By: Ozren Podnar |
Aromatherapy as an analgesic |
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Headache can strike you when you least expect it and turn even the simplest tasks into arduous efforts.
Essential oils can help you remove the headache and reduce the need for analgesics.
Essential oils presented here are the most famous oils that are being used against headache around the world.
Some of these oils can help you maintain concentration and focus, if you plan to stay awake, while others will – in addition to removing headache – help you fall asleep.
1. Eucalyptus oil (Lat. Eucalyptus radiata or Eucalyptus globulus)
Eucalyptus oil contains considerate amounts of oxides 1.8-cineole. This compound has anti-inflammatory effects and enhances nasal mucosa cleansing. Due to this compound, eucalyptus oil has the strongest effects against headaches caused by sinus inflammations.
2. Lavender (Lat. Lavendula)
Lavender contains high amounts of linalyl acetate and has anti-inflammatory and calming effects. Lavender oil is the best for an evening or night headaches since it has analgesic and calming properties.
3. Roman chamomile (Lat. Chamaemelum nobile)
Roman chamomile if full of esters and has anti-inflammatory and sedative effects. It is mostly recommended to sensitive people with "short fuses".
It will help you accept your limitations and abandon excessive expectations. It has a calming effect so it is best used, as lavender, against evening and night headaches.
4. Grapefruit oil (Lat. Citrus paradisi)
Grapefruit oil is famous as diuretic and cleansing product. It has also proven to be effective against headaches caused by frustrations, anxiety and guilt. It alleviates pain in a way that it clears the mind and reduces the need for fast satisfactions of emotions.
5. Indian sandalwood (Lat. Santalum album)
Sandalwood calms and relaxes the central nervous system so it is optimal with headaches caused by inner anxiety, frustration and exhaustion. It provides inner strength which clears the mind and brings peace. Use it moderately, since it is one of the endangered plant species.
6. Peppermint (Lat. Mentha piperita)
Peppermint is rich in menthol. Menthol is famous for relaxing muscles, which allows it to alleviate headaches linked to anxiety.
It is especially useful against headaches caused by digestive and liver problems. Although it has relaxing effects on the physical body, it stimulates the human psyche so do not use this oil before going to bed.
7. Spearmint (Lat. Mentha spicata)
Spearmint contains more menthol that its pepper relative and is even more effective against headache. Some aromatherapy experts mix spearmint and peppermint, which creates even more powerful therapeutic effect.
You can also use jasmine, rosemary and lemon balm for treating headache, if you prefer their scents more.
Application
The most popular application technique is massaging temples, forehead and back of the neck using some of the aforementioned oils or oily mixtures.
Besides that, you can smell a piece of wool drenched into oil or oily mixture, spray selected oil in the living areas or apply several drops of selected oil on your pillow.
Furthermore, we recommend scent baths, but have in mind that taking a hot bath can make you sleepy, so avoid such baths if you plan on staying awake for a long time afterwards.
Oil mixture for treating severe headache
Fill two thirds of a bottle with sweet almond oil and add:
- six drops of lavender oil (against headache)
- twelve drops of mint oil (against headache)
- six drops of clary sage oil (against anxiety)
- six drops of chamomile oil (against insomnia)
Enclose the bottle (using your finger) and shake it. Close the bottle.
Use this mixture by applying several drops of it on your fingertips and gently massage your temples and other painful head areas such as forehead, areas between eyebrows and both sides of the nose. Use gentle movements.
In addition, apply several drops to the back of your hand so that you can inhale the scent of this mixture while you are massaging your affected areas.
The most common causes of the headache
The headache can be acute consequence of some milder problem, but also a symptom of more severe disorders.
Aromatherapy can be used with rare and mild headaches, but it will not cure what caused frequent, chronic and severe headaches. If you suffer from such disorders, consult your physician.
Common causes of headache include:
- stress
- fatigue
- lack of sleep
- alcohol abuse
- some medications
- hunger
- allergies
- head injuries
- dental diseases
- neurological diseases
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