Essential oils have been used for centuries. They are natural remedies used in wide variety of ailments. But did you know that you can use essential oils for headaches and migraines?
First, what are essential oils and how are they used?
Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants that retain the said plant essence like smell & flavor. The oils are meant to be inhaled and are commonly used in aromatherapy treatments. The scent interacts with part of your brain that is responsible for emotions, behaviors, senses and memory. Essential oils are not to be swallowed, they can be inhaled or diluted and applied to the skin to achieve certain medicinal effects.
Now that you have a basic idea on what essential oils are and how to use them, let me tell you a quick story.
I woke up one day and as usual went straight to the kitchen to make coffee. For us the day always begins with a healthy dose of caffeine. As I prepped the machine and got it started, in my head I was going trough my plans for the day.
Suddenly, everything turned dark!
It was as if someone had taken a hammer and a drill and was cycling trough each of those going trough every part of my head. I was sitting there, thinking what happened? What could have caused this? I just woke up feeling great a few minutes ago and now this!
The pain was unbearable! I tried to resist going for the Advil right away, but no matter what I did, the pain would not stop. There was no choice! I had to take it or risk loosing an entire day to this headache. If I didn’t do something to stop this pounding feeling behind my eyes, all of my plans would have been for nothing!
As the pain subsided and I got back to my senses, I realized that this was the second time I had experienced this kind of pain in the past 10 days. Not only that but this was the 4th or 5th time for the past month and a half. Something was wrong but I could’t tell what.
Lately, my wife had also been complaining with more and more frequent migraines. Some from her monthly period and others, we think, from the stresses of everyday life. Family, kids, school, businesses, work and weather changes were just some of the reasons for our heightened stress.
With so many frequent headaches and migraines, we knew we couldn’t continue with constant intake of over the counter medications like Advil and Tylenol. Research has shown that frequent use of these medications, especially after your 30s and 40s could pose some significant side effects over time.
Something had to change!
A friend of ours had recently told my wife about using essential oils and how they have helped them. We were skeptical at first but wanted to do the research and find out for ourselves.
During the next few months, we purchased, tested and tried many different essential oils for headaches and migraines. This is how the below list was born! We used and tested, with various level of success, all of the oils below and hope that you would find them helpful too.
Are you looking for immediate relief from your headache or migraine?
Before you dive in to the list and try to find the one that might work for you, I wanted to share something else.
While we still use some of these, trough our research and trying, we also found the 1 essential oil that rules them all, when it comes to headaches and migraines. These days, the Migraine Care Essential Oils is the one essential oil that we can’t go without.
If you are reading this and are looking for an immediate relief, I can tell you that this is IT! Stop reading now and get your bottle of Migraine Care Essential Oils today. You can thank me later!
I know how much it hurts! Stop letting headaches and migraines rule your live.
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If you are not that desperate for instant relief, like we were, keep reading and discover the one essential oil for you!
Table of Contents
Here are 14 Essential Oils for Headaches and Migraines
Using essential oils for headaches and migraines is a great natural alternative to over the counter medicine like Advil and Tylenol. We have tried all of the oils below with various level of success.
In putting the list together, we hope that you will also find the one or two that will help you. For an added convenience, we have also included links to the exact products, we used, from Amazon.
Please note that clicking those links may result in a small commission being paid to us. We use this solely to support this site and continue to share our experience and expertise for your benefit.
Lastly, if you find this list helpful, I would really appreciate it, if you could share it with your friends and family.
1. Lavender Oil
As you may be aware, Lavender oil is commonly added to perfumes and soaps for its amazing fragrance. Its relaxing properties also make it a favourite ingredient in massage oils and sleep aids.
But did you know that those same properties of the Lavender oil, are also helpful with your headaches and migraines?
Because of these calming properties, lavender oil can help release the tension in your muscles and that is huge when you have a pounding headache or extremely painful migraine. Apply the diluted solution to your skin or use in a warm bath like we do (do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding).
2. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is used in variety of applications. Most prominently, this oil is used to enhance mental and physical stamina for endurance athletes as well as to relief gas and bloating.
For me, this was one of the best options when it came to my tension headaches and I continue to use it to this day!
For those that suffer from tension, headaches and migraines, the peppermint oil is one of the most commonly recommended treatments. In fact, based on research(*1), this oil is one of the best remedies for tension based headaches.
Apply the peppermint oil to your temple for almost immediate release from tension and/or pounding migraine.
