10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Headaches

Herbal tinctures for headaches are liquid extracts made from concentrated plant-based ingredients, used to alleviate pain and discomfort caused by various types of headaches.

These natural remedies help by reducing inflammation, relaxing tense muscles, and calming the nervous system. For example, feverfew tincture has anti-inflammatory properties that ease tension headaches, while willow bark tincture contains salicin, a natural pain reliever similar to aspirin.

By using these herbal tinctures, individuals can experience improved quality of life, reduced reliance on pharmaceuticals, and a sense of relief from debilitating headache symptoms.

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

1. Ferula foetida

Asafoetida tinctures helps with headaches because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can effectively relieve tension and pressure in the body.

The tincture's potent compounds, such as disulfides and volatile oils, work to dilate blood vessels and reduce spasms, helping to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with migraines and other types of headaches.

Additionally, asafoetida has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety that often contribute to headache development.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ferula foetida tinctures that help with headaches.

• Ferulic acid: Ferulic acid, a phenolic compound, may help alleviate headaches by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce pain and inflammation associated with headaches.
• Asarin: Asarin, an alkaloid, may help with headaches due to its ability to relax blood vessels and reduce spasms, which can contribute to headache relief.
• Feruline: Feruline, a terpene, may help with headaches by its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with headaches.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of asafoetida used to make tinctures for headaches.

• Roots: They are used due to their high concentration of ferulic acid, which is believed to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Rhyzomes: They contain compounds that may help alleviate headache symptoms by reducing inflammation and pain.
• Barks: They are used to create tinctures that may help relieve headaches due to the presence of ferulic acid and other bioactive compounds with pain-relieving properties.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Gather 1 part dried ferula foetida root and 2 parts vodka in a clean glass jar for tincture preparation.
2. Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-4 weeks to allow for extraction and infusion.
3. Shake the jar daily to facilitate even extraction and prevent settling of the dried material.
4. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into another clean glass container to remove solids.
5. Transfer the tincture to dark glass bottles and label with date and ingredients for future reference and use.

2. Valeriana officinalis

Valerian tinctures helps with headaches because of its unique ability to relax the body and mind.

The tincture's active ingredients, particularly valeric acid and isovaleric acid, work together to calm the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety that can trigger or exacerbate headaches.

By promoting a sense of relaxation and tranquility, valerian tinctures help to ease tension in the neck and scalp, thereby alleviating headache symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Valerenic acid: This sesquiterpene helps with headaches by exhibiting a sedative effect, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation, which can help alleviate headache symptoms.
• Isovaleramide: This terpene has a calming effect on the nervous system, which helps to reduce muscle tension and alleviate headache pain.
• Valeranone: This alkaloid has a sedative and antispasmodic effect, which can help relax tense muscles and reduce headache severity.

Parts Used

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

• Roots: Valeriana officinalis roots are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of valerenic acids, which have a sedative effect that can help alleviate headache symptoms.
• Stems: Valeriana officinalis stems are also used in tinctures, as they contain a smaller but still significant amount of valerenic acids, making them a suitable alternative to roots.
• Barks: Valeriana officinalis barks are occasionally used in tinctures, particularly in traditional herbal medicine, as they contain some of the same medicinal compounds found in the roots and stems.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 1 part of dried root of valeriana officinalis from a clean and dry environment.
2. Chop the dried root into small pieces to release its active compounds and oils.
3. Combine the chopped root with 2 parts of vodka in a clean glass jar for a 1:2 ratio.
4. Steep the mixture for 2-6 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking and stirring.
5. Strain the liquid from the jar through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean container.

3. Cinnamomum verum

Ceylon cinnamon tinctures helps with headaches because of its potent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

The compound cinnamic acid present in Ceylon cinnamon has been shown to reduce inflammation and relax blood vessels, which can help alleviate the symptoms of tension headaches and migraines.

Additionally, Ceylon cinnamon's warming effects can also help to soothe and calm the body, promoting a sense of relaxation and reducing the frequency and severity of headaches.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cinnamomum verum tinctures that help with headaches.

