As our day-to-day stress increases, so does the problem of headaches and migraines. But instead of drinking cups of tea or popping painkillers, we have a more natural and fragrant alternative: essential oils for headaches!

Essential oils are the concentrated extracts from plants that are beneficial for our health and basically capture the “essence” of these plants, from their fragrance to their health benefits. “One of the best uses for essential oils, regardless of your preferred method, is headache relief. Inhaling essential oils can be the solution you need if you have a severe migraine or a pounding headache,” says Ayurveda expert Dr Chaitali Deshmukh.

According to some studies, people’s headaches decreased after applying peppermint and lavender essential oils to their skin. In fact, one study revealed no discernible difference between using acetaminophen and utilizing peppermint oil to relieve pain.

Dr Deshmukh explains, “Essential oils immediately enter the limbic system, which regulates heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and stress, through scent receptors. Certain oils can cause bodily reactions that reduce stress and anxiety and encourage relaxation, all of which can reduce headaches and migraines.”

The mother of all oils, lavender oil, can treat a wide range of illnesses due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. “It should come as no surprise that the study demonstrates the effectiveness of this calming smell when combined with massage or light pressure for reducing stress, which may contribute to tightness in the back and neck muscles. According to one study, lavender may be useful in the treatment of migraines,” says Dr. Deshmukh.

Peppermint oil is obtained from the peppermint plant that is usually found in Europe and North America. Dr Deshmukh suggests, “The menthol in peppermint oil can help to ease headache-related tension and discomfort as well as make you feel calmer and more relaxed overall. Peppermint oil might assist to clear the sinuses and reduce symptoms if you experience headaches brought on by allergies or congestion.”

Extracted from the peels of lemon, this oil can do wonders for your migraine problems. “When someone has some sort of tension or a headache yet wants to be awake, lemon oil can be used to improve their spirits as well as to elicit a calm state of mind,” says Dr Deshmukh.

You have probably heard of chamomile tea’s relationship with relaxation, so it stands to reason that the oil can be utilized in the same way. Dr Deshmukh tells Health Shots, “As a result of its ability to relax the muscles, chamomile can help ease headache-related tension. Roman chamomile also has anti-inflammatory qualities and can help reduce stress and anxiety.”

Rosemary oil is not only good for your hair. The stimulating properties of rosemary oil are comparable to those of eucalyptus or peppermint oils. It may be beneficial for a sore head because it is also believed to help with pain alleviation.

You can apply these oils to your skin, use them as an oil diffuser, or add them to your every day bath to enjoy its benefits!

Manasvi Jain is a young, passionate writer exploring the world of health and wellness

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