Around 37 million people in the United States experience headaches, including migraines. While duration and degree can vary, symptoms often include throbbing temples, pain behind the eyes, nausea and sensitivity to lights and sounds. There are many reasons why headaches strike, from exposure to artificial fragrances, bright lights and loud noises to poor eating habits, weather changes and alcohol consumption. One thing is clear: When you have a headache, the only thing you can think about is how to make the pain stop.
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Lying down in a dark, cool room, receiving acupuncture therapy and sometimes even drinking a cup of coffee can help relieve headache pain. But there’s another natural remedy you may want to try. Certain essential oils can offer real relief from headache pain, often without side effects and without being addictive — unlike most pain medications. Here are the best essential oils for headache pain and how to use them:
- Peppermint
The menthol in peppermint oil helps relieve pain while also relaxing your muscles. To mix a topical application, dilute two or three drops of peppermint oil with one or two drops of coconut oil to ease nausea often associated with migraines. Rub the oil on the back of your neck, forehead and shoulders for pain relief. Diffuse the oil for added benefits.
- Lavender
Lavender oil helps relieve headache pain by tackling the inflammation exacerbating it. For aromatherapy, add five to 10 drops of lavender oil to a bowl of warm water. Cover your head with a towel, lean over the bowl and breathe deeply until your headache starts to diminish. You can also use a few diluted drops to massage behind your ears, temples and the back of your neck.
- Eucalyptus
Studies show that inhaling eucalyptus oil may help relieve pain and inflammation. Mix one drop of eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, then massage onto your chest, temples and forehead. Breathing the vapors can also help provide pain relief.
- Chamomile
Chamomile oil helps relieve headache pain by reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms of stress and anxiety. Dilute a few drops of chamomile oil with one or two drops of a carrier oil to massage onto your temples and forehead. Inhaling the stream after placing a few drops into hot water can also help stop a pounding headache.
- Rosemary
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving compounds, rosemary essential oil can be used to help stop a headache in its tracks. Add one or two drops to a cup of tea, water or soup and drink to help relieve pain. You can also mix two drops of rosemary oil with two drops of peppermint oil and one teaspoon of coconut oil and massage the mixture onto your forehead, temples and the back of your neck.