• Linalool: It acts as a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent, helping to reduce pain and inflammation associated with headaches.
• Cinnamaldehyde: It has a vasodilatory effect, which helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood circulation, reducing the severity of headaches caused by blood vessel constriction.
• Eugenol: It exhibits analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties, helping to alleviate headache pain, reduce inflammation, and relax muscle spasms associated with tension headaches.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of ceylon cinnamon used to make tinctures for headaches.

• Leaves: The leaves are used to make tinctures because they contain eugenol, a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent that can help alleviate headache symptoms.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest cinnamomum verum bark in late spring or early summer when it is at its peak oil content.
2. Dry the harvested cinnamomum verum bark in a warm well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks.
3. Grind 250 grams of dried cinnamomum verum bark into a fine powder using a spice grinder.
4. Mix 250 milliliters of 80 proof vodka with 250 grams of cinnamomum verum bark powder in a glass jar.
5. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-3 weeks shaking the jar daily.

4. Piper nigrum

Black pepper tinctures helps with headaches because it contains a bioactive compound called piperine, which has potent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

When consumed as a tincture, piperine is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, quickly reaching the brain to alleviate headache symptoms. Additionally, piperine's ability to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation in the body may help to prevent or reduce migraine frequency and severity.

As a result, herbal black pepper tinctures can provide natural relief from headache pain without the need for pharmaceuticals.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Piper nigrum tinctures that help with headaches.

• Piperine: Piperine is a bioactive compound found in Piper nigrum that helps alleviate headaches by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which is responsible for producing prostaglandins, leading to pain and inflammation.
• Vitamin c: Vitamin C, a water-soluble antioxidant in Piper nigrum, helps reduce the severity of headaches by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, which can contribute to headache development.
• Myristicin: Myristicin is a terpene in Piper nigrum that possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to relieve headache symptoms by blocking the production of pain-causing chemicals and reducing inflammation in the body.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of black pepper used to make tinctures for headaches.

• Seeds: The seeds of Piper nigrum contain piperine, which has potent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
• Buds: The buds of Piper nigrum contain high levels of piperine, making them an effective remedy for headaches and migraines.
• Leaves: The leaves of Piper nigrum contain piperine and other bioactive compounds that help relieve pain and reduce inflammation associated with headaches.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 100g of piper nigrum berries at peak ripeness when they are dark purple in color.
2. Chop the berries into small pieces to release their oils and flavors for extraction.
3. Combine the chopped berries with 500ml of 40% ethanol in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture for 2 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking.
5. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle.

5. Hypericum perforatum

St john's wort tinctures helps with headaches because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and tension in the blood vessels.

This can provide relief from tension headaches, migraines, and other types of headache pain. Additionally, St John's Wort has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to relax the muscles and ease stress-related headaches.

By reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation, herbal St John's Wort tinctures offer a natural and effective way to alleviate headache symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Hyperforin: This phenolic compound acts as a potent inhibitor of serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake, which can help alleviate headache symptoms by reducing the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain.
• Hypericin: A naphthodianthrone compound, hypericin has shown anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with headaches.
• Oleanolic acid: A triterpenoid saponin, oleanolic acid exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that may contribute to headache development.

Parts Used

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

• Leaves: They are used for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which help alleviate headache symptoms.
• Flowers: They are used for their flavonoid content, which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, providing relief from headaches.
• Stems: They are used for their flavonoid and phenolic compound content, which contributes to their pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Gather hypericum perforatum flowers and leaves from a clean and pesticide-free source.
2. Chop the plant material into small pieces using a sharp knife or a herb cutter.
3. Combine 250 grams of chopped plant material with 1 liter of 95 ethanol in a glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture for 2-3 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking.
5. Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle.

6. Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm tinctures helps with headaches because of its ability to ease muscle tension, reduce anxiety and stress, and promote relaxation.

The herb's natural anti-inflammatory properties can also help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with migraines and other headache types. Additionally, lemon balm's calming effects on the nervous system can help regulate blood flow and reduce inflammation, providing fast-acting relief from even the most debilitating headaches.

