Aromatherapy: Top 5 for Migraine or Headache
I’m a secret fan of aromatherapy. All right, not so secret, I guess. But there’s one thing that drives me crazy. When people go for aromachology, thinking they’re getting aromatherapy. What a rip-off.
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What is true aromatherapy? The former Health AtoZ put it this way: "Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of plant-derived, aromatic essential oils to promote physical and psychological well-being."
You see, the aromatherapy I want means 100% pure essential oils.
But sometimes the word aromatherapy is used, but what it really means is aromachology. That’s just aromas – any kind, from any chemical, and probably not 100% natural and pure (even if it does contain some essential oils). That may be fine at times, but when I want to fight a headache, I want to know what’s going into my nose. I prefer it not to contain 6 ingredients with long names that I can’t pronounce with numbers in the middle.
I wish the two would be differentiated more, but aromatherapy is the "in" word, and marketers want you to think you’re getting it when you’re really not.
For me, it’s worth it to go with real aromatherapy. The 100% pure essential oils last a long time, and are 100% natural. (More on aromatherapy and aromachology)
I’m combed through the literature and studies on both headache and migraine, and I’ve come up with the top 5 recommended essential oils to fight an attack. Here they are, in no particular order:
- Peppermint
- Sandlewood
- Lavender
- Eucalyptus
- Rosemary
Personally, I’m a big lavender fan for a migraine attack. Also, this time of year I have to admit a weakness for pine essential oil. I also like cinnamon leaf – not for a headache or migraine but just because.
For real high potency natural 100% essential oil, follow the links here.
What about you? What essential oils do you like during an attack (if any)? There are some great mixtures out there too – let’s hear your recommendations!
6 December 2008 @ 1:02 pm
There’s a lavender farm local to me that sells a “headache relief stick” – it’s a roll-on stick of pure peppermint and lavender oil, diluted in sweet almond oil as a carrier (most essential oils, including peppermint, shouldn’t be applied to the skin undiluted as they can cause skin irritation or rash). I *love* this stick. It’s only essential oils and it takes the edge off both my head pain and usually my nausea, too.
I also have a spray bottle of lavender oil diluted in water that I spray my sheets with at night.
Be well,
MJ
6 December 2008 @ 7:04 pm
Glad it helps! I usually go the candle and diffuser route, though I have tried a few different things.
8 December 2008 @ 10:58 am
I loved this post- Thank you! I would love to link to your post in my blog too, and am interested in your answers to my questions:
My mom introduced me to the whole aromatherapy thing, so I’m still a newbie and still a bit confused about the two. She bought me Rosemary oil in a diffuser to put by my bed. It does a wonderful job of clearing the sinuses, but caused awful Migraine attacks and nausea, so it’s been relegated to another part of the house. We grow English Lavender and weave our own lavender sticks with satin ribbon, (I highly recommend these!) but the stong smell is also a trigger for me. This is obviously the real thing, but isn’t a bottled essential oil. I still assume it would be Aromatherapy? Eucalyptus seems soothing to me, but again, too much is not a good thing, and I get it from the plant sources. On the other hand, I can smell peppermint oil so strong it burns, and it always makes me feel better. Lemon oil and peppermint seems soothing when mixed together, or a drop of peppermint oil over a freshly zested lemon by my bed. I also combine Sandalwood and rose oils together (the real things), and I love just a tiny touch on my pillow at night to help me sleep. So, am I using strictly aromatherapy as my sources are 100% natural and not chemically derived, or something else??
8 December 2008 @ 5:57 pm
Thanks, Ellen,
As I point out in my post, these terms are so poorly used I don’t even know if we can agree on a definition. I think if we were going to be picky we would restrict it to 100% pure essential oils, but I’m comfortable putting “smelling flowers” in the same category, since it’s basically the same thing.
