How to Stop Headaches with Essential Oils | 15 Oils for Curing Headaches Naturally

These 15 essential oils offer plenty of natural and effective headache relief options. Whether you suffer from migraines or stress-induced tension headaches, there is an essential oil for every headache sufferer. When choosing an essential oil, consider both the cause and severity of your headache for maximum effectiveness. 

Peppermint Essential Oil for Headaches

Peppermint oil is one of the most versatile essential oils there is. From pest control to medicinal benefits, peppermint oil offers a variety of applications for the savvy user. One of the most promising uses for peppermint oil is in the field of headache relief. Headache and migraine sufferers have sworn by peppermint oil for years due to its effects on the venous system. This oil creates a soothing and cooling effect while preventing the muscles from contracting when applied to the skin. Peppermint oil also stimulates blood flow throughout the forehead, and constricted blood flow is one of the primary causes of headaches.

The best part about peppermint oil is there is significant scientific evidence to back up its use in headache management. One study found that a topical application of peppermint oil was more effective than a placebo and provided relief without any side effects. 

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary has long been used to treat poor circulation and inflammation, but many people are unaware of its powerful pain-relieving properties. Not only does this pleasant essential oil provide a soothing effect, but it also reduces the frequency and severity of headaches. Rosemary essential oil can also treat nausea and tension associated with migraine headaches, making it an excellent all-around headache treatment. 

Lavender Oil

Lavender is another versatile essential oil that is as well-known for its medicinal benefits as it is for its pleasing aroma. Lavender essential oil naturally relaxes the mind and body, providing enough soothing sedation to be used as a sleep aid. It also combats anxiety, which is another common cause of tension headaches. Because the topical of lavender essential oil depresses the central nervous system, it is highly effective as a headache treatment. It can also be used to prevent migraine headaches. Many headache sufferers find that a lack of sleep and high-stress levels generally trigger headaches and migraines. Lavender oil addresses both of these issues, making it an excellent preventative treatment.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil removes toxins from the body and clears up sinus pressure, making it ideal for preventing and treating sinus headaches. Sinus headaches are characterized by intense pressure and pain in the sinus cavities, leading to swelling around the nose and eyes. Applying eucalyptus essential oil topically helps reduce pain from sinus headaches and ease the symptoms of a tension headache. 

Chamomile Essential Oil for Headaches

Chamomile essential oil is a popular option for those looking to soothe aching muscles and relax, but it is also a powerful headache remedy. Because of this oil’s calming and soothing properties, it is especially effective at treating tension headaches. However, chamomile oil can also be used to treat anxiety-induced headaches and migraines. Another benefit of chamomile oil is that it works both topically and aromatically. Applying chamomile essential oil to the skin with a carrier oil also allows you to reap the benefits of breathing in this soothing scent before bed. 

Helichrysum Oil

While this oil is not quite as well-known as rosemary and peppermint essential oils, it has unique anti-inflammatory properties ideal for headache relief. Many headaches are caused by inflammation, so by working as an anti-inflammatory agent, helichrysum essential oil treats these headaches at the root cause. The scent is also unique and pleasant, making it ideal for those who want to try something different. If your headaches are caused by swelling and inflammation, give this versatile oil a try. 

Spearmint Oil

Spearmint oil is another favorite mint oil for headache relief. Many people prefer peppermint oil due to its higher menthol concentration. However, menthol can be irritating to sensitive skin. Spearmint oil is gentler, and the aroma is more subtle, making it a great alternative to peppermint essential oil. 

Jasmine Oil

Jasmine is a vibrant yet subtle fragrance that is wildly popular in various perfumes and scented candles. Most people don’t realize that jasmine essential oil is also an effective way to treat many different types of headaches. Diluted jasmine essential oil in a carrier oil, such as grapeseed oil, can be applied topically to the temples and forehead. Jasmine oil is known for increasing alertness, which makes it ideal for headache relief during the workday when you don’t have time to relax and rest. It can also reduce depression and contribute to an overall positive mood. 

Bergamot Oil

Due to its airy, citrusy aroma, bergamot essential oil is beloved by those who want an invigorating boost with their headache relief. Bergamot oil fights tension and anxiety associated with tension headaches and migraines. 

Ginger Essential Oil for Headaches

Ginger is a conventional treatment for nausea and upset stomach, but ginger essential oil is also a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It is highly effective as a migraine treatment when applied topically. You can also use ginger oil for a gentle scalp massage to relieve tension headaches. 

Marjoram Oil

Marjoram essential oil is most frequently used to relieve anxiety and tension. Unlike peppermint oil and other mint oils, marjoram oil produces a warming sensation when applied directly to the skin. This makes it ideal for relieving muscle aches and relaxing the muscles around the neck and forehead that contribute to tension headaches. If your headaches are more responsive to hot than cold compresses, give marjoram essential oil a try. 

Melissa Oil

This citrusy oil has a light and delicate scent that is surprisingly potent for headache relief. It is used to treat tension headaches and migraines, but it can also help relieve congestion associated with sinus headaches. 

Rose Oil

Rose oil is a great way to treat headaches associated with stress as it promotes fast relaxation and better sleep. Rose oil suppresses the central nervous system, easing away tension in the neck and scalp over time. The soft scent of this oil also makes it a favorite ingredient in many different perfumes. Rose oil is ideal for those who want to wear an appealing fragrance without getting a headache. 

Clary Sage Oil

Clary sage essential oil can not only ease cramps and stress but soothe headache pain as well. Breathing in the scent of clary sage oil is also known to reduce stress, so keep this essential oil on hand to treat any type of headache. 

Cedarwood Essential Oil for Headaches

Cedarwood essential oil eases inflammation and soothes aches all over the body, including headaches. The strong, earthy scent makes cedarwood oil appealing to men looking for headache relief at the workplace without wearing an essential oil that smells sweet or flowery. Try any of these powerful essential oils for fast and symptom-free headache relief. Most essential oils can be mixed with a carrier oil for direct application to the skin without irritation, making them an ideal alternative to over-the-counter analgesics.

I understand how frustrating and exhausting it is to have frequent headaches. Hopefully, you can find relief for your headache with one of these essential oils that will help cure your head pain for good.