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one green planet

Getting a headache can really stop you in your tracks and put a damper on your day. So it is no surprise that we are eager to cure headaches as effectively as possible!

Essential oils, derived from plants and herbs, are excellent in tackling those unwanted headaches. Some of the best general-purpose essential oils to have on hand for headaches include peppermint, rosemary, basil, clove, eucalyptus, frankincense, lavender, and patchouli.

As there are different types of headaches, there are different essential oils recommended depending on the cause of the ailment. If you’re unsure, this site is great in helping you identify what sort of headache you are experiencing. Remember always to consult a professional if you are experiencing extreme pain or very frequent headaches.

For the everyday headache, give these essential oils a try to help.

Lavender

How to Use Essential Oils to Relieve Headachestfengreen/Flickr

The most common type of headache, tension headaches, are often caused by stress and feel like a dull pain on both sides of the head. Peppermint and lavender work best in this situation. Lavender oil comes from the plant’s flowers and has a calming effect; aromatherapists often use it to help treat headaches! Just place a few drops of lavender oil into boiling water and inhale the vapors. Lavender oil can also be rubbed into the skin for pain relief. But keep it away from your mouth and eyes — it can be toxic if ingested!

Rosemary

How to Use Essential Oils to Relieve HeadachesRebecca Siegal/Flickr

Another essential oil that is frequently used in aromatherapy, rosemary is great for relieving stress, anxiety and pain. Rosemary oil can be used to treat muscle pain and improve circulation by rubbing it into the skin, so it makes sense that it could help relieve headache pain too. Rosemary essential oil can be added to a base oil, such as almond oil or olive oil, and rubbed into the skin in the problematic area. It can also be added to bathwater, but avoid contact with the eyes or any open cuts!

Bergamot

How to Use Essential Oils to Relieve HeadachesUniversity of Delaware Carvel/Flickr

Bergamot oil is made from a type of orange tree and has an intense lemon aroma that is used for both pain and anxiety, so it can also be a useful headache treatment. Bergamot oil aroma is inhaled — some researchers believe that smell receptors in the nose react to essential oils by sending messages to the brain that cause relaxation, thus relieving headache pain.

Peppermint

How to Use Essential Oils to Relieve Headacheswonderferret/Flickr

Peppermint essential oil is used in aromatherapy for headaches as well as muscle and nerve pain. The aroma of this essential oil can be inhaled or applied to the skin after being diluted with a base oil.

Eucalyptus

How to Use Essential Oils to Relieve HeadachesTatters/Flickr

Eucalyptus oil is said to help reduce swelling, clear nasal congestion, and relieve pain. Full-strength essential oil of eucalyptus should not be taken by mouth or rubbed on the skin. Ensure you always dilute it first!

Ginger

How to Use Essential Oils to Relieve HeadachesWikimedia Commons

Ginger is widely known for its ability to help relieve stomachaches, nausea, and diarrhea. However, a little know fact about ginger oil is that it has a pungent smell and can be used as a massage oil to relieve headache pain.

Green Monsters, have you tried any of these natural remedies for headaches? Let us know in the comments!

Image source: Flickr