Do you suffer from headaches and migraines quite often? Have you been taking medications but found no relief? Then you must try out aromatherapy, which is getting popular as an ideal treatment for headache and migraines.

Would you like to know more on how aromatherapy can help you deal with the condition? Then this post is a must-read for you.

Why Opt For Aromatherapy To Get Relief From Headache:

Headaches can be triggered by various conditions, including issues related to indigestion, dehydration, infection or fever (1). While the OTC pain balms, gels, and sprays may come across as quick solutions to alleviate headache or migraine pain, they are not always safe or bring the desired results. These products contain chemical compounds including allergens, which can lead to the onset of side effects. It is better that you opt for aromatherapy to get rid of a nagging headache. Aromatherapy involves the application of various essential oils in numerous methods (2).

While aromatherapy may not be the cure for all types of headaches, it can be used to reduce the severity of pain and promote a sense of relaxation in the victims.

The essential oils are made by steam processing flowers, leaves, wood or fruits of various herbs and plants (3). The process does not involve the use of any chemicals. Aromatherapy involving such oils was used since the ancient ages of human civilization, and even now the efficacy of these essential oils remains the same.

Choosing The Right Essential Oil To Treat Headache:

You will find there are so many types of essential oils that can be used for aromatherapy. But not all of them are effective in bringing relief from migraine pain or headache. You may find that a particular essential oil suits you better than the others.

You can use the following essential oils for relief from headache:

• Basil essential oil
• Peppermint essential oil
• Lemongrass essential oil
• Lavender essential oil
• Rosemary essential oil
• Chamomile essential oil

Ways To Use Essential Oils To Alleviate Headache And Migraine Pain:

As a matter of fact, you can use the aforementioned essential oils in numerous ways to get relief from headache. At times, you may even use more than one method for relief.

1. Using In Bath Water:

When you are bogged down by an intense headache, using essential oils in bath water can be helpful. When you use essential oil in bath water, it is okay to use undiluted oil. Fill the bath tub with warm water and then pour a few drops of your chosen essential oil in it. Then, soak your body in the warm water for about 15 minutes. Ensure you do not dip your head in the water at all.

2. Inhaling The Oil:

If you are not in the mood to take bath, but want relief from headaches, inhaling the aroma of an essential oil can be a good idea. For this, you need to fill a tub or large bucket with hot water. Then pour a few drops of the essential oil in it. Now, sit on a stool and lean over the steaming bucket for a few minutes. Inhale the steam vapor with the aroma of the oil. You may wrap a wet towel around your head for augmenting the effect.

3. Applying The Oil Topically:

A lot of people suffering from headache believe in applying products topically for relief. You may apply the essential oil on your skin, preferably on the forehead. However, applying essential oils in raw form can prove to be harsh on your skin. You should always mix the essential oil with a mild carrier oil before application. Ideal carrier oils include almond, coconut or olive oil, all of which are mild on the skin. Mixing 5 to 6 drops of the essential oil in 100 ml of carrier oil should be fine. After mixing the oils well, use your fingertips to rub the oil on your forehead. Let the skin soak the oil. You may do this before hitting the bed and let the oil get soaked by the skin overnight.

4. Using Compress:

You can also opt for aromatherapy to treat headaches by the means of a hot compress. Wet a cloth or towel with hot water and pour a few drops of the essential oil in it. Wrap it around your head and keep it on for some time.

5. Other Methods:

You may also pour some essential oil in a vaporizer device. Switch it on while keeping the doors and windows of the room closed. The room will be filled with the aroma. Stay in the room to let the scent enter through your nostrils and work on curing the headache. You may also keep some cotton balls soaked in the oil around and under your pillow.

Points To Keep In Mind:

You need to keep a few points in mind before using aromatherapy to treat headaches.

1. It is important that you store essential oils the right way. This will ensure that the efficacy of the oils is not hampered. It would be best if you store the oil in a tightly closed bottle with dark tinted glass and keep it in a cool place where sunlight cannot reach.
2. Some essential oils can produce adverse effects on users when used in specific medical and physiological conditions. For example, using basil or peppermint essential oil is not advisable for women who have conceived.
3. Sometimes, the headaches can be caused by an underlying illness or it may be a precursor to any ailment. If repeated application of an essential oil in various ways does not alleviate the symptoms, it is better that you seek medical intervention.
4. Essential oils, even when used with other oils or mixed with water, can be too strong for delicate body parts. So, ensure that you do not swallow the water mixed with the oils, or the oil does not touch the eyes, especially when you take a bath. The same thing is applicable for the topical application of such oils.

A quick bath in some aromatic oil will not just soothe and relax your senses, but also will ward off that bothersome headache. What’s more? These oils can be bought at most supermarkets and even online! Choose a fragrance you like the most and revel in the aroma and benefits it has to offer!

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by Daiwik Suresh Gejji via STYLECRAZE