3. Rosemary Oil
Most women know that Rosemary oil is one of the most common oils used in skincare products. It is also wildly used in hair care products as it promotes hair growth.
Rosemary oil is also super beneficial when it comes to headaches and migraines. Not only does it provide pain relief, but it also helps increase cortisol in the body, which in terms helps reduce stress.
If you are suffering from stress related headaches, rosemary oil is here to help. My wife swears by it and always ensures to have a bottle on hand.
Massage the oil into your painful area, inhale some of the scent from your skin or use in a hot bath for relief (Note: this is also not recommended for pregnant or women who are breastfeeding).
4. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus Oil has a very unique and pleasant scent. Because of that, it is another one of those oils that is widely used in the cosmetics industry. Eucalyptus oil can be frequently found in perfumes, massage oils and decongestant products.
But, did you know that the Eucalyptus Oil is also considered a medical substance?
Research(*2) has shown that its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties can be extremely beneficial when it comes to treating headaches. In our experience, Eucalyptus Oil is one of those great essential oils for headaches and migraines!
Either apply the diluted Eucalyptus oil to your chest or add a few drops to hot water and inhale for immediate relief.
5. Helichrysum Oil
Helichrysum Oil is one of those essential oils that has been widely used for centuries in the Mediterranean region. Not only that but it was used to treat a vast variety of symptoms and sicknesses. Coughs, colds, insomnia and even constipation are just a few of the uses of helichrysum oil.
Have you heard of it before?
We only discovered Helichrysum Oil recently. Its pain relief, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antiacterial properties make it a great choice to those who suffer from headaches and migraines. There is a great research(*3) that you can checkout at the end of this article.
Add a few drops to hot water and inhale the vapor or use in a diffuser. Another way to enjoy the benefits of Helichrysum Oil is to mix with carrier oil, such as coconut or almond oil and apply directly to the skin.
6. Chamomile Oil
Most of you will be familiar with chamomile being used in teas that help you get a good nights rest. But did you know that it can also be used as one of those essential oils for headaches and migraines?
Chamomile is great when it comes to a tension based pain. The reason behind that is its properties that help relief stress and minor pain. Chamomile Oil will help you feel more calm and relaxed while also releasing the tension and thus helping you with your headache.
If you haven’t tried Chamomile Oil, I urge to test it out.
Use in a diffuser or a diluted solution in a spray bottle. You can also massage the oil directly to your skin or use in a hot bath (Note: not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding).
7. Melissa Oil
Melissa oil has been heavily researched for the use in patients with Alzheimer’s. It is also commonly used for people with insomnia or digestive problems.
How can that help me, you may ask?
Well the good news is, and based on some scientific research(*4), that Melissa oil is also one of those essential oils that can be used for headaches and migraines. Its properties help greatly reduce inflammation cause by the tension you experience from such symptoms.
Apply the diluted oil directly on your skin, where it hurts for immediate relief.
8. Marjoram Oil
Marjoram oil is another one of those essential oils for headaches and migraines that we discovered recently. Its main use has been focused on the management of diabetes and people with digestive problems.
But trough our research(*5), we also discovered that marjoram oil has natural calming and stress relief properties. As you know stress is deemed as one fo the major triggers for tension based headaches. This is where marjoram oil shines! It has proven to be a great choice for people that suffer from headaches and migraines.
Apply Marjoram oil topically for speedy relief from headaches or migraines.
9. Bergamot Oil
Bergamot has been used in Europe and specifically France, since the 1700s. Its citrus scent is a great addition to some perfumes. These days, Bergamot is used in a wide range of cosmetic products.
In the traditional Chinese medicine, they even use it to help people with digestive issues.
If you are suffering from headaches and migraines, Bergamot can prove to be very useful! Experts believe that this is due the fact that it helps block pain receptors. Based on that, Bergamot is another great essential oil for headaches and migraines that are mainly caused by stress associates tension.
Mix Bergamot Oil with carrier oil and massage directly on the skin. Alternatively add a few drops to hot water and inhale or use a diffuser.
10. Ginger Oil
As you know, Ginger is a root vegetable. These days it is very popular all over the world. In China, Ginger is not only a common food ingredient but it has also been recognized for its medicinal uses and used for centuries. They have used it to treat a variety of illnesses and ailments.
Ginger has been well researched(*6) and established to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a great choice when it comes to headaches and migraines.
