Essential oils for headache relief

 Essential oils for headache relief

Everyone has suffered from headaches before! Of varying intensity and duration, this pain can significantly affect daily activities. While paracetamol is a solution that is often considered, there are natural alternatives that have been used for many years. Presentation of 4 essential oils recommended by aromatherapists to relieve headaches.

• Frankincense essential oil (frankincense)

Frankincense, also known as frankincense, is a resin recovered by incision in the trunk of the Boswellia carterii tree. It is one of the most famous resins in the world, a reputation which can be explained in particular by its use during rituals and meditation sessions. This resin is used in the development of an essential oil which has several beneficial effects for health and well-being. Promoting meditative states and relaxation, frankincense essential oil helps to harmonize the nervous system. It can be recommended to relieve nervous tension that can be the cause of headaches. 

In practice :Frankincense essential oil is used in diffusion. It can be used alone in a diffuser or combined with other essential oils depending on the desired effect.

•  Lemon eucalyptus essential oil

Eucalyptus are a group of plants well known to botanists and aromatherapists. Essential oils can be extracted from different species and used for different purposes. The one that interests us here is the essential oil of lemon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora). It is traditionally used to relieve joint and muscle pain due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It also has calming and relaxing properties. Thanks to its different properties, eucalyptus essential oil can be an ally in relieving headaches. 

In practice :Lemon eucalyptus essential oil can be used on the skin. Mix a drop of essential oil with 4 drops of vegetable oil. Apply this mixture to the painful area by massaging. Repeat the operation every hour until the headaches disappear.

•  Lavender essential oil

The essential oil of officinal lavender is an essential part of the aromatherapy kit. Let's talk about the benefits of its little sister: the essential oil of Lavender (Lavender hybrida). This plant comes from the natural crossing of officinal lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and asp lavender (Lavandula latifolia). This cross makes it possible to obtain a plant that is much richer in essential oil. Lavender essential oil has several properties including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, local anesthetic, calming, anxiolytic and sedative effects. It is commonly used to combat stress and anxiety, as well as to relieve headaches.

In practice: Lavender essential oil can be used in different ways. It is possible to place a few drops in a diffuser, in a bath or even in an oily preparation to be applied to the temples.

•  Peppermint essential oil

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a species of mint that is highly valued in aromatherapy. Its leaves contain an essential oil with a high menthol content. This natural active principle is none other than the compound at the origin of the refreshing effect of peppermint. Applied to the skin, the essential oil of peppermint provides a feeling of intense cold ideal for relieving headaches.

In practice: The essential oil of peppermint is generally applied in a localized way at the level of the temples to relieve headaches. A prior dilution in vegetable oil is strongly recommended.

Note: The information in this sheet is given for information only. It is advisable to refer to the precautions for use of each essential oil. In case of doubt, the advice of a healthcare professional is recommended.