Most people reach for painkillers when headache strikes, despite the fact that these pills provide may side-effects, such as liver and kidney damage. What`s more, they fail to address the root cause! If you`ve been looking for alternative treatment, look no further! You probably haven’t tried the one option that really works wonder: essential oils.
Essential oils are completely safe to use and have been shown to be extremely effective in relieving a debilitating headache. As an added bonus, they get to the root of the problem rather than alleviating the pain temporarily.
How Do Essential Oils Treat Headaches?
Essential oils improve circulation, reduce stress, and provide pain relief. They also offer a wide range of health benefits and boost the immune system.
Many women develop migraines during menopause or pregnancy due to hormonal imbalances. Using a natural treatment such as essential oils is highly recommended for this purpose. Rosemary and lavender oils are soothing oils that ease tension and alleviate pain, which makes them effecting in treating PMS symptoms like headaches and migraine attacks.
Headaches may also stem from allergies, certain foods, sinus pressure, and physical exertion. The good news is that all of these triggers can be eliminated with the help of essential oils.
Top 4 Essential Oils for Headaches
1. Peppermint Oil
Applying peppermint oil on the forehead and the temples effectively relieves a tension headache. According to a study in which 41 patients were analyzed in a placebo-controlled study and in which peppermint oil was applied topically, the patients experienced relief and no side effects.
Another study was done in 1995 and published in the International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytotopharmacology. The researchers evaluated 32 participants and the essential oil treatment was studied by comparing baseline and treatment measurements. The combination of peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and ethanol was one of the most effective treatments.
2. Lavender
Lavender essential oil is packed with curative and therapeutic properties. It is said to induce relaxation and alleviate stress and tension, working as calming, anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and sedative agent. Growing evidence suggests that this oil also serves as quite an effective treatment of neurological disorders and conditions.
Researchers claim that aromatic and topical use of lavender oil impacts the limbic system as its main compounds, linayl acetate and linalool, are readily absorbed through the skin and are believed to cause central nervous system depression. Therefore, lavender oil can be safely used to treat headaches that stem from anxiety disorders.
In a 2012 study published in European Neurology researchers found that lavender oil works as an effective means of managing migraine headaches. This placebo-controlled clinical trial studied 47 participants.
The treatment group inhaled lavender oil for fifteen minutes during the migraine attack. Then, the patients were asked to report their headache severity and its symptoms in 30-minute intervals for two hours. The difference between the treatment and the control groups was statistically notable. Out of the 129 headaches cases, 92 responded to the lavender oil treatment.
To relieve tension and stress headaches, apply lavender oil to the back of neck, wrists, and temples. To aid sleep, boost mood, relieve stress, and reduce muscle tension diffuse a few drops of the oil in the home.
3. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus cleanses the body of toxic matter and detrimental microorganisms. It also eliminates sinus pressure, which often leads to debilitating headache. At the same time, it boosts mood and promotes emotional balance.
According to a clinical trial published in Evidence –Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine which involved 52 patients who underwent knee replacement surgery, inhaling eucalyptus oil reduces blood pressure and decreases a person`s pain.
Eucalyptus oil had anti-inflammatory effects, reduced edema formation, and promoted emotional stability in the patients. These properties can be useful for those suffering from tension headaches, too.
Dilute a few drops of eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil and apply it to the back of the neck, the forehead, the temples, and the chest. This helps clear the airways and eliminate nasal buildup, which in turn relives sinus tension that is associated with migraine attack.
4. Rosemary
Rosemary essential oil is used to treat poor circulation and headaches due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and stimulating properties. It improves alertness and personal orientation due to its calming effect.
In addition to this, rosemary oil also reduces stress that causes headache attacks. It also soothes an upset stomach and treats indigestion, which is a common sign of headache.
Take a drop of rosemary oil orally by adding it to water, soup, or tea when experiencing migraine attacks. Another option is to mix a few drops of the oil with two drops of peppermint oil and a teaspoon of coconut oil, and rub it on the back of the neck, the forehead, and the temples.
How to Use Essential Oils for Headache Relief
Migraine Headache
Massage peppermint or lavender into the temples and back of the neck to alleviate anxiety and alleviate migraine headaches.
Tension Headache
To relieve stress and reduce tension, apply eucalyptus or peppermint oil on the wrists, forehead, and the temples.
Sinus Headache
To alleviate a sinus headache, apply eucalyptus oil on the chest, temples, and tip of nose.
Sugar Headache
Mix equal amounts of rosemary, lavender, and coconut oil, and apply to the back of the neck, forehead, and temples.
Note: When using essential oils, make sure you dilute it first. If you have never used an oil before, it is recommended to do a patch test on a small area.
source: http://besthealthyguide.com