10 Best Herbal Creams For Headaches

Herbal creams for headaches are topical ointments made from natural herbs and essential oils that help alleviate headache symptoms.

They work by relieving tension, reducing inflammation, and promoting relaxation. Examples include creams infused with peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus, which have been shown to ease migraine and tension headaches.

By providing quick and natural relief, these creams can significantly improve daily life, allowing individuals to focus on their work, relationships, and overall well-being without the burden of debilitating headaches.

The following article describes in detail the most important creams for headaches, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Lavandula angustifolia

Lavandula angustifolia, also known as English lavender, creams helps with headaches because of its soothing and calming properties.

The active compounds in lavender oil, such as linalool and linalyl acetate, have a sedative effect on the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety that can trigger headaches. Additionally, lavender creams can help relax tense muscles and improve sleep quality, which are common factors contributing to headache development.

Regular use of lavender creams may provide relief from recurring headaches and promote overall well-being.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia creams that help with headaches.

• Linalool: It acts as a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent, helping to reduce pain and inflammation associated with headaches.
• Linalyl acetate: This terpene has a sedative effect, promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension, which are common triggers for headaches.
• Caryophyllene oxide: It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, helping to reduce pain and inflammation caused by headaches, while also promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make creams for headaches.

• Leaves: The leaves of Lavandula angustifolia are used in creams for headaches due to their calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Flowers: The flowers are used in creams for headaches due to their analgesic and antispasmodic properties, which help relieve pain and muscle tension.
• Essential oil from flowers: Although not directly listed, the most common part used is the essential oil which is extracted from the flowers. The essential oil from flowers is used in creams for headaches due to its ability to ease pain and promote relaxation.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for headaches.

1. Harvest 2 bunches of lavandula angustifolia flowers on a warm sunny day for a rich fragrance.
2. Dry the harvested flowers in a low temperature oven at 150 degrees fahrenheit for 2 hours.
3. Steep 1 cup of dried lavandula angustifolia flowers in 2 cups of boiling distilled water for 10 minutes.
4. Mix 1/2 cup of beeswax pellets with 1/2 cup of coconut oil and 1/4 cup of shea butter until smooth.
5. Combine the infused liquid with the wax mixture and whip until thick and creamy in 10 minutes.

2. Mentha x piperita

Mentha x piperita, also known as peppermint, creams helps with headaches because of its natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

The menthol and menthone present in peppermint oil have a cooling effect on the skin, which can help to relax tense muscles and improve blood flow to the affected area. This can help to reduce pain and discomfort associated with headaches.

Additionally, the calming and soothing effect of peppermint can also help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, further alleviating headache symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita creams that help with headaches.

• Menthol: Acts as a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent, helping to reduce pain and inflammation associated with headaches.
• Menthone: Exhibits analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to its efficacy in relieving headache symptoms, such as pain and pressure.
• Caryophyllene: A sesquiterpene with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which may help alleviate headache symptoms by reducing inflammation and modulating pain pathways.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make creams for headaches.

• Leaves: The primary component used to make creams for headaches, as they contain high concentrations of menthol and menthone, which have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Rhyzomes: Also used in creams for headaches, as they contain menthol and other compounds that help to relax muscles and reduce pain.
• Leaves: Additionally, the leaves are used to make creams for headaches, as they are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe and calm the mind and body.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for headaches.

1. Harvest 100g of fresh mentha x piperita leaves and flowers, clean them thoroughly with distilled water.
2. Steep 50g of the harvested plant material in 250ml of jojoba oil in a double boiler at 45 degrees celsius for 2 hours.
3. Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth into a clean glass container, discard the solids.
4. Mix 20g of beeswax with 50g of shea butter and 20g of vitamin e oil in a double boiler at 60 degrees celsius for 10 minutes.
5. Combine the infused oil with the beeswax mixture, stir until fully incorporated and pour into tin containers to cool and solidify.

3. Salvia officinalis

Salvia officinalis, also known as sage, creams helps with headaches because of its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

The active compounds in sage, such as camphor and borneol, have a soothing effect on the nervous system, calming tension and reducing pain. Additionally, sage's antioxidant properties help to neutralize free radicals that can contribute to headache development.

By applying sage cream topically, individuals can experience relief from headache symptoms, including pain, tension, and fatigue, making it a natural and effective remedy for headaches.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Salvia officinalis creams that help with headaches.

• Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce pain and inflammation associated with headaches.
• Salvianolic acid: This phenolic acid has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities that help alleviate headache symptoms by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Bornyl acetate: This terpene has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and inflammation associated with headaches, providing relief from headache symptoms.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of sage used to make creams for headaches.

