Several studies show specific essential oils may be beneficial for headaches.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
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Best for stress headaches: Lavender oil
- Price: around $8
- Volume: 0.51 fluid ounce (fl oz)
People often use lavender to improve sleep and reduce stress, anxiety, or depression. Many individuals also believe it can help relieve migraine episodes triggered by stress.
A 2022 review suggests that inhaling lavender essential oil can be a safe and effective treatment for managing acute migraine.
An older 2016 study found that participants self-reported a lower Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS) after 3 months of lavender essential oil therapy.
2020 research looked at the effects of lavender oil aroma on people going through bone marrow biopsy. It found that inhaling this essential oil helped reduce anxiety in these participants.
An example of a lavender essential oil available online is Nature’s Truth 100% Pure Lavender Essential Oil.
This oil is available in a 0.51 fl oz bottle and is suitable for aromatherapy, massages, baths, and topical use. Nature’s Truth writes that this oil only contains lavender oil.
The company warns people not to apply the oil directly to the skin. People must first blend it with carrier oil.
This product has a list price of around $8, making it a very affordable option.
Best for pain relief: Rosemary oil
- Price: around $14
- Volume: 2 fl oz
Practitioners have traditionally used rosemary essential oil to treat a variety of ailments. An older 2015 systematic review of essential oils suggests that rosemary may have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Another study suggests that rosemary oil may have pain-alleviating properties and may be more effective in easing pain when individuals combine it therapeutically with analgesic drugs.
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However, in some people, rosemary oil can cause contact dermatitis.
The above research indicates that rosemary oil may help reduce the pain associated with a headache. However, more studies on humans are necessary before scientists can confirm this finding.
An example of a product available online is NOW Essential Oils 100% Pure Rosemary.
This oil is available in a 2 fl oz bottle and is suitable for use in a diffuser. The company recommends using a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, for all other uses.
The company states the product contains pure rosemary oil and does not test its products on animals.
This product has a list price of around $14.
Best for tension headaches: Peppermint oil
- Price: around $20
- Volume: 4 fl oz
People have been using peppermint medicinally for thousands of years. It is one of the most popular essential oils for treating headaches.
This 2015 review of published studies on essential oils states that applying peppermint oil to the temples and forehead helps ease tension headaches.
The active ingredient in peppermint oil is menthol — research shows this substance also may be effective in treating migraine when a person applies it in gel form to the head.
However, the research on peppermint oil is very limited. Additionally, it can cause allergic reactions and skin rashes when people apply it topically. It is also unclear whether pregnant or breastfeeding individuals can use it safely.
An example of a product available to purchase online is NOW Essential Oils 100% Pure Peppermint.
This oil is available in a 4 fl oz bottle and is suitable for aromatherapy use and topical use with a carrier oil such as almond or jojoba oil.
The company writes that it only contains pure peppermint oil and can have a cooling and revitalizing effect.
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This product has a list price of around $20.
Best for congestion: Chamomile oil
- Price: from around $29-87
- Volume: 0.17, 0.33, and 1 fl oz
People traditionally drink chamomile tea to relax, unwind, and soothe symptoms of discomfort, pain, or congestion from allergies or a cold. Chamomile essential oil may have a similar effect in helping reduce a range of inflammations throughout the body.
Older research shows that chamomile oil might improve some symptoms of anxiety and depression. Since some headaches can be due to anxiety or stress, relieving stress with chamomile oil may help alleviate the headache.
The anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile themselves may also reduce a headache, though more research is necessary to investigate its health benefits.
However, high concentrations of chamomile oil can lead to toxicity. People should ensure they dilute the oil before using it topically.
An example of a product available to buy online is Edens Garden Roman Chamomile Oil. This oil is available in 0.17, 0.33, and 1 fl oz bottles. As with any essential oil product, it is important to use a carrier oil, such as almond oil, if a person wishes to use it topically.
The company writes that it sources its ingredients sustainably and responsibly, and it does not test on animals.
This chamomile oil has a list price ranging from around $29-87 depending on size, making it one of the more expensive oils available on the market.
Best for sinus headaches: Eucalyptus oil
- Price: around $9-15
- Volume: 0.33, 1 fl oz
People also traditionally use eucalyptus to clear sinuses and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Additionally, there is evidence it may help treat muscle and joint pain and regulate the nervous system to reduce headaches. One older study found that inhaled eucalyptus oil relieves pain and lowers blood pressure.
An example of a product to purchase online is Cliganic USDA Organic Eucalyptus Oil.
This certified organic oil is available in a 0.33 or 1 fl oz bottle. The company recommends using this oil with a diffuser but also states it is suitable for topical use with a carrier oil.
According to the product labeling, it is Non-GMO Project verified and USDA Organic. The company also writes that its products are third-party tested.
This product has a list price of around $9-15, depending on size.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
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