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Headaches come on instantly or gradually and usually without any warning. The best essential oils for headaches are outlined here to help you lessen headache pain. When headache pain has you on your knees wracking in pain where you cannot function, the oils might enhance your mood and eliminate the need for any pain medication. With more than 28 million people agonizing with migraines in the U.S., women are three times more likely to get them than men.

If you have severe depilating headaches, you need to see your healthcare provider, since it could be an indication of a severe problem. Discussed here are aromatherapy benefits for mild headaches. Migraines should be discussed with your doctor; however, essential oils are known to offer relief.

1. Lavender

Lavender not only smells good, it has a high percent of linalyl acetate esters that provide anti-inflammatory and sedative properties and one of the best oils for headaches. Lavender oils should not be used directly by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

2. Eucalyptus

Eases headaches, especially associated with sinus headaches. This essential oil is the customary therapy for tension headaches from congestion. Massage on your forehead, temples, and sinus area for headache pain relief. Put a few drops into your bathwater for calming effects. Avoid during pregnancy the strong aroma and menthol properties. This oil should also not be taken orally as it can be toxic.

3. Helichrysum

From the sunflower family, with possible other names of ‘Everlasting Essential Oil’ or ‘Immortelle.’ Use your diffuser to inhale the aroma and derive its therapeutic benefits. Massage a few drops on your forehead, and temples for headache and sinus area for pain relief. Mix 10 drops into your running bathwater for calming effects that can reduce or remove headache pain. This oil is non-toxic and non-irritating but should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

4. Roman Chamomile

Great for getting rid of headaches during the evening and nighttime hours. Add a few drops to your running bathwater for relaxing and for headache relief. Use Roman and not German chamomile for best results. Do not use the essential oil during pregnancy because it is a uterine stimulant.

5. Peppermint

Since it has a large amount of menthol, the component known for relaxation and for easing tension headaches, including aches and pain in muscles, it is wonderful oil. Because peppermint is very stimulating, it might get in the way of sleeping. Peppermint baths and scents are relaxing and you will lower your stress levels with the health benefits including opening air passages and headache relief. A simple drop of oil under the tongue can achieve energy and alertness. Peppermint oil is non-toxic and non-irritating but should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

6. Spearmint

Spearmint is more aromatic than peppermint but is the most suggested of the mint family to assuage headaches and has more menthol than peppermint. Spearmint oil is not as harsh as peppermint and is sweeter. Spearmint essential oil may irritate mucous membranes so avoid using it during pregnancy.

7. Ylang-Ylang

The scent of ylang-ylang is tropical, fruity, sweet, floral, spicy, exotic, and romantic. Use in your diffuser or rub a few drops on each temple and on your forehead. It is a powerful and strong oil and can be mixed with other oils for headache benefits. Ylang-Ylang can cause headaches when used in excess.

Therapeutic Pure Grade Essential Oils

Keep in mind that essential oils are not the same. Many companies state that their oils are pure. That might not be true. Genuine  therapeutic grade essential oils are costly to process, manufacture, and package. Some companies in the essential oil business do not follow the usual procedures for producing the best grade oils.

Compare essential oil brands in this next article.

Some companies use “fillers”—carrier oils and sell them at a huge price to make a large profit. Remember to buy only first-rate aromatherapy essential oils that are superior or they will not provide the same benefits to you being less effective. You get what you pay for.

Please Note: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use certified organic essential oils, or oils that have been tested and are pesticide free.

For more on uses of essential oils, and different ailments they can be used for, please check out our complete list of essential oils and what they are used for.