It won’t be a surprise to you that reactions are different for everyone, though there seem to be some “general rules” when it comes to aromatherapy. Everyone has to toy with different strengths and combinations. It’s fun to experiment (though it can be expensive at first – once you have a few on the shelf, it’s not so bad. Put them on your wish list everyone – great time to stock up!). 😉
8 December 2008 @ 10:16 pm
Well, I suppose I should have added that the plants are dried. Both Lavender and Eucalyptus seem to become very strong when dried.
Where is your favorite place to order essential oils?
12 December 2008 @ 7:31 am
Yes, I wasn’t suggesting you were just “smelling flowers” – just saying that anything with essential oils even as simple as smelling flowers could have a similar benefit! 🙂
I’ve tried different essential oils depending on what was available at the time where I was. I like what I see from Aroma Vera, which is why I linked to them above. There does seem to be a vast difference from brand to brand – the main thing is finding something you like, high potency if possible (depending on what you’re using it for), and 100% essential oil.
11 October 2012 @ 5:11 am
I have post concussion migraine (also known as footballers headache in USA), basically migraine caused from complications of a head injury. As a complementary therapist I use the following:
Basil – refreshing, clearing and uplifting. A few drops around the house or on clothes (come off cleanly).
Bergamot – in a blend with basil – helps with low mood due to ongoing chronic migraine. Uplifting and refreshing.
Rose – helps me feel nurtured – tlc.
As others have said peppermint and lavender.
Steam rooms with eucalyptus are very refreshing, short sessions – saunas too hot and can increase migraines.
I am now going to be working with German chamomile and everlasting – they both work with the nerves to reduce inflammation and irritation. Both are at the pricier end of the essential oil market at £30 ish for 5ml everlasting and £28 for 10 of G chamomile so go for the lavender and peppermint first if you want to try eo’s.
For ongoing chronic migraine also work holistically.
Meditate, do yoga or tai chi. Make sure your body is relaxed. There are free ytube videos on meditation, pranic breathing, etc. Try Kelly Howell for guided meditations, Art Giser for clearing your energy field, silk reeling for an easy tai chi/chi gung exercise.
Migraine can be caused by your nervous system on high alert – like a building with the fire alarm going without a fire. In this case aim to get your nervous system to re-set. Cold hands and feet in a warm room are a give away of this condition – Chinese therapists do recognize this as a problem, western medicine does not work with this. Look for Andrew Weil breathing work – he has books and audio, I have not checked ytube for him. He looks at this aspect and uses adapted pranic breathing to effect change, have your essential oils to hand!
Have regular massage, I recommend ‘no hands massage’ an advanced form of massage that is way better than any hand massage. A therapist may not want to use eo’s so put then on your skin before you go if this is the case. Again ytube for ‘no hands massage’ or google for a local uk practitioner.
I get my oils from Essential Oils Direct (UK) and find the price and quality very good.
8 January 2013 @ 6:47 pm
Interesting James that you suggest peppermint. I’ve always maintained that aromatherapy is an oxymoron because strong odours, even mild odours, really irritate me (both physically and emotionally — just cant understand why people want to smell strongly of anything and impose the smell on others) and can cause headaches. But peppermint I could probably tolerate. Tiger Balm’s smell is OK although I haven’t found it helps much.
8 January 2013 @ 8:39 pm
I agree, Jemo. Often – especially during migraine attacks – migraineurs have heightened sensitivity to odours. I know I’m in trouble if all of a sudden I have a “super” sense of smell!
However, it does come and go – and there are certain smells that I and others can tolerate at various times.
9 January 2013 @ 4:03 pm
I don’t practice any aromatherapy strictly speaking but do really love rose, lilac and balsam (fir) aromas. They really are soothing to me and won’t cause a migraine like some other really strong scents.
14 March 2013 @ 5:04 pm
Vicks Inhaler (menthol and camphor) works for me: it creates an icy cold sensation inside the nose, extending to the stomach, and helps reducing both headache and nausea. Ginger tea helps with nausea also.
On the other hand, sweet aromas aggrevate my nausea.