10 best herbal essential oils for headache

Herbal essential oils for headaches are natural blends of plant extracts that are derived from herbs, flowers, and other botanicals, specifically designed to alleviate headache symptoms.

These oils work by promoting relaxation, reducing inflammation, and easing tension in the body. Examples include lavender oil, peppermint oil, and eucalyptus oil, which have been shown to effectively soothe headache pain and improve overall well-being.

By using these oils, individuals can enjoy relief from debilitating headaches, improving their ability to focus, sleep, and participate in daily activities with renewed energy and vitality.

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

1. Lavandula angustifolia

English lavender essential oils helps with headaches because of its natural calming and soothing properties.

The oil contains linalool, a compound that has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation, providing relief from tension and migraine headaches. When inhaled or applied topically, lavender essential oil can help relax tense muscles, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote a sense of calm, ultimately alleviating headache symptoms and promoting a restful recovery.

Its gentle and non-invasive properties make it an effective natural remedy for headache relief.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in english lavender essential oils that aid with headache.

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Lavender oil's anti-inflammatory compounds help reduce swelling and pain in the head and neck, alleviating headache symptoms by targeting the root cause of inflammation.
• Antioxidant properties: Lavender oil's antioxidants neutralize free radicals that can contribute to oxidative stress, which is believed to play a role in the development of migraines and other headaches, helping to prevent and alleviate headache episodes.
• Sedative and relaxant properties: Lavender oil's calming and soothing effects help reduce anxiety and stress, common triggers for headaches, by promoting relaxation and promoting a sense of calmness, which can help to prevent and relieve headache symptoms.

The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make essential oils for headache.

• Roots: The roots are rich in sesquiterpenes, which have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate headache pain.
• Seeds: Lavender seeds contain a high concentration of linalool, an ester that has been shown to relax muscle tension and reduce headache severity.

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

1. Harvest fresh lavender flowers in early morning for maximum potency and quality.
2. Dry the harvested lavender flowers in a warm, dry, dark place for seven days.
3. Crush the dried lavender flowers into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
4. Mix 200g of the powdered lavender with 400ml of high-proof grain alcohol in a glass jar for four weeks.
5. Filter the mixture through cheesecloth and store the resulting essential oil in a dark glass bottle.

2. Melaleuca alternifolia

Tea tree essential oils helps with headaches because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce swelling and ease tension in the temples and forehead.

The oil's natural analgesic qualities also provide relief from pain and discomfort, while its calming effects can help to soothe an irritated nervous system.

Additionally, tea tree essential oils has been shown to have a sedative effect, helping to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels, which are all common triggers for headaches.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in tea tree essential oils that aid with headache.

• Anti-inflammatory: Tea Tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and ease tension in the head, contributing to relief from headache pain.
• Antioxidant: As an antioxidant, Tea Tree oil helps neutralize free radicals that can contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, potentially leading to headaches.
• Anxiolytic: The calming and relaxing effects of Tea Tree oil can help reduce anxiety and stress, which are common triggers for tension headaches, and promote a sense of relaxation and calmness.

The list below shows the primary parts of tea tree used to make essential oils for headache.

• Leaves: The leaves contain high levels of cineole, a compound with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve headache pain.
• Barks: The bark has been traditionally used to treat various health issues, including headaches, due to its ability to reduce inflammation and relax muscle tension.

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

1. Harvest fresh leaves of melaleuca alternifolia and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water.
2. Dry the leaves using a food dehydrator at 60°c for 12 hours or air-drying for 24 hours.
3. Transfer dried leaves to a glass jar and cover with high-proof ethanol in a ratio of 1:5.
4. Steep the mixture in a dark place at room temperature for 2 weeks, shaking daily.
5. Strain the liquid through a coffee filter into another glass container, discarding solids.

3. Pelargonium graveolens

Geranium essential oils helps with headaches because it has a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety that often contribute to headache formation.

The oil's ability to balance hormones and regulate blood flow may also help to alleviate tension and migraine symptoms.

Additionally, geranium oil's analgesic properties can help to soothe pain and discomfort associated with headaches, providing natural relief from the debilitating symptoms of this common condition.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in geranium essential oils that aid with headache.

• Analgesic property: Herbal geranium essential oil has analgesic properties, which means it can help reduce pain associated with headaches by blocking the production of pain-causing chemicals in the brain.
• Anti-inflammatory property: Geranium essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and tension in the blood vessels that may be contributing to headache pain.
• Stress-relieving and sedative property: Herbal geranium essential oil has a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help alleviate stress and anxiety-related headaches by promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension.

