What Essential Oils Help Migraines?
There have been several studies done that showed the benefits of popular essential oils as an alternative treatment to traditional therapies.
The use of less studied scents for migraines and headaches relies more on the knowledge gained through centuries of tradition. Ancient cultures like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese practiced the use of essential oils.
Before using any essential oil, talk with your doctor first to go over any risks there may be by including them in your treatment plan. Some oils are not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, so check with your doctor before using any new oils.
Peppermint/Spearmint Oil
Peppermint oil has a long-lasting cooling effect on the skin, the ability to inhibit muscle contractions, and stimulates blood flow in the forehead (when applied topically).
If peppermint oil is too overwhelming, using spearmint instead can help. Spearmint has the same qualities as peppermint oil with a much subtler scent.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has many benefits. It works as a sedative, antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and calming agent as well as induces relaxation and relieves tension and stress. It can also help with feelings of restlessness and poor sleep and regulates serotonin levels which help minimize pain in the nervous system.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil works as an expectorant – it helps to cleanse the body of toxins and harmful microorganisms. It opens the nasal airways and eliminates sinus pressure, which can contribute to headaches, and promotes emotional balance and boosts mood.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil has been used in folk medicine to treat headaches and poor circulation because of its stimulating, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
This essential oil has a calming effect and improves personal orientation and alertness. It reduces stress and emotional triggers that can cause headache attacks and aids in digestion and soothes an upset stomach which can be a symptom of a severe headache.
Chamomile Oil
Chamomile oil has many uses and benefits. There are two types of chamomile, the Roman Chamomile and German Chamomile. While Roman Chamomile is more soothing and calming, German Chamomile has a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.
Chamomile oil is used as a stimulant and anti-depressant, sedative, digestive aid, analgesic and antineuralgic, and a relaxant.
The German variety is more effective than the Roman variety in curing inflammation, reducing blood pressure and curbing the swelling of blood vessels. Both have analgesic properties, reducing pain in the joints and muscles, decreasing the severity of headaches, and relieving the severe pain of neuralgia.
Rose Oil
Stress is a common trigger for headaches. Learning how to reduce and alleviate stress in the mind and body can help in the management of migraine.
The comforting and soothing properties of rose oil can help ease the nervous system, reducing tension in the body that can lead to headaches. Rose oil encourages deep relaxation, which is beneficial when treating migraine and headaches.
Lemon Balm/Melissa Oil
Lemon balm or Melissa oil is used to treat many health conditions in traditional medicine, including insomnia, migraine, anxiety, hypertension, diabetes, and dementia. It calms the nerves in the brain which helps to ease the pain caused by headaches and migraine.
Marjoram Oil
Marjoram oil is good fortifies and strengthens brain tissue, thus a great use for brain health. This oil reduces pain caused by inflammation, controls or calms muscle spasms, and provides feelings of calm and relaxation to help treat tension and anxiety.
