Top 4 Essential Oils for Headaches

Why we get headaches?

Peppermint essential oil is one of the most commonly used essential oils for headaches or migraines. Its main component, menthol, can act as a muscle relaxant and ease pain. As most headaches are caused by tightened muscles and tension in the head or neck, peppermint could help ease the pain.

Multiple studies tested the effects of peppermint essential oil on tension headaches. One study revealed that even a small amount of 10% peppermint oil mixed in ethanol solution "efficiently alleviates tension-type headaches." Furthermore, another study conducted by the International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology, showed that the ethanol found in peppermint essential oil can help, "increase cognitive performance while having a muscle-relaxing and mentally relaxing effect" therefore, "The essential plant oil preparations can thus be shown by laboratory tests to exert significant effects on mechanisms associated with the pathophysiology of clinical headache syndromes."


Peppermint essential oil can be used by applying diluted peppermint oil to the temples or Inhaling peppermint oil in your FUM - watch FUM's video on how peppermint and inhaling EO's works in your body. Click here to watch video.

If you are someone who suffers from headaches, it may be worth trying to inhale peppermint essential oil for natural relief. FUM + Peppermint Core can help you with this. Learn more about FUM and Peppermint here

Rosemary's pine and citrusy aroma has been used for many years in folk medicine to help relieve headaches. Rosemary has been shown to help poor circulation, inflammation and has pain-easing properties. All of which, are factors known to cause headaches. Rosemary's stimulation properties can help address the issues causing the headache with its calming aroma.

Studies suggest that due to its chemical compound, Rosemary oil can suppress inflammatory responses in the body, which is one of the main causes of headaches. Another study published in Addiction and Health, used Rosemary essential oil as a natural aid for patients with a history of opium abuse. The researchers found that Rosemary reduced withdrawal symptoms; such as, alleviating dysphoric mood, nausea, muscle aches, headaches, fever, and insomnia. Additionally, over the month of using Rosemary, patients reported a reduction in tension and muscle jerks, improving sleep patterns, alleviation of pain, and help convulsions. Therefore, Rosemary essential oil can be used as a natural alternative to painkillers and help address the issues in the body causing headaches.

Lavender is known for its relaxing and calming nature. Many headaches are caused by sleep deprivation, neurological conditions and disorders such as stress. Lavender can help counteract headaches and migraines as lavender works as a sedative, antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and antidepressant. Lavender's soothing effect on the mind and body is mainly due to its main components; Laninalool and Linalyl Acetat. These compounds help regulate serotonin levels, which help minimize pain in the nervous system that lead to migraines.

A study published in the European Neurology tested the effects of inhaling lavender essential for treating headaches. The participants inhaled lavender oil for 15 minutes during migraine headaches and were then asked to record their pain levels and headache severity every thirty min over a two hour period. The results between those who inhaled lavender and those who did not, was statistically significant. 90% of participants who used lavender reported decreased levels of pain and relief of headache symptoms. Therefore, Lavender can help naturally relieve headache pain and symptoms.

If you are someone who suffers from headaches, it may be worth trying to inhale lavender essential oil for natural relief. FUM + Lavender Cores can help you with this. Learn more about FUM and Lavender benefits here.

Some headaches are caused by sinus pressure due to either allergies or infections. If these are the type of headaches you get, Eucalyptus might be your solution. Eucalyptus essential oil acts as an expectorant. Meaning, Eucalyptus helps open the nasal and respiratory passages by cleansing the body of toxins and harmful microorganisms. Therefore, inhaling Eucalyptus essential oil can help relieve tension headaches caused by sinus pressure and respiratory inflammation.

A study conducted to test the anti-inflammatory effects of Eucalyptus revealed the oil’s significant effects on people with respiratory conditions. Researchers found that Eucalyptus oil exhibit antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial properties, which help alleviate sinus pressure caused by an inflammatory response. According to the study, participants who inhaled the oil were shown "significant and immediate improvement in symptoms of upper respiratory ailments." In other words, the anti-inflammatory properties of Eucalyptus help alleviate sinus pressure headaches, as the oil helps to clear and support the respiratory system.

If you're someone who suffers from seasonal allergies or respiratory issues, which result in sinus pressure and headaches, it may be worth trying a natural alternative to over the counter drugs. FUM + Eucalyptus Cores makes it easier to breathe the benefits of essential oils and help you naturally fight headaches.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jocelyn's passion to help others drives her work here at FUM. Jocelyn uses her research knowledge to bring information to the FUM Family on how to improve health. She graduated with a degree in Business Management and Organizational Communication from University of Ottawa and currently lives in Calgary, Canada.

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