The list below shows the primary parts of geranium used to make essential oils for headache.

• Roots: Rich in sesquiterpenes, which help to relax and calm the mind and body, making them effective for alleviating headache pain.
• Rhyzomes: Contain anti-inflammatory compounds that help to reduce swelling and ease pressure on blood vessels, providing relief from tension headaches.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic geranium for headache.

1. Harvest fresh pelargonium graveolens leaves and stems from well-watered plants.
2. Dry the harvested material in a warm, dark place for at least seven days.
3. Steam distill the dried material using a clevenger apparatus or a similar device.
4. Collect and filter the essential oil after 30 minutes of distillation and discard any residue.
5. Bottle and store the obtained pelargonium graveolens essential oil in dark glass containers at room temperature.

4. Mentha x piperita

Peppermint essential oils helps with headaches because of its natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

When applied topically or inhaled, peppermint oil can help to relax tense muscles and reduce pain perception, providing quick relief from headache symptoms. The menthol content in peppermint oil also helps to cool the skin, which can ease tension and pressure on the temples and forehead, often the areas where headaches tend to manifest.

By promoting relaxation and reducing discomfort, peppermint essential oils offer a natural solution for managing headaches.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in peppermint essential oils that aid with headache.

• Pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory: Peppermint essential oil's analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce headache pain by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that cause blood vessels to expand and lead to throbbing pain.
• Cooling and relaxing: The menthol content in peppermint essential oil has a cooling effect on the skin, which can help relieve tension headaches by promoting relaxation and reducing muscle spasms, as well as providing rapid relief from hot flashes, sweating, and other discomforts associated with migraines.
• Digestive aid: Peppermint essential oil's anti-spasmodic properties can help alleviate digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which are often linked to headaches. By reducing inflammation in the gut and relaxing muscles in the digestive tract, peppermint oil can help reduce headache triggers such as bloating, cramps, and constipation.

The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make essential oils for headache.

• Roots: Rich in menthol and other active compounds, peppermint roots are used to create a calming and analgesic essential oil that helps relieve tension headaches.
• Buds: Harvested at an early stage, peppermint buds contain high concentrations of menthone and limonene, which contribute to their pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties in headache relief.

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

1. Harvest fresh peppermint leaves from your garden or purchase them from a trusted supplier.
2. Wash the leaves with distilled water to remove dirt and debris in about 30 seconds.
3. Steam distill the peppermint leaves using a still with 20-25% menthol content in 2 hours.
4. Collect the essential oil from the distillation process and filter it through a coffee filter in 10 minutes.
5. Store the filtered essential oil in dark glass bottles at room temperature for future use.

5. Cymbopogon citratus

Lemongrass essential oils helps with headaches because of its calming and soothing properties.

The oil has a natural ability to reduce stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for headaches. When applied topically or inhaled, lemongrass oil can help relax the mind and body, easing tension and pressure that may be contributing to the headache.

Additionally, the citrus scent of lemongrass oil has been shown to uplift and invigorate, helping to alleviate fatigue and promote a sense of well-being.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in lemongrass essential oils that aid with headache.

• Cephalic analgesic: Lemongrass essential oil has been shown to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate headache pain by reducing swelling and pressure in the brain and sinuses.
• Antispasmodic: The essential oil's antispasmodic properties can help relax tense muscles and blood vessels, which is often a contributing factor to headaches such as migraines and tension headaches.
• Uterine stimulant: Lemongrass essential oil has been traditionally used to stimulate uterine contractions, which may help relieve menstrual-related headaches and cramps.

The list below shows the primary parts of lemongrass used to make essential oils for headache.

• Roots: Lemongrass roots have been traditionally used to treat various ailments, including headaches, due to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Buds: The buds of the lemongrass plant contain high concentrations of citral, a natural compound that has potent pain-relieving and sedative effects, making it effective for treating headache relief.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemongrass for headache.

1. Harvest high-quality fresh cymbopogon citratus leaves at dawn when the dew is still present for maximum potency.
2. Rinse the harvested leaves with distilled water and pat them dry using a clean cloth to remove excess moisture.
3. Steam distill the dried leaves using a commercial-grade steam distillation apparatus for 4-6 hours.
4. Transfer the obtained essential oil to dark glass bottles filled to approximately 80% capacity to preserve quality.
5. Store the finished essential oil in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources for up to 1 year.

6. Salvia officinalis

Sage essential oils helps with headaches because of its potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

When inhaled or applied topically, sage oil's active compounds such as camphor and borneol can help to relax tense muscles, reduce swelling, and ease pain. Additionally, sage oil's calming effects on the nervous system can also help to alleviate migraine and tension headaches by reducing stress and anxiety.

