The Most Effective Essential Oils For Headache Relief (With Recipes!)

Essential oils for headaches may be the answer you’re looking for to ease your pain when your head starts to ache or pound. Most everyone has a headache from time to time but when the pain begins to interfere with your normal activities, essential oils can help. These oils are all natural with therapeutic properties that can eliminate the pain by treating the cause.

Everything from bumping your head to serious medical conditions can make your head hurt but here are the most common causes of reoccurring headaches:

• Stress
• Medications
• Allergies
• Dehydration
• Menstrual cycle
• Pregnancy
• Physical activity

There are essential oils that can help relieve the pain regardless of the cause. However, when you know what is making your head hurt, you can choose specific essentials oils that will also treat the cause. Sometimes, you can determine the cause by the type of headache you have.

Types of Headaches & The Oil That Helps

You can identify the type of headache you have by the pain you feel. Identifying the type of headache will help you determine the cause and that will make it easier to choose the best essential oils to ease the pain. Below are the five most common types of headaches along with which essential oils are best to use for each type.

Essential Oils For Tension or Stress Headaches

Tension or stress headaches are the most common type. Most people that get a tension headache continue with their daily activities. However, the constant pressure or achy feeling is uncomfortable and distracting, which makes it difficult to stay focus. When you’re relaxed, your headache can subside which is why the following are great choices to help you relax and reduce the severity of tension headaches:

• Lavender
• Peppermint
• Rosemary
• Eucalyptus

Tension Headache Diffuser Relief Blend

• 1 drop of chamomile
• 3 drops of lavender

Essential Oils For Cluster Headaches

A cluster headache occurs in cycles and they usually affect just one side of the head at a time. Many people will also have runny nose, congestion and watery eyes with a cluster headache. The sharp, stabbing pain comes on quickly and it’s usually severe so you need something to relieve the pain fast. No one really knows what causes a cluster headache but the two best essential oils for reducing cluster headaches are:

• Frankincense
• Peppermint

Essential Oils For Sinus Headaches

When you get a sinus infection, it’s often accompanied by congestion and headache. The pain usually radiates through the forehead, between the eyes and across the nose. Your teeth and ears can hurt and your whole head may feel sore. Common causes include allergies, colds and the flu.

Essential oils they clear up congestion, open up the nasal passages and help to get rid of the infection all work great for sinus headaches. The 3 best options are:

• Eucalyptus
• Cypress
• Tea Tree

Decongestant Inhaler Mix:

For steam inhalation simply add 3 drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil into a bowl of steaming hot water. Cover your head with a towel over the top of the bowl and inhale deeply for a few minutes. Be sure to keep your eyes closed as it can get a little stingy!

Essential Oils For Migraine Headaches

Migraines can interfere with your life and keep you from doing your normal activities. They usually last at least four hours. However, the throbbing pain can last up to seventy-two hours and it can affect just one side of the head at a time. Some people are sensitive to light or sound and others may have nausea or throw-up. The best essential oils to use for migraines are:

• Lavender
• Eucalyptus
• Rosewood
• Peppermint

Migraine Relief Diffuser Blend:

• 1 drop of lavender
• 1 drop of eucalyptus
• 2 drops of rosemary

Essential Oils For Rebound Headache

Sometimes taking prescription or over-the-counter medications for headaches can trigger a rebound headache if you use them for long periods. Taking a break from the headache medication will end the cycle but it takes time. You will most likely experience severe headaches for a while before they taper off. During this time, you can use:

• Lavender
• Peppermint
• Frankincense

Knowing the type of headache you have will help you choose the best essential oils to treat the pain and eliminate the cause.

Why Use Essential Oils for Headaches

Essential oils can help you get rid of the pain fast and safely. They don’t have nasty side effects like many of the traditional medicines do, so they’re safe to use and very effective. Not only will they get rid of the headache but essential oils also have many other health benefits. For example, some oils help to boost your immune system while others can help reduce muscle aches and pain all over your body.