Do Essential Oils Help With Migraines?
Oils Help With Migraines
A migraine is one of the most painful, debilitating types of headaches you can experience. And although many people turn to over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen to combat these throbbing attacks, natural alternatives are available that can also help ease your discomfort. These include essential oils which can be used for a number of different purposes, including headache relief.
An essential oil is a concentrated compound extracted from aromatic plants to capture their scent, flavor and natural benefits. These oils are believed to be the “life force” of the plant, and they can provide a wide range of health benefits when diluted and used properly. They can be inhaled through an aromatherapy diffuser, applied to the skin or taken internally as veggie capsules or drops under the tongue or on the roof of your mouth.
While there isn’t much research on the effectiveness of essential oils for migraines, some claim that these natural remedies can ease your discomfort, relax you and even provide a little pain relief. Combined with tools like migraine glasses, cold packs and keeping a headache diary, they can be an effective part of your overall migraine management plan.
Do Essential Oils Help With Migraines?
This calming essential oil is thought to reduce stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for migraines. It is also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, which could help alleviate the pain of a migraine. A study published in the journal European Neurology found that inhaling lavender oil for 15 minutes helped relieve migraine pain more than a placebo. You can try it out by inhaling directly from the bottle, or use it in a face massage by adding 1 drop to a teaspoon of unscented face cream and massaging your jaw, temples and forehead.
This is another essential oil that can be helpful for headaches, as it helps to relieve sinus pressure and congestion. It’s been shown to relax muscles and improve circulation, which can help ease the pain of a tension headache. You can add it to a diffuser or apply it to the neck and shoulders. You can also mix it with peppermint to make a roll-on to use on the go.
This oil is often used for its anti-aging and spiritual properties, but it may also be able to help with migraines. It is thought to be an antidepressant and can ease anxiety and depression, which are common causes of headaches. It’s best if you dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin or using in a diffuser.
When shopping for essential oils, it’s important to look for high-quality brands that are distilled and stored properly to preserve their potency and purity. In addition, make sure you choose a brand that uses sustainable and responsible farming and harvesting methods to protect the planet and its inhabitants. In general, most essential oils need to be diluted before they can be applied to the skin or inhaled, so always follow the specific instructions for each type of oil you purchase.