Top 7 Essential Oils for Headaches and How to Use Them

Aromatherapy is a natural alternative to over-the-counter painkillers for headaches and migraines. Essential oils are plant extracts that offer many therapeutic and health benefits. Certain natural enzymes in these oils have pain relief properties that can alleviate headaches.

Stress, sleep deprivation, digestive issues, dehydration and caffeine withdrawal are some of the reasons why you must be experiencing headaches. Knowing the underlying cause can help you pick the right oils from the plethora of options out there.

It might take a few trials to understand what works best for you. Once you are certain, we recommend sourcing it from a wholesale essential oil supplier. It will save both time and money!

7 Best Essential Oils For Headaches And Migraines:

1. Lavender Essential Oil For Headaches

Lavender is always the go-to essential oil for relaxation and stress relief. Use lavender essential oil if you cannot identify any apparent reason for your headache. A study conducted by Maria Grabnar and Mary Joan in 2021 showed that lavender essential oil can significantly reduce the sensation of pain and anxiety. The analgesic properties of its compounds work on our nervous system and reduce the perception of pain. 

How To Use: Take a few drops of pure lavender essential oil and dilute it with any suitable carrier oil. Massage around the temples, or simply add it to a diffuser.

2. Ginger Oil For Headaches

Consumption of refined flour, dairy or pre-cut fruits and vegetables are common causes for bloating and gas. In Ayurveda, headaches are often associated with excess of vata dosha in the body. Keeping a check on your food and digestive system can help reduce headaches. Inhaling ginger essential oil is a good natural option to control flatulence and subsequent headaches.

Its anti-inflammatory properties may provide immediate pain relief and its digestive properties control nausea. Ginger oil is an excellent essential oil to have in your travel aromatherapy kit.

How To Use: Pour a few drops of ginger essential oil on a cotton ball and inhale for 2-7 minutes.

3. Peppermint Essential Oil For Headaches

While summers are a great time to hit the beach and soak in some sunlight, heatstrokes and dehydration often come along with it. This results in headaches and fatigue. Harness peppermint oil’s cooling properties to get relief from these summer headaches.

Peppermint essential oil is also effective in widening blood vessels which improves circulation in the body. This is particularly helpful in migraines caused due to restricted blood flow. If your migraine is accompanied by nausea, peppermint essential oil can provide relief from that too.

How To Use: Peppermint essential oil can cause sensitivity so proceed with caution. Avoid using it if you have any underlying health conditions. The safest way to use peppermint oil for headaches is to add a few drops to a diffuser. If you don’t own one, simply smell the oil from the bottle.

4. Chamomile Essential Oil For Stress Related Headaches

Uses of chamomile go beyond the tea. It’s essential oil is renowned for some pretty solid reasons. Natural chamomile essential oil has muscle-relaxing properties as well as its bioactive compounds are proven to be efficient in reducing anxiety, stress and depression. These are all common triggers for headaches and you can manage them naturally using chamomile essential oil. Its calming aroma makes it perfect to diffuse at bedtime.

How To Use: Add 2-5 drops of chamomile essential oil to a bath and relax in it for 10-15 minutes. You can also mix it up with dried chamomile and lavender leaves for added relaxation. This method world best at night-time, when you are preparing your body for a good night’s sleep.

5. Tulsi Essential Oil For Sinus And Allergic Headaches

Holy basil or Tulsi holds so many health benefits that many cultures worship it and have spiritual associations with it. Holy basil essential oil is extracted from the leaves of Ocimum sanctum, traditionally grown in India.

Sinus headaches are a result of inflammation of blood vessels. Holy basil essential oil contains natural compounds like eugenol and rosmarinic acid which reduce inflammation and associated discomfort. It also reduces congestion and clears the nasal passage, paving the way for you to breathe easily.

How To Use: You can use it with steam inhalation or in a diffuser. Another effective way to use it is in a hot compress. Add 2-3 drops in warm water and dip a clean towel in it. Place it on your forehead and back on the neck to get relief from cold associated pain.

6. Geranium Essential Oil For Headaches Caused By Tensions

The calming and floral aroma of geranium essential oil helps relieve tension and fatigue. It relaxes the mind deeply and is great for light to mild headaches. You can also use it to lighten the mood and reduce stress.

Its natural compounds like citronellol and geraniol reduce inflammation in the body and might provide relief from pain.

How To Use: Dilute geranium essential oil and apply the diluted blend on your temples, hairline and neck. Its mild analgesic properties will provide you relief in a short span of time. You can also massage it around your belly button to balance the energy flow in your body.

7. Coriander Seed Oil For Dehydration Headaches

Often headaches can be a result of dehydration in the body. This may or may not have anything to do with your water intake. While taking fluids is the best remedy for it, you can fasten the recovery by using coriander essential oil. It is also effective for headaches caused by gas and flatulence. The mild sedative properties will put your body at rest, especially after a long summer day.

How To Use: Create an essential oil headache relief diffuser blend by combining 3 drops of lavender oil, 1 drop of peppermint oil and 2 drops of coriander oil. This blend can tackle multiple types of headaches - ranging from stress to dehydration.

Essential Oil Massage Blend Recipe For Headache Relief

1 drop of geranium essential oil
2 drops of lemon essential oil
3 drops of lavender essential oil
1 drop of coriander essential oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil

Mix all the oils and massage gently on your neck. You can also apply this on your upper abdomen. Practice deep breathing while massaging the oil.

Concluding Thoughts

Essential oils are a natural way to handle various types of headaches. Natural oils like peppermint, lavender, chamomile, ginger and holy basil are some great options to relieve pain. However, the effectiveness of aromatherapy can vary from person to person. What works well for someone might not work out at all for you so always proceed with caution. The quality of essential oils can also determine its effectiveness hence always buy essential oils from a reputed supplier only. Consult a doctor if your symptoms persist for over 2-3 days. Happy scenting!

FAQs

What essential oil is best for headaches?
Lavender, peppermint, ginger, chamomile and rosemary are some of the best essential oils for headaches and migraine.

Where do I put peppermint oil for a headache?
You can apply diluted peppermint oil on your neck, hairline and upper abdomen for headache relief.

Is lavender or peppermint oil better for migraines?
Lavender and peppermint oil are both good options for migraine relief. While lavender is more relaxing and works better for stress related headaches, peppermint oil is great for digestion or heat related migraines.

How do you use lavender oil for migraine headaches?
There are multiple ways to use lavender oil for migraine headaches. You can add it to a diffuser or create a hot compress. Another simple technique is to add a few drops to your bath and enjoy the calming floral aroma of lavender oil.

Which is the best place to buy essential oil in bulk?
Experienced wholesalers and exporters like Aromachology are the best places to buy essential oil in bulk. This allows you to get your oils directly from the source.