As a result, sage essential oils have been found to be an effective natural remedy for providing relief from headache discomfort.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in sage essential oils that aid with headache.

• Anti-inflammatory: Herbal sage essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and pain associated with headaches, providing relief from tension and migraine-like symptoms.
• Antispasmodic: The antispasmodic properties of sage essential oil help to relax muscle spasms and cramping, which can contribute to headache development, allowing for a reduction in frequency and severity of headaches.
• Cephalic stimulant: Sage essential oil has a stimulating effect on the brain and head, helping to increase blood flow and oxygenation to the affected areas, which can help alleviate headaches caused by poor circulation or fatigue.

The list below shows the primary parts of sage used to make essential oils for headache.

• Roots: Rich in bioactive compounds like sesquiterpenes and triterpenoids, sage roots are prized for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making them ideal for relieving headache pain.
• Rhyzomes: The underground stems of the sage plant contain a high concentration of essential oils with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which can help reduce headache frequency and intensity.

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

1. Harvest high-quality salvia officinalis leaves in the morning for maximum oil content and potency.
2. Dry the harvested leaves using a clean towel or food dehydrator on low heat for 24 hours.
3. Combine 200g of dried salvia officinalis leaves with 400ml of carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond oil in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture for 2 weeks, shaking the jar daily, to allow the herbs to infuse into the carrier oil.
5. Strain the oil using cheesecloth or a coffee filter and store it in dark glass bottles with tight-fitting lids after 30 days of preparation time.

7. Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm essential oils helps with headaches because of its calming and relaxing properties.

When inhaled, lemon balm oil's citrusy scent can help reduce tension and stress that often contributes to headaches. Additionally, its analgesic and anti-inflammatory compounds can work to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with migraines, tension headaches, and other types of headache disorders.

By promoting relaxation and reducing pain, lemon balm essential oils provide natural relief from the debilitating effects of headaches.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in lemon balm essential oils that aid with headache.

• Antispasmodic property: Herbal lemon balm essential oil helps relax muscle contractions that can lead to tension headaches, reducing their severity and frequency.
• Anti-inflammatory property: Lemon balm oil's anti-inflammatory effects help reduce swelling in the blood vessels around the brain, which can contribute to migraines and other types of headache pain.
• Sedative and calming property: The sedative properties of lemon balm essential oil promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, which are common triggers for tension headaches and migraines.

The list below shows the primary parts of lemon balm used to make essential oils for headache.

• Roots: Lemon balm roots are used due to their ability to calm and soothe the mind, reducing tension and stress that often contributes to headaches.
• Leaves: The leaves of the lemon balm plant contain high concentrations of rosmarinic acid, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective in alleviating headache pain.

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

1. Harvest high-quality melissa officinalis leaves at peak potency ensuring optimal oil yield.
2. Dry the harvested leaves in a warm dark place for seven to ten days or until crisp.
3. Steam distill one part dried melissa officinalis leaves with three parts distilled water for 30 minutes.
4. Filter the resulting essential oil through a coffee filter or cheesecloth into a dark glass bottle.
5. Store the finished melissa officinalis essential oil in a cool dark place for up to six months or freeze indefinitely.

8. Thymus vulgaris

Thyme essential oils helps with headaches because of its natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

When inhaled or applied topically, thyme oil can help to reduce pain and stiffness in the head and neck, providing relief from tension headaches and migraines. The oil's ability to calm the nervous system also helps to alleviate stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for headaches.

Additionally, thyme essential oil has a calming effect on the mind, promoting relaxation and reducing feelings of fatigue and irritability associated with headache episodes.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in thyme essential oils that aid with headache.

• Antispasmodic properties: Thyme essential oil's antispasmodic properties help to relax muscle contractions, reducing the frequency and severity of headache pain caused by muscle tension.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Thyme essential oil's anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce swelling and inflammation in blood vessels, which can contribute to headaches such as migraines and sinusitis.
• Antioxidant properties: Thyme essential oil's antioxidant properties help to neutralize free radicals that can cause oxidative stress, a known trigger for headaches and other neurovascular disorders.

The list below shows the primary parts of thyme used to make essential oils for headache.

• Roots: Thyme roots are used due to their high concentration of volatile compounds, which can provide quick relief from headache symptoms.
• Seeds: Thyme seeds contain a significant amount of citral, a natural anti-inflammatory compound that can help alleviate headache pain.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme for headache.