• Leaves: Used due to their high content of salvene, which is believed to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Flowers: Used due to their ability to provide relief from headaches through their antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Stems: Used due to their ability to provide a base for the extraction of compounds that have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to headache relief.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sage for headaches.

1. Harvest 50g of fresh salvia officinalis leaves on a sunny morning for optimal potency and aroma.
2. Infuse the leaves in 100ml of cold-pressed olive oil for 2 weeks to extract the active compounds.
3. Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth and discard the solids to obtain a clear extract.
4. Mix the infused oil with 50g of beeswax and 20g of shea butter in a double boiler.
5. Stir the mixture constantly and heat it to 180°f for 10 minutes to create a smooth cream.

4. Melissa officinalis

Melissa officinalis, also known as lemon balm, creams helps with headaches because of its natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

The herbal extract contains rosmarinic acid, which has been shown to relax tense muscles and reduce pain. Additionally, lemon balm creams have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety that can contribute to headaches.

By applying the cream topically, individuals can experience relief from tension and migraine headaches, promoting relaxation and overall well-being.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melissa officinalis creams that help with headaches.

• Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic compound that helps reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with headaches by acting as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
• Linalool: A terpene with analgesic and sedative properties, which helps relieve headache symptoms by promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension.
• Limonene: A terpene with a calming effect, which helps to reduce anxiety and alleviate headache symptoms by promoting a sense of relaxation and reducing inflammation.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of lemon balm used to make creams for headaches.

• Leaves: Rich in essential oils and flavonoids, providing a calming and soothing effect on headaches.
• Stems: Containing bioactive compounds that help reduce inflammation and promote relaxation, contributing to headache relief.
• Roots: Acting as a natural anti-inflammatory agent, the roots help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with headaches.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm for headaches.

1. Infuse dried melissa flowers in a carrier oil like sweet almond oil at a ratio of 1:5 for 2-3 weeks.
2. Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle discard the solids.
3. Mix the infused oil with a beeswax and shea butter blend at a ratio of 1:0.5:0.25 by weight.
4. Heat the mixture in a double boiler to melt the beeswax and mix until smooth.
5. Pour the melted mixture into a clean container and let it cool and solidify completely.

5. Passiflora incarnata

Passiflora incarnata, also known as maypop, creams helps with headaches because of its natural sedative properties and ability to calm the nervous system.

The active compounds in Passiflora incarnata, including flavonoids and alkaloids, work to reduce inflammation and relax tense muscles, which can contribute to headache pain. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, these creams can help alleviate headache symptoms and provide relief from tension and migraine headaches.

This natural approach can also promote overall well-being and reduce reliance on medication.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Passiflora incarnata creams that help with headaches.

• Isorhapontigenin: This phenolic compound has been shown to have a sedative and anti-inflammatory effect, helping to reduce the severity and frequency of headaches.
• Flavonoids: These plant-based compounds possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to alleviate headache symptoms by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
• Harman and harmine alkaloids: These alkaloids have been found to possess sedative and antispasmodic properties, which can help to relax muscles and reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of maypop used to make creams for headaches.

• Roots: Alkaloids present in the roots of Passiflora incarnata are used in creams for headaches due to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Leaves: The flavonoids in the leaves of Passiflora incarnata contribute to their use in creams for headaches, providing a sedative effect.
• Fruits: The juice from the fruits of Passiflora incarnata is used in creams for headaches due to its content of flavonoids and alkaloids, which have a calming effect.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maypop for headaches.

1. Harvest 1-2 pounds of fresh passiflora incarnata flowers and leaves from the plant.
2. Dry the harvested passiflora incarnata in a low-temperature oven at 150 degrees fahrenheit for 2 hours.
3. Steep 1 cup of dried passiflora incarnata in 2 cups of carrier oil such as coconut oil for 2 weeks.
4. Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth and discard the solids after 1 hour.
5. Blend the infused oil with 1 tablespoon of beeswax and 1 tablespoon of shea butter to create a creamy texture.

6. Aloe vera

Aloe vera, also known as aloe, creams helps with headaches because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

The gel extracted from the aloe plant contains compounds like aloin and aloe-emodin, which reduce swelling and ease tension in the muscles and blood vessels. This helps to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with headaches. Additionally, the soothing and cooling effect of aloe vera can help to calm the mind and body, providing relief from tension headaches and migraines.

Its natural properties make it an effective remedy for headache relief.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera creams that help with headaches.

