These simple recipes are can be very helpful for natural headache and migraine relief and use essential oils backed by scientific research for headaches and migraines.
Peppermint oil has been researched as an effective topical remedy for tension headaches. It gives a wonderful cooling sensation when used on the temples, and using it in a rollerbottle is convenient and mess-free.
Lavender oil has also been researched with positive results for helping with migraine headaches in placebo controlled trials (here’s a link to the study on Pub Med).
I am going to list two recipes below. Generally essential oils are meant to be diluted before use on skin due to concerns about irritation. A 10% dilution is recommended by aromatherapists for acute issues, and a recipe using a 10% dilution is below:
10% Dilution Headache Roll On
1 10ml rollerbottle (available at Pass Health Foods)
15 drops peppermint oil
15 drops lavender oil
Grapeseed oil or other carrier oil
Directions:
Put essential oils in rollerbottle first and then fill the rest of the way with a carrier oil. Take care not to overfull the bottle. Roll on temples and forehead if desired as needed.
The New York Institute of Aromatherapy states that occasionally, for acute issues, essential oils may be used undiluted. They give migraine headaches as one issue where undiluted essential oil use may be helpful. The following rollerbottle recipe uses undiluted oils and should be used at your own risk, though many people find it helpful.
Migraine Relief Rollerbottle
1 10ml rollerbottle
Lavender oil
Peppermint oil
Directions:
Fill rollerbottle with half peppermint oil and half lavender. Apply to temples with rollerbottle to help combat migraine headaches. Use with caution on people with sensitive skin. This rollerbottle recipe should not be used on children.
As with all essential oil recipes, its important to note that essential oils are powerful and should be used at your own risk.