you energized.
What you’ll love: It’s a high-quality essential oil at an affordable price point, and it offers a fresh, herbal, uplifting scent.
What you should consider: Some customers say it smells a bit different from the original basil plant and is very strong, so a large amount is too potent.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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