How Does Lavender Oil Help Headaches?
There are several over-the-counter medicines. But, there are natural remedies that may work for those who prefer the natural route. Natural remedies have fewer side effects and, one is by use of essential oils. The most common essential oil is lavender – Does Lavender Oil Help Headaches?
Does Lavender Oil Help Headaches?
Do you have severe headaches that won’t go away? Headaches might be due to stress, anxiety, or jet lag. Headaches can make your day unproductive as they restrict you from fully utilizing your skills as they can be unbearable.
Essential oils have been in use for centuries for their medicinal and cosmetic value. One versatile essential oil is lavender oil. It treats insomnia, anxiety, reduces pain and depression.
Lavender oil has a sweet and fresh scent. When you inhale the aroma, it helps you to relax and reduces insomnia. Apart from that, studies have shown that it helps to minimize headaches caused by stress. A research study carried out in 2013 on 47 patients who had migraines and inhaled lavender essential oil noticed a significant reduction in pain within 15 minutes.
Lavender oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that dilate blood vessels, balances serotonin levels, and helps reduce stress and anxiety. This promotes better sleep.
Read more about How to Get Rid of Headaches Naturally
How Do You Use Lavender Oil for Headaches?
There are several ways in which you can use lavender oil and, they include:
- Inhale lavender essential oil either by putting 2 to 3 drops of lavender essential oil in water. Inhale the vapor for 15minutes.
- Use a diffuser. Put three drops in your diffuser and enjoy the scent as you go on with your duties.
- Put diluted lavender oil in your bath water and soak yourself as you bathe as you enjoy its relaxing effect on your body.
Read more about Healing Benefits of Lavender
Where Should You Apply Lavender Oil?
For infants and children, it’s best to consult with your doctor before using essential oils on them. Before you apply lavender oil to the skin, it’s advisable to dilute it with a carrier oil to prevent any reaction to your skin.
Apply lavender oil to the temples off your head when you sense a migraine attack or when having headaches.
What Are Some Essential Oil Blends that can Help Headaches?
Lavender oil works well to reduce headaches. However, when you blend it with other essential oils, it gives the mixture an added advantage and works better. Read below as we get to mention different blends that work well for headaches.
- Peppermint and Lavender Oil
Peppermint oil contains menthol that works well in relieving pain, while lavender oil has relaxing effects. This combination works well to reduce headaches, and you get better sleep. Mix 2 drops of each essential oil with a carrier oil. Apply to either the temple of your head or the back of your neck.
- Lavender Oil, Ylang Ylang Oil and Geranium Oil
This combination of essential oil works well to induce sleep. Lavender has a relaxing effect geranium oil calms your nerves down while ylang-ylang oil gives you that uplifting mood. Lack of sleep may result in headaches but, this combination might work for you.
- Lavender Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, and Rosemary Oil
Are you having headaches due to sinuses? This combination is good for sinus headaches. Eucalyptus opens up your nasal passage and eases the tension while the rest reduces the pain and helps you relax.
Lavender oil is a must-have if you experience regular headaches. It will help to relax, have better sleep and reduce pain. However, it’s advisable to consult your doctor before using essential oils to minimize headaches. Try it today and see whether it will work out for you.
References
Koulivand, P. H., Khaleghi Ghadiri, M., & Gorji, A. (2013). Lavender and the nervous system. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2013, 681304. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/681304
