I’ve recently had some great experiences using essential oils to relieve tension headaches.
Here are a few tips on using them yourself–safely and effectively.
- First add 1 drop of Peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita) into a teaspoon of Trauma Oil, and rub it on the back of your neck. It should feel cool and tingly. I love using Trauma Oil as my carrier–it’s quite healing in and of itself! It is made from olive oil (first pressing), Calendula flower (Calendula officinalis), Arnica flower (Arnica montana) and St. John’s Wort flowering tops (Hypericum perforatum). You might feel immediate relief! You can repeat this application three to four times daily for a few days if needed.
- Next, use 1 drop of Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia carterii) in the same amount of Trauma Oil and rub it into your feet. Yes–your feet! I know it might seem odd that massaging your feet with Frankincense would help a headache, but the reflex points are powerful and it works great. Massage your whole foot and especially your toes with the oil. If you find some sore spots, spend more time there. Massage as deeply as you find enjoyable. Feeling sore as you rub your feet is okay, but pain is not the goal! You can repeat this application three to four times daily for a few days if needed.
- Lastly, make an inhaler with Rosewood essential oil (Aniba rosaeodora). Add 15 drops to the blank inhaler and inhale deeply every hour, into both nostrils. If you don’t have a blank inhaler, use a tissue. Place 1 drop of Rosewood essential oil on the tissue every hour and inhale. If you don’t have Rosewood essential oil you can use Eucalyptus essential oil (Eucalyptus globulus) instead.
I’ve found that if you use all three approaches, the headache can fade away within half an hour! If you try this approach, let me know how it goes. And if you have other headache suggestions using essential oils, we would love to hear about them!
Andrea is an essential oil educator and consultant. She teaches aromatherapy classes to both beginners and professionals, consults with aromatherapy companies, and imports essential oils from distillers around the world. She continues to travel internationally to personally visit with small farmers and distillers of essential oils. She has participated and taught at international aromatherapy conferences, and developed essential oil courses for spas and massage schools.
Latest posts by Andrea (see all)
- 5 Lavender Essential Oil Recipes - May 13, 2013
- Aromatherapy Certification Online? - December 26, 2011
- Community Farms in South Africa: A Small Miracle - February 28, 2011
Related Posts:
NEW! Study Aromatherapy Online with Aromahead Institute
A Glance into Aromahead's Free Online Class
Puzhen Essential Oil Diffusers
Get our updates for free!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks, Andrea, will give it a try, and these are great suggestions for clients too!
Very informative! I just ordered Rosewood oil and some inhalers. Thank you for sharing!
I swear by the peppermint essential oil for relieving headaches. I actually apply 1-2 drops of undiluted peppermint oil to my forehead/temples and my headache usually goes within about 15 minutes. Peppermint oil can irritate the skin so those with sensitive skin should dilute it but I personally find it more effective when it is undiluted.
I also find a cold footbath helpful at relieving headaches with essential oils of lavender, peppermint and marjoram added to it.
I often get tension headaches so I am anxious to try this. (I’ve used peppermint on my temples and neck but it doesn’t take care of the pain.)
This is great, using it now and feel the headache fading already!
thanks for the guidance! The peppermint worked quickly, though head still hurt when I was putting the Frank on my feet. Drank some water, and i’m feeling better 20 minutes later.