As a result, herbal lemon balm tinctures have become a popular natural remedy for managing frequent or chronic headaches.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound helps with headaches by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce pain and inflammation in the brain and blood vessels.
• Linalool: As a terpene, linalool has a sedative and antispasmodic effect, which helps to relax muscles and reduce tension, thereby alleviating headache symptoms.
• Luteolin: This flavonoid compound has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the brain, ultimately providing relief from headaches.

Parts Used

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

• Leaves: The leaves of Melissa officinalis are commonly used to make tinctures for headaches due to their high content of essential oils, including linalool and linalyl acetate, which have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Flowers: The flowers of Melissa officinalis are used to make tinctures for headaches due to their high concentration of essential oils, which have a calming effect and can help relieve headache symptoms.
• Stems: The stems of Melissa officinalis are sometimes used to make tinctures for headaches, as they contain smaller amounts of essential oils that can contribute to the overall analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the tincture.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 250g of melissa officinalis leaves and flowers in the early morning after the dew has evaporated.
2. Chop the herb into small pieces using a sharp knife to release its essential oils.
3. Combine the chopped herb with 750ml of 95% ethanol in a clean glass jar and steep for 2 weeks.
4. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into a separate container and discard the solids.
5. Bottle the tincture and store it in a cool dark place for at least 2 weeks before use.

7. Matricaria chamomilla

Chamomile tinctures helps with headaches because of its natural ability to soothe and calm the nervous system.

The anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile work to reduce swelling in blood vessels, which can contribute to migraines and tension headaches. Additionally, chamomile's sedative effects help to relax muscles, ease pain, and promote a sense of calmness.

By addressing the underlying causes of headaches, herbal chamomile tinctures provide a natural and effective solution for alleviating headache symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Apigenin: This flavonoid acts as a potent anti-inflammatory agent, helping to reduce pain and inflammation associated with headaches.
• Chamazulene: This terpene has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which help to relax muscles and reduce tension that can contribute to headaches.
• Luteolin: This flavonoid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that can contribute to headache development and severity.

Parts Used

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

• Flowers: The flowers are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of apigenin and luteolin, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Leaves: The leaves are used for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and calm the mind and body.
• Stems: The stems, although less commonly used, contain some of the same beneficial compounds as the flowers and leaves, making them a potential alternative.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 1 part of dried matricaria chamomilla flowers at the peak of potency and store in a cool dark place.
2. Combine 1 part of dried flowers with 2 parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
3. Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 4 weeks shaking the jar every day.
4. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass container.
5. Transfer the tincture to dark glass bottles and store in a cool dark place for up to 2 years.

8. Achillea millefolium

Yarrow tinctures helps with headaches because of its potent ability to relieve tension and reduce inflammation in the body.

The flavonoids present in yarrow extract have a natural analgesic effect, which helps to ease pain and discomfort associated with headaches. Additionally, yarrow's anti-inflammatory properties help to constrict blood vessels, thereby reducing swelling and pressure that can contribute to headache development.

By promoting relaxation and alleviating muscle tension, yarrow tinctures offer a natural solution for managing headache symptoms and promoting overall wellness.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Achillea millefolium tinctures that help with headaches.

• Phenolic acids: Help with headaches due to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can reduce pain and inflammation in the head and neck.
• Achillol and achillin: Help with headaches due to their spasmolytic and anticonvulsant properties, which can relax muscles, reduce spasms, and stabilize nerve function.
• Flavonoids: Help with headaches due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and pain in the head and neck.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of yarrow used to make tinctures for headaches.

• Leaves: The leaves of Achillea millefolium are used to make tinctures for headaches because they contain essential oils that have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
• Flowers: The flowers are used to make tinctures for headaches because they contain sesquiterpene lactones, which have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Stems: The stems of Achillea millefolium are used to make tinctures for headaches because they contain flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones, which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Gather fresh achillea millefolium flowers and leaves in the morning when they are at their most potent and fragrant.
2. Dry the gathered plant material in a low-temperature oven at 30-40 degrees celsius for 2-3 hours.
3. Use a 1:5 ratio of plant material to ethanol to prepare a 100ml tincture with 50g of dried achillea millefolium.
4. Steep the plant material in the ethanol for 2-3 weeks in a glass jar with a lid in a cool dark place.
5. Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth and discard the solids then transfer it to a dark glass bottle for storage.

