Migraines are more than just headaches. Symptoms include severe head pain and may be combined with sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision. If you suffer from migraines, you don’t need an explanation of how awful they are. There are suggestions for some known effective essential-oil remedies that can be tried. Migraines are quite individual, and it’s helpful to identify the triggers or cause, so experimentation with the oils may be required, even going beyond what’s included on this list.
Alone or combined, some suggested essential oils for migraines are:
• Cedarwood
• Clary sage
• Helichrysum
• Lavender
• Peppermint
Safety First
If you get migraines, talk to a healthcare professional who may help to identify the potential causes and recommend any necessary lifestyle changes.
If you recognize your premigraine symptoms, that would be the time to begin these aromatherapy applications.
• Temple massage. A kneading and circular temple massage with an oil blend helps relieve, and distract you, from a migraine.
• Soothing soak. The soothing heat and relaxation of bath time with stress-relieving essential oils combine to melt the tension that may trigger migraines.
• Cool compress. Migraine pain stems from dilated blood vessels. Adding pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory oils to a cool compress may reduce the tension.
Natural Partners for Aromatherapy
For maximum results, combine your essential oils with these other natural remedies:
• Try supplements. Magnesium and B vitamins have been shown to help prevent migraines.
• Avoid triggers. Learning your triggers and avoiding them is one of the most important steps in preventing migraines.
• Relax mind and body. Stress can make migraines worse. Yoga, meditation, and other mind-body exercise can help.
Migraine symptoms can last for days. These aromatherapy recipes may help you find some relief.
Lavender and clary-sage oils both have powerful calming properties to reduce nervous tension.
7 drops lavender oil
5 drops clary-sage oil
1 tablespoon coconut or jojoba oil
Combine the oils in a small glass bowl before adding them to a hot bath while the water runs.
Using a cocktail of multiple oils, this blend will address many of the conditions that may be migraine generators.
2 tablespoons beeswax
½ cup coconut oil
15 drops peppermint oil
15 drops lavender oil
10 drops clary-sage oil
5 drops helichrysum
5 drops cedarwood
4 4-ounce dark-glass jars
Use a double boiler to melt and combine the beeswax and coconut oil. Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before stirring in the essential oils. Divide the mixture into four 4-ounce glass jars and allow it to cool for 1 hour and set before use.
When a migraine strikes, sit in a cool, dark room and apply this soothing compress to your pain points. You can also apply it to your stomach to help relieve nausea.
2 drops peppermint oil
2 drops lavender oil
2 drops cedarwood oil
1 tablespoon carrier oil
1 cup cool or cold water
1 clean washcloth
Combine the oils in a large glass bowl, then stir in the water. Soak the washcloth in the water, wring it out, and apply it to your head, neck, and shoulders. Hold it where you need it until the washcloth comes to room temperature. Repeat the process with a fresh cloth, as needed.