Comments on: Aromatherapy: Top 5 for Migraine or Headache

By: James

James — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 13:31:55 +0000

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.

By: Ellen Schnakenberg

Ellen Schnakenberg — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 04:16:34 +0000

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?

By: James

James — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 23:57:05 +0000

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!).

By: Ellen Schnakenberg

Ellen Schnakenberg — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:58:10 +0000

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??

By: James

James — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 01:04:56 +0000

Glad it helps! I usually go the candle and diffuser route, though I have tried a few different things.

By: MaxJerz

MaxJerz — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 19:02:25 +0000

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