9. Ginkgo biloba

Maidenhair tree tinctures helps with headaches because it contains a unique combination of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and terpenes, that work synergistically to provide relief.

The tincture's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling in blood vessels, alleviating pressure on the brain and scalp that can cause pain and discomfort. Additionally, its sedative effects can calm the mind and body, promoting relaxation and reducing stress that often accompanies headaches.

By targeting both physical and emotional factors, maidenhair tree tinctures offer a natural and holistic approach to headache relief.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba tinctures that help with headaches.

• Flavonoids: These plant-based compounds help alleviate headaches by reducing inflammation and improving blood vessel function, which can contribute to headache relief.
• Terpene lactones: These terpene lactones have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce migraine pain and frequency by preventing blood vessel constriction and improving blood flow.
• Bilobalide: This sesquiterpene trimer has a neuroprotective effect and can help alleviate headaches by reducing inflammation and preventing the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, which can contribute to migraine pain.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of maidenhair tree used to make tinctures for headaches.

• Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part of Ginkgo biloba for tinctures due to their high content of flavonoids and terpenoids, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
• Seeds: The seeds are another key component of Ginkgo biloba tinctures for headaches, as they contain bilobalide and ginkgolides, which are known to have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Roots: The roots of Ginkgo biloba are sometimes used to make tinctures for headaches, as they are believed to contain compounds that can help reduce inflammation and promote blood flow to the brain.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 1 part ginkgo biloba leaves and 1 part ginkgo biloba seeds from mature trees in september or october.
2. Dry the plant material in a warm dry place for 2 weeks to reduce moisture content.
3. Chop 1 part ginkgo biloba leaves and 1 part ginkgo biloba seeds into small pieces and add to a glass jar.
4. Mix the chopped plant material with 2 parts 80 proof vodka and 1 part glycerin in the glass jar.
5. Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks to allow infusion and then strain.

10. Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary tinctures helps with headaches because of its natural ability to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation.

The essential oils present in rosemary, such as camphor and bornyl acetate, help to relax tense muscles and ease spasms that can contribute to headache pain. Additionally, rosemary's antioxidant properties help to protect the brain from oxidative stress and damage, which can also contribute to headaches.

By promoting healthy blood flow and reducing inflammation, herbal rosemary tinctures provide natural relief from tension and migraine headaches.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis tinctures that help with headaches.

• Carvacrol: This monoterpene helps with headaches by acting as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent, reducing pain and inflammation in the affected area.
• Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic diterpene exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help alleviate headache symptoms by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
• Bornyl acetate: This monoterpenoid has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to its potential in relieving headache pain and reducing inflammation associated with headache conditions.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of rosemary used to make tinctures for headaches.

• Leaves: They are rich in essential oils, particularly carnosic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
• Flowers: They contain flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects that can help alleviate headache pain.
• Stems: They are also a source of essential oils, including rosmarinic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce headache severity.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 1 part of fresh rosmarinus officinalis leaves in the morning when they are at their highest essential oil content.
2. Dry the harvested leaves in a warm place or by using a food dehydrator at 95 degrees fahrenheit for 2 hours.
3. Combine 1 part of dried rosmarinus officinalis leaves with 2 parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture for 4 to 6 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking of the jar.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into another clean glass bottle discarding the solids.

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

The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with headaches is a blend of Feverfew, Willow Bark, and Peppermint.

Feverfew reduces inflammation and relieves pain, while Willow Bark contains salicin, a natural pain reliever. Peppermint tincture helps to ease tension and soothe the mind.

Combine these three tinctures in equal parts and take 20-30 drops as needed. This combination can provide effective relief from tension headaches, migraines, and other types of headaches.

Consult a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies.

What ailments similar to headaches are treated with herbal tinctures?

Ailments similar to headaches that are treated with herbal tinctures are stress, anxiety, and fatigue.

Herbal remedies such as valerian root, passionflower, and chamomile can help alleviate symptoms of insomnia and restlessness. Other conditions like menstrual cramps, PMS symptoms, and minor aches and pains can be soothed by tinctures made from herbs like ginger, peppermint, and willow bark.

These natural remedies offer a safe and effective way to manage these common complaints.