Top 6 Essential Oils for Migraines

Best Essential Oils for Migraines Relief!

If you are looking for the best essential oils for migraines relief, then you are in the right place. Read on to discover the top 6 oils and learn how to use them topically or in aromatherapy.

Migraines can cause severe pain for several days or even up to a week. You may be unable to work or perform your daily tasks while you suffer from a migraine.

If you are looking for natural ways to reduce the pain, you should consider using these essential oils for migraines.

Migraines can cause severe pain, which is usually only on one side of the head but can affect both sides. The pain can be pulsing or throbbing.

The pain can be so severe that you can’t work or do your normal activities. You may also be sensitive to light or sound.

Migraine headaches can also cause an upset stomach, sweating, or even vomiting.

Migraine Triggers

Migraines sometimes have a trigger. It might be helpful to keep a food and activity diary to see patterns in your migraines. This can help you avoid triggers that can lead to a migraine.

Common triggers for migraines are caffeine (too much or too little), not sleeping enough, allergies, hormones, stress, certain medications, weather, or even dehydration.

Some people get auras before a migraine. Try using these essential oils for migraines when you get an aura to reduce the severity of your headache. If you don’t get an aura, use them at the first sign of a migraine.

Not all headaches will respond to essential oils. Tension headaches and migraines typically respond well to essential oils, so it might be worth trying them for natural relief.

If your migraines are severe or are happening often, it is best to talk to a doctor to rule out underlying medical conditions.

Top 6 Essential Oils for Migraines

#1. Peppermint

Probably the most common of the essential oils for migraine is peppermint essential oil. Peppermint has menthol in it, and menthol can help relax muscles in the body.

According to one study, applying menthol gel to the temples or forehead can help relieve migraine pain. Since peppermint has menthol in it, it may also help you find relief.

Plant Therapy Peppermint Organic Essential Oil | 100% Pure, USDA Certified Organic, Undiluted, Therapeutic Grade | 10 Milliliter

#2. Rosemary

Rosemary EO is another popular choice for treating migraines naturally. It helps promote stress relief, circulation, and pain relief.

One study showed that rosemary essential oil is a natural anti-inflammatory and can reduce pain naturally, so it can help reduce the pain from a migraine.

#3. Lavender

If you only buy one essential oil, buy lavender. Lavender is great for skin and aromatherapy, and it’s one of the best essential oils for migraines too.

Lavender essential oil can help you relax, which can reduce migraine pain. In one study, participants reported lower migraine pain levels after using lavender.

#4. Chamomile

Chamomile tea is more popular than the essential oil, but chamomile essential oil can help reduce migraine pain. Like the tea, chamomile essential oil also helps relax your body and muscles.

It can also help reduce anxiety and improve sleep, both of which can reduce the occurrence of migraine headaches.

Chamomile is also said to be a natural anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce the pain from a migraine.

Do not use chamomile essential oil if you are pregnant due to an increased risk of miscarriage.

Plant Therapy Chamomile Roman Essential Oil 100% Pure, Undiluted, Natural Aromatherapy, Therapeutic Grade 5 mL (1/6 oz)

#5. Sage

Sage isn’t a commonly used essential oil, but it deserves its place on a list of essential oils for migraines. It can also help reduce muscle cramps and tension.

#6. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is commonly used for sinus headaches because it can clear the sinuses and nasal cavities. You can add it to a migraine blend for headache relief.

Plant Therapy Eucalyptus Globulus Organic Essential Oils 100% Pure, USDA Certified Organic, Undiluted, Therapeutic Grade 10 mL

Safety First When Using Essential Oils

If you have never used a certain essential oil it is important to do a skin patch test prior to topically using! See my sections on topical use and other essential oil safety concerns:

• 8 Essential Oil Dangers and Risks
• How to Dilute Essential Oils for Topical Use
• Essential Oils that are Safe for Kids
• Essential Oils to Use During Pregnancy

Essential Oil Blends for Migraines

When you have a migraine, you don’t want to be sorting through bottles of essential oils trying to mix them to make a blend. You can buy empty bottles to make your own blends.

Try making one of these essential oils for migraines blends:

• 4 drops lavender, 2 drops chamomile
• 3 drops peppermint, 3 drops eucalyptus
• 3 drops lavender, 3 drops peppermint

How to Use Essential Oils for Migraine Headaches

You can use essential oils for migraines either topically or in aromatherapy. If you use them topically, always dilute them with a carrier oil like sweet almond oil or fractionated coconut oil before using them.

Topically

Dilute the essential oils in a 1 to 2 percent ratio to apply them topically. For 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil, add 1 to 3 drops of essential oils.

You can then apply it to your temples or forehead. Massage into your skin.

If you find that you are applying them topically often, you may want to make a roller bottle.

Do this by adding 3 to 6 drops of essential oils or a blend in a 10 ml roller bottle. Use it when you feel a migraine starting.

You can also create an essential oil compress for migraines. Do this by combining 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil and up to 7 drops of essential oils. Add this to 4 cups of warm water.

Soak a towel in the solution, wring it out, and apply to the back of your neck or forehead.

Aromatherapy

If you want to use these essential oils for migraines in aromatherapy, you can add 3 to 4 drops of a single oil or a blend of two or more essential oils to 100 ml water in a diffuser.

Use caution with the amount of essential oil drops you use in your diffuser. Remember essential oils are very concentrated.

When using some strongly scented essential oils for a headache, such as peppermint or eucalyptus EO, I use only 1 or 2 drops in my diffuser!

Also, it is important to only use your diffuser for 30 to 60 minutes at a time. (Sometimes I even decrease this time to 15 minutes).

After that, turn it off and give yourself time to rest. Too much exposure to essential oils can worsen or bring on headaches, dizziness, eye irritation, or nausea.

You can use an essential oil diffuser two or three times a day in shorter intervals.

You can also use a personal inhaler by adding a few drops of essential oils to your personal inhaler. Use when you feel the signs of a migraine coming.

If you don’t have an inhaler, add the essential oils for migraines (1 drop single or blend essential oil is usually sufficient) to a cotton ball or tissue. Hold it under your nose and inhale a few times.

You can also make a quick and easy bath salt recipe with these essential oils for migraines. Combine 5 to 6 drops of essential oils and 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil. Mix that with 1 cup of Epsom salts or sea salt to create a bath salt. Add to the tub and create your own aromatherapy spa.

Give these essential oils for migraines a try and let us know how it goes.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not intend to diagnose or treat any disease. It is always recommended that you seek the advise of your private medical doctor.