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Essential Oils for Headaches
Lavender is balancing for the body and mind and promotes relaxation. It relieves physical
and mental stress and engenders an overall sense of well-being. Lavender has a sweet,
floral, herbaceous fragrance.
Marjoram has potent sedative properties and is especially helpful for migraine headaches. It
has a sweet, spicy, herbaceous scent.
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, helps to ease emotional
tension, and is especially helpful for tension headaches. Chamomile has a sweet,
herbaceous and slightly tart fragrance.
Peppermint helps to relieve pain, is antispasmodic, and stimulates circulation. The pungent
menthol scent has an uplifting effect on the emotions and helps to clear the brain. Use in
moderation.
Aromatherapy Compress for Tension Headaches
8 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops peppermint essential oil
2 cups cool water
Add essential oils to a basin of cool water. Soak two washcloths in the water, wring out,
and apply one to the forehead and one to the back of the neck. Lie down and rest for 15
minutes or longer.
Aromatherapy Compress for Migraine Headaches
5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops marjoram essential oil
2 cups cool water
Add essential oils to a basin of cool water. Soak two washcloths in the water, wring out,
and apply one to the forehead and one to the back of the neck. Lie down and rest for 30
minutes or longer.
Aromatherapy Massage for Headaches
Massage is a powerful technique for relaxing the tense muscles that contribute to
headaches. By stimulating pressure points in the head and neck, you can release the
blocked energy that causes tension and migraine headaches. You can easily massage your
own temples, forehead, and neck, but you will have a more relaxing experience if someone
else performs the massage on you.
The two points located just under the base of the skull where the neck joins the head are
among the most important acupressure points for the head. To find these points, place your
fingers at the top vertebrae of your neck, and then move your fingers to the side
approximately one inch along the base of your skull until you feel a small indentation on
either side. These points may feel slightly tender. Apply firm pressure with your thumbs or
the pads of your fingers, making a small rotating motion if you desire. In general, the more
deeply you massage the points, the better the results. Continue massaging for one to
three minutes, until you feel the tension release from your neck and head.
Aromatherapy Massage Oil Recipes for Headaches
2 ounces almond oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops marjoram essential oil
5 drops chamomile essential oil
1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
Combine oils in a dark-glass bottle and shake well. Use approximately 1/2 teaspoon at a
time and apply to the temples, forehead, back of the neck, and shoulders, massaging
deeply to release blocked energy.
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