I can only describe the Ginger’s aroma as strong, warm and spicy. This was one of the essential oils for headaches and migraines that my wife tried with great success.
Massage the ginger oil on your skin for fast and speedy relief from headache or migraine.
11. Sweet Basil Oil
The Sweet Basil Oil is another one that we researched and tested with some really good results, especially for me.
Based on studies, this oil has anti-fungal, insect-repelling and a natural anti-inflammatory properties. Sweet basil Oil, also has the added benefit of helping alleviate pain. This, I believe is the main reason why it has worked pretty well for us.
The way I would describe the essence is warm, sweet, with hint of fresh flora and crisply herbaceous scent. Some people have reported great results while using Sweet Basil Oil on their hair and skin.
Add 10-15 drops to one ounce of carrier oil and massage on your temple, neck and chest. Alternatively, add a few drops to a cotton ball and inhale.
12. Clary Sage Oil
Have you heard of Clary Sage Oil? If not, you are not alone. We certainly didn’t until we did our research on essential oils for headaches and migraines.
Clary Sage is another herb that can be found mainly in the Mediterranean and has been used there for centuries. It has clean and refreshing scent that you can use either as a skin balm or as part of an aromatherapy treatment. Clary Sage is also known as “clear eye” and “eye bright” and has a wide use in teas.
New study(*8) of the Clary Sage properties has proven that it can offer wide variety of uses. Some of those include for stress relief, antibacterial, antidepressant and even reducing menstrual cramps.
If you are suffering from headaches or migraines connected to stress or other female related symptoms, like my wife, this might be a great choice for you.
Do NOT apply this oil directly to your skin. Instead use it in a diffuser, add a few drops to hot water and inhale or add to a spray bottle and user around the room.
13. Geranium Oil
Next on our list and another great choice for headaches and migraines caused by female hormone-based imbalances. My wife had a great success with her headaches that appear right before her period.
Geranium Oil is greatly used in Europe and Asia. It can greatly help sooth your nerves and any headaches that arise from that. Geranium Oil has a very pleasant rose sent that, some say, also helps with depression.
If you enjoy floral scents and especially suffering from female related headaches and migraines, I would encourage you to give Geranium Oil a try.
Use a carrier and rub the Geranium Oil on the back of your neck and temple. Bonus: add equal amount of Lavender oil for even greater effect!
14. Rose Oil
We personally knew allot about rose oil and have used in various applications at home. My wife absolutely loves the scent. One thing we were not aware of though is that Rose Oil also helps with headaches and migraines.
Let me explain!
Rose oil is a potent stress buster. Its essence promotes calm and relaxation. Rose Oil also reliefs tension and soothes an overreactive nervous system, which is one of the biggest headache causes these days.
For the best results, massage it directly onto the site of pain.
Are You Ready to Take Control of Your Headaches and Migraines?
I hope you have found this list helpful. We put allot of time in gathering and researching information on the best essential oils for headaches and migraines. Our biggest personal goal was to stop using over the counter medication, which comes with some really negative side effects in the ling run.
As I have mentioned above, one of the best overall options we found was the Migraine Care Essential Oils. If you don’t have the time or money to try out some of the oils above, this is you best bet of defeating your headaches or migraines. It has been life changing for us! They also offer 100% money back guarantee so if for some reason Migraine Care Essential Oils don’t work for you personally, simply return it for a full refund.
Take control and get rid of your headaches and migraines with Migraine Care Essential Oils today!
Whatever your personal reasons are to research into natural ways to combat headaches and migraines, you should also consider a more healthy lifestyle overall. You might be surprised that it doesn’t take much effort or money to stay healthy! I invite you to checkout our 21 Simple and Cost-Free Habits to do Every Day for Better Health
Lastly, do you have your own recommendations about essential oils for headaches and migraines? We would love to hear from you! Please use the comment box bellow to share what has worked for you and help our community.
Resources & References
*1 – Effectiveness of Oleum menthae piperitae and paracetamol in therapy of headache of the tension type
*2 – Medicinal uses of eucalyptus oil
*3 – Helichrysum italicum: from traditional use to scientific data
*4 – Melissa officinalis L: A Review Study With an Antioxidant Prospective
*5 – Sweet Marjoram A Review of Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Biological Activities
*6 – Ginger. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
*7 – Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil)
*8 – Randomized controlled trial for Salvia sclarea or Lavandula angustifolia