• Bradykininase: It helps with headaches by breaking down bradykinin, a peptide that causes blood vessels to dilate and leads to pain and inflammation in the head.
• Aloin: It helps with headaches by reducing inflammation and inhibiting the release of pain-causing neurotransmitters, thus providing relief from headache pain.
• Anthraquinones: It helps with headaches by acting as a vasodilator, which helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow to the head, thereby reducing headache pain.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make creams for headaches.

• Leaves: The leaves of Aloe vera are the most commonly used part for making creams for headaches due to their rich content of aloe-emodin, which has potent anti-inflammatory properties.
• Seeds: Aloe vera seeds contain aloin, a compound that has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, making them a popular choice for creams aimed at relieving headache pain.
• Stems: The stems of Aloe vera are often used to extract aloin, which is then used in creams for headaches due to its ability to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for headaches.

1. Harvest aloe vera gel by cutting off the top and bottom of the leaves and gently squeezing out the gel.
2. Weigh 200 grams of aloe vera gel and mix it with 100 grams of distilled water in a large bowl.
3. Combine 50 grams of beeswax and 50 grams of coconut oil in a small saucepan and heat it over low heat.
4. Add the aloe vera gel mixture to the saucepan and stir well to combine the ingredients and heat for 10 minutes.
5. Pour the mixture into a glass jar and let it cool and set at room temperature for 30 minutes.

7. Matricaria chamomilla

Matricaria chamomilla, also known as chamomile, creams helps with headaches because of its natural anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

The apigenin present in chamomile has a calming effect on the mind and body, reducing tension and stress that often lead to headaches. Additionally, its analgesic properties help to ease pain and discomfort associated with headaches, providing quick relief and promoting relaxation.

This herbal remedy has been used for centuries to alleviate headaches, making it a popular and effective natural solution.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla creams that help with headaches.

• Apigenin: This flavonoid acts as a sedative and anti-inflammatory agent, helping to reduce pain and soothe headaches by promoting relaxation and reducing inflammation.
• Bisabolol: This sesquiterpene lactone has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which can help alleviate headache symptoms by reducing muscle tension and inflammation in the affected areas.
• Matricine: This sesquiterpene lactone has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and sedative properties, which can help calm headache symptoms by relaxing muscles, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall well-being.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make creams for headaches.

• Flowers: They contain apigenin, an antioxidant that can help calm the nervous system and reduce headache symptoms.
• Leaves: They are rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can help alleviate headache pain.
• Seeds: They contain matricine, a sesquiterpene lactone that has anti-inflammatory and sedative effects, which can help soothe headaches and promote relaxation.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for headaches.

1. Harvest 100 grams of fresh matricaria chamomilla flowers in the early morning when they are dry.
2. Dry the harvested matricaria chamomilla flowers in a warm place at 50 degrees celsius for 3 hours.
3. Steep 20 grams of dried matricaria chamomilla flowers in 100 ml of cold-pressed sweet almond oil for 2 weeks.
4. Strain the infused matricaria chamomilla oil through a cheesecloth into a clean glass container in 10 minutes.
5. Blend 10 grams of beeswax and 50 grams of coconut oil into the matricaria chamomilla oil mixture in 5 minutes.

8. Hypericum perforatum

Hypericum perforatum, also known as St John's Wort, creams helps with headaches because they contain hypericin and hyperforin, which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

These compounds work by inhibiting the production of pain-causing chemicals in the body and reducing inflammation in the blood vessels. By applying these creams topically, they can directly target the affected area, providing fast and effective relief from tension headaches, migraines, and other types of headaches.

This natural remedy offers a convenient and non-invasive way to manage headache symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum creams that help with headaches.

• Hyperforin: This prenylated phenolic compound has potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with headaches.
• Hypotensive flavonoids: These flavonoids have a vasodilatory effect, which helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, reducing the severity and frequency of headaches.
• Naphthodianthrones: These compounds have a mild sedative effect, which can help to reduce anxiety and stress that may contribute to headache development and severity.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make creams for headaches.

• Leaves: Used for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help to relieve headache pain.
• Flowers: Used for their flavonoids and phloroglucinol, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects to ease headache symptoms.
• Roots: Used for their phloroglucinol content, which has a sedative effect and can help to reduce headache pain and promote relaxation.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for headaches.

