If you suffer from migraines you know how exactly how debilitating they are. With holistic medicine becoming increasingly popular, it’s no wonder that more people are turning to alternative therapies to help cope with a migraine. One of these therapies is aromatherapy and the use of essential oils.
Aromatherapy and essential oils help to relieve pain, promote relaxation, decrease stress, and improve overall well-being.
The benefit of aromatherapy aside from the relaxation and a decrease in stress and pain is that it can be performed in the comfort of your home which is the best-case scenario in the event of a migraine.
Essential oils are derived from plants and have been found to contain antiviral, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. If you ever go for massages you’ll notice that they happen to use essential oils during the process to help aid in relaxation and start to help you de-stress.
So, what aromatherapy oils work the best for migraines?
Table of Contents
Types of Essential Oils for Migraine
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Lavender
Lavender has long been known for its pain-relieving and relaxing benefits. It can be used to help anxiousness and stress, or if you feel a headache coming on. This essential oil is incredibly soothing and is a top pick for helping reduce the discomfort and pain that comes on with a migraine.
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Chamomile
Chamomile tea is a great choice if you’re struggling with a migraine. Chamomile has healing benefits through reducing inflammation and is known to decrease stress and anxiety which often lead to headaches.
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Peppermint
Peppermint contains menthol which helps to reduce muscle pain and tension through relaxation. It is commonly used for those that are suffering from a migraine to reduce the pain.
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Frankincense
Frankincense has anti-inflammatory benefits that help reduce the pain and symptoms of a migraine attack. It may even help reduce stress, anxiety, and tension that often make headaches and migraine worse. This particular oil even works as an immune booster.
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Rosemary
Another oil that can help reduce headaches or migraines that are caused by depression or anxiety. Rosemary has healing properties and helps to reduce pain and promote relaxation.
How to Use Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
For essential oils, you can typically just apply them topically to the skin either on the temples or wrists. Your body will know where it needs it the most.
You can also put a few drops in a warm bath, that way you are inhaling it as well.
Or, use an oil diffuser. You usually only want to put three to five drops in at a time and have them on for fifteen to twenty minutes.
Inhaling diluted essential oils such as peppermint oil or lavender for fifteen minutes may be beneficial for relieving pain.
What Are The Benefits?
Essential oils can benefit a broad range of conditions, not only migraine. If your migraine was brought on by stress or anxiety, using an essential oil could help relieve your stress and anxiety as well and still alleviate the pain at the same time.
Benefits include:
- Stress reduction
- Pain relief
- Inflammation properties
- Antiviral and antifungal properties
- Immune boosters
- Relaxation
- Improve sleep
What Are the Risks?
Essential oils and aromatherapy are generally safe, but there are always risks to take into consideration with any type of healing tool.
Some of these risks include inhaling too much which will leave you ill or disoriented. Always make sure you dilute an essential oil properly before inhaling a lot of it. If applying topically from the bottle it is generally safe if you are using it in small amounts and it’s been diluted already.
Another risk is irritation or burning. Do a patch test before deciding to use it.
Those that struggle with sensitivities should also take precautions, especially if they suffer from asthma or allergies. Start out with a minimal amount.
Do not ingest any essential oil, or get any in your eyes. Keep out of reach from children or animals.
Always consult a doctor before trying new products and oils if you have any concerns.
Bottom Line
Many people turn to OTC drugs for treating their migraines, but there are other ways to manage them in a holistic and alternative way that may benefit you, and may even be of preference in the future. Essential oils are generally safe, easy to use, and don’t require you to leave your home. Turn off the lights, turn on the diffuser or bath, and let the oils do what they are supposed to – alleviate stress and pain.
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