1. Harvest fresh thymus vulgaris leaves from your garden or a local supplier weighing about 200g for this recipe.
2. Dry the harvested leaves using a clean food dehydrator at 35°c for 4 hours or air drying method.
3. Grind the dried thyme leaves into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle.
4. Steep 1 tablespoon of ground thymus vulgaris in 250ml of carrier oil like coconut or olive oil for 2 weeks.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter and store the resulting essential oil in dark glass bottles at room temperature.

9. Origanum majorana

Sweet marjoram essential oils helps with headaches because of its natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

The oil contains a high concentration of cineole, which has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation in the body. When inhaled or applied topically, sweet marjoram essential oils can help to relax tense muscles and calm the mind, providing quick relief from headache symptoms.

Additionally, its calming effects on the nervous system can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, common triggers for headaches.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in sweet marjoram essential oils that aid with headache.

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Marjoram oil has anti-inflammatory compounds that help to reduce swelling and pain in the brain, which can contribute to headache relief.
• Muscle relaxant properties: The oil's muscle relaxant properties can help to ease tension and strain in the neck and scalp muscles, which are common causes of headaches.
• Anxiolytic (calming) properties: Marjoram oil has a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety that may be contributing to headache frequency or severity.

The list below shows the primary parts of sweet marjoram used to make essential oils for headache.

• Leaves: The leaves of sweet marjoram contain high amounts of esters, which have a soothing and calming effect on the nervous system, making them effective in relieving headache symptoms.
• Roots: Sweet marjoram roots have been traditionally used to reduce inflammation and spasms, making them valuable in creating essential oils that can help alleviate tension headaches.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sweet marjoram for headache.

1. Gather fresh origanum majorana leaves and chop them into small pieces for 20 minutes.
2. Mix the chopped origanum majorana with 100ml of carrier oil like sweet almond or jojoba in a glass jar.
3. Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 14 days to allow for infusion.
4. Strain the mixture using cheesecloth or a coffee filter after 14 days and discard the solids.
5. Transfer the resulting liquid to a clean dark glass bottle and store it at room temperature for up to 6 months.

10. Hypericum perforatum

St John's Wort essential oils helps with headaches because of its natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

The oil has been traditionally used to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and promote relaxation, making it an effective remedy for alleviating headache symptoms. Its soothing and calming effects can help to ease tension and stress, which are often contributing factors to headaches.

Additionally, the oil's antioxidant properties may also help to protect against oxidative stress, a known trigger of headaches.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in st john's wort essential oils that aid with headache.

• Anti-inflammatory property: Reduces swelling and pain associated with migraines and tension headaches by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes.
• Antioxidant property: Neutralizes free radicals that can contribute to headache formation and worsen symptoms, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage to blood vessels.
• Pain-relieving and anesthetic property: Blocks pain signals transmitted to the brain by interacting with opioid receptors in the nervous system, providing relief from headache symptoms like pain and discomfort.

The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make essential oils for headache.

• Roots: Rich in sesquiterpenes and flavonoids, the roots are known for their sedative and anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective for soothing headache pain.
• Leaves: Abundant in oxygenated compounds like camphor and bornyl acetate, the leaves provide a calming and relaxing effect on the nervous system, helping to alleviate tension headaches.

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

1. Harvest fresh hypericum perforatum leaves and flowers by cutting them from the plant during full bloom.
2. Dry the harvested materials using a clean paper towel or a dehumidifier for at least 24 hours.
3. Chop the dried hypericum perforatum leaves and flowers into small pieces to increase their surface area.
4. Steam distill the chopped plant material in a 1:5 ratio with distilled water for 2-3 hours to extract the oil.
5. Filter the resulting oil through cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove any impurities or sediment.

How to best treat headache with herbal essential oils?

The best way to treat headaches with herbal essential oils is to inhale Peppermint oil to help relax tense muscles and improve blood flow.

Lavender oil helps reduce stress and anxiety that can contribute to headache development. Mix a few drops of each oil with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil, and apply topically to the temples, forehead, and neck.

Inhaling the aroma directly from the bottle or using a diffuser can also provide relief.

What ailments similar to headache are treated with herbal essential oils?

Ailments similar to headaches that are treated with herbal essential oils are migraines, tension, and sinus pressure.

Peppermint oil is often used to relieve tension headaches by reducing pain and inflammation/essential-oils.html">inflammation. Eucalyptus oil helps alleviate sinus congestion and pressure, while lavender oil soothes and calms the mind and body.

Additionally, ginger and helichrysum oils can help ease the discomfort of migraines and other types of headaches.