1. Harvest 1/2 cup of fresh hypericum perforatum flowers on a sunny day after the morning dew.
2. Dry the harvested flowers in a single layer at room temperature for 1-2 weeks.
3. Create a tincture by steeping 1 cup of dried hypericum perforatum in 2 cups of vodka for 2 weeks.
4. Mix 1/4 cup of the tincture with 1/2 cup of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of beeswax in a double boiler.
5. Whip the mixture with a hand mixer until it thickens and turns into a smooth cream.

9. Valeriana officinalis

Valeriana officinalis, also known as valerian, creams helps with headaches because of its natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

The active compounds in valerian, such as valerenic acid and isovaleric acid, work to relax tense muscles, reduce pain, and improve blood flow to the affected areas.

By applying valerian cream topically, the soothing effects can be directly delivered to the skin, providing quick relief from tension headaches and migraines, allowing individuals to find comfort and relaxation.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis creams that help with headaches.

• Isovaleric acid: Isovaleric acid, a short-chain fatty acid, has been shown to have a sedative effect, which can help alleviate headache symptoms by promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension.
• Valerenic acid: Valerenic acid, a sesquiterpene, has been found to have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches by modulating the body's response to pain.
• Valerenol: Valerenol, another sesquiterpene, has been shown to have a sedative and antispasmodic effect, which can help relieve headache symptoms by relaxing tense muscles and reducing inflammation.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of valerian used to make creams for headaches.

• Roots: The roots of Valeriana officinalis are used to make creams for headaches due to their high valerenic acid content, which has a calming effect on the mind and body.
• Roots: The roots are also used for their sedative properties, which help to alleviate headache symptoms by promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
• Roots: In addition to their sedative effects, the roots of Valeriana officinalis contain valerenal, a compound that has been shown to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective in treating headache pain.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic valerian for headaches.

1. Harvest valeriana officinalis roots in the evening after the full moon when the plant is in its prime.
2. Dry valeriana officinalis roots at 40 degrees celsius for 24 hours to reduce moisture content.
3. Grind 100 grams of dried valeriana officinalis roots into a fine powder using a coffee grinder.
4. Mix 500 grams of distilled water with 100 grams of valeriana officinalis powder in a double boiler.
5. Add 20 grams of beeswax to the mixture and stir until it reaches a thick creamy consistency.

10. Camellia sinensis

Camellia sinensis, also known as tea, creams helps with headaches because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties.

The active compounds found in Camellia sinensis, such as theaflavins and thearubigins, have been shown to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Topical application of Camellia sinensis creams can provide quick relief from tension headaches by relaxing tense muscles and improving blood circulation.

Regular use can also help to reduce the frequency and severity of headaches, providing a natural and effective solution for those suffering from this common condition.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Camellia sinensis creams that help with headaches.

• Quercetin: A flavonoid phenolic compound that helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to the relief of headache symptoms.
• Epicatechin: A flavan-3-ol compound with antioxidant properties that may help prevent blood vessel constriction and reduce pain associated with headaches.
• Theaflavins: A type of catechin that may help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to the brain, potentially alleviating headache symptoms.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of tea used to make creams for headaches.

• Leaves: The leaves are a popular choice due to their high content of caffeine and theobromine, which are known for their pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Buds: Camellia sinensis buds are used for their potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help alleviate headache symptoms.
• Stems: The stems of Camellia sinensis contain compounds that may help reduce pain and inflammation, making them a viable option for use in headache creams.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tea for headaches.

1. Infuse 250g of camellia sinensis leaves in 1000ml of boiling distilled water for 5-7 minutes.
2. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into a clean container to separate leaves from liquid.
3. Combine 500g of distilled water with 100g of glycerin and 50g of beeswax in a double boiler.
4. Add the camellia sinensis infusion to the mixture in the double boiler and heat until beeswax melts.
5. Remove the double boiler from heat and let the mixture cool and thicken for 30 minutes.

What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for headaches?

The best combination of herbal creams that help with headaches is a blend of peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender.

Peppermint oil has a calming effect on the mind and body, while eucalyptus oil helps to reduce inflammation and relieve tension. Lavender oil, with its soothing properties, promotes relaxation and reduces stress. When combined, these herbal creams work together to ease headache symptoms, provide relief from pain, and promote overall well-being.

Regular application can help alleviate frequent headaches and promote a healthier, happier you.

What ailments similar to headaches are treated with herbal creams?

Ailments similar to headaches that are treated with herbal creams are muscle and joint pain, arthritis, and minor burns.

Herbal creams containing ingredients such as arnica, calendula, and peppermint can help reduce inflammation, ease discomfort, and promote healing.

These natural remedies can provide relief from chronic conditions like fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis, as well as acute injuries like sprains and strains.