When a headache or migraine strikes, it can be difficult to focus, stay productive, or fully enjoy your day. While over-the-counter options are common go-tos, many people also seek natural ways to support relief and relaxation. This is where aromatherapy shines. Essential oils offer a soothing, holistic approach to easing tension, promoting relaxation, and creating a sense of calm when headaches arise. By incorporating essential oils into your wellness routine, you can take a moment to reset, unwind, and feel more at ease. But first, let’s explore the causes of headaches and how natural remedies can complement your self-care routine.

Types of Headaches & Their Causes

Headaches can arise from a variety of triggers, and understanding the different types can help in finding effective ways to manage discomfort. While tension headaches and migraines share some similarities, they have distinct symptoms and causes. Regardless of the type, headaches don’t originate in the brain itself but are linked to a complex network of nerves, muscles, and blood vessels surrounding the head and scalp.

Migraine Headaches

Migraines are often intense and can be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and sound. These headaches may be triggered by factors like hormonal changes, stress, lack of sleep, or even certain foods.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches develop gradually and typically cause a dull, persistent pain on both sides of the head. The discomfort can range from mild pressure to a sensation that feels like a tight band around the skull. Common triggers include muscle tension, dehydration, poor posture, eye strain, and lack of sleep.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are among the most severe types of headaches, often occurring on one side of the head with intense pain behind or around one eye. These headaches tend to come in cycles, with multiple attacks over a period of weeks or months. Triggers may include changes in sleep patterns, alcohol consumption, or environmental factors.

By identifying the root causes of headaches, it’s easier to incorporate lifestyle changes and natural wellness practices, such as relaxation techniques and aromatherapy, to help support relief and overall well-being.

Can Essential Oils Help with Headaches?

Aromatherapy works through the limbic system, the part of the brain that regulates emotions, stress responses, and physiological functions like heart rate and blood pressure. When essential oils are inhaled, their aromatic compounds interact with odor receptors in the nose, sending signals that can influence mood, relaxation, and overall well-being. Because of this connection, certain essential oils may help support a sense of calm, promote relaxation, and ease tension—factors that often contribute to headaches.

Some essential oils are known for their ability to support circulation, encourage muscle relaxation, provide a cooling sensation, and reduce feelings of stress—all of which can be beneficial when dealing with occasional headaches or migraines. However, for those who experience migraines, strong aromas can sometimes be overstimulating, potentially triggering discomfort rather than relief. It’s best to test essential oils when feeling well to determine individual sensitivities.

Essential Oils for Headaches and Migraines

By incorporating stress-reducing practices and natural wellness strategies, you may help support overall headache relief and relaxation. Now, let’s explore the essential oils found in Headache & Migraine Aid essential oil blend and how they contribute to a more balanced, comfortable state.

Ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora)

Ravintsara essential oil is rich in 1,8-cineole, a powerful compound known for its ability to support relaxation and promote a sense of relief from discomfort. Research suggests that 1,8-cineole exhibits properties that may help ease tension, reduce oxidative stress, and support circulation—factors often linked to headache triggers.[1]

For centuries, traditional wellness practices, including Ayurveda, have valued Ravintsara for its soothing and invigorating properties. This refreshing essential oil is also known to help open respiratory pathways, which can encourage deeper breathing, promote relaxation, and contribute to an overall sense of well-being.

Frankincense Serrata (Boswellia serrata)

Frankincense Serrata essential oil is renowned for its calming and soothing properties, making it a valuable tool in supporting natural headache relief. Rich in monoterpenes, this oil is known to help promote relaxation, ease tension, and support a sense of overall well-being.

Research suggests that Boswellia essential oils possess anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which may contribute to easing discomfort linked to occasional headaches.[2] By helping to reduce stress and promote a relaxed state, Frankincense Serrata can be a beneficial addition to an aromatherapy routine designed for relaxation and balance.

With its grounding and tranquil aroma, Frankincense Serrata offers a natural way to encourage mental clarity, emotional stability, and tension relief, making it a great addition to Headache & Migraine Aid blend.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil essential oil is gaining attention for its natural soothing properties, particularly in supporting relief from occasional headaches and migraines. Research, including a triple-blind study, suggests that a 6% concentration of Basil essential oil helped reduce both the intensity and frequency of migraine attacks compared to a placebo.[3]

One of the key reasons Basil essential oil may be beneficial is its ability to help regulate amino acids linked to discomfort, promoting a sense of relief. Additionally, some studies indicate that Basil may play a role in stimulating the body's natural relaxation responses, which can contribute to easing tension and stress—both common headache triggers.

With its fresh, herbaceous aroma, Basil essential oil is a great addition to an aromatherapy routine aimed at promoting relaxation, mental clarity, and overall well-being. 

Lavender Bulgarian (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender essential oil is widely recognized for its calming and stress-relieving properties, making it a popular choice for promoting relaxation and easing tension. Mental stress, anxiety, and muscle tightness are common triggers for tension headaches, and Lavender’s soothing aroma may help foster a sense of tranquility and comfort.

Studies have explored Lavender essential oil’s role in relaxation, suggesting that it may support mood balance, stress reduction, and overall well-being.[4] Additionally, its naturally calming effects have been traditionally valued for promoting relaxation and easing occasional discomfort associated with headaches.

Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana)

Revered in Greece as the “joy of the mountains,” Sweet Marjoram essential oil is often associated with comfort, relaxation, and emotional balance. Its warm, herbaceous aroma is known to promote a sense of calm and ease tension, making it a valuable addition to any self-care routine.

Sweet Marjoram contains natural compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and soothing properties, which have been traditionally valued for their ability to support circulation, relaxation, and overall well-being. Its grounding and centering qualities may help create a tranquil environment, making it a wonderful choice for moments of stress or discomfort.

How to Use Headache & Migraine Aid Essential Oil Blend

When tension, stress, or environmental factors contribute to headaches, aromatherapy can provide a natural way to support relaxation and comfort. The Headache & Migraine Aid essential oil blend offers a soothing botanical approach to help promote a sense of ease. Here are some of the best ways to incorporate this blend into your wellness routine.

Steam Inhalation for Headache Relief

Steam inhalation is a great way to enjoy the aromatic benefits of essential oils while promoting relaxation and respiratory comfort. The warm steam helps disperse the oils, allowing you to breathe in their soothing properties.

What You’ll Need:

• A comfortable place to sit
• A large glass or ceramic bowl
• A towel
• Headache & Migraine Aid Essential Oil Blend
• Hot, steamy water

Instructions:

• Fill the bowl with hot water and set it in a comfortable place.
• Sit down, drape the towel over your head, and lean about 8-12 inches over the bowl.
• Add one drop of the essential oil blend to the water.
• Close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths for up to 10 minutes.
• Repeat as needed, morning and night, to help encourage relaxation.

Neck Tension Massage Oil

Tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back can contribute to headaches. A gentle massage with diluted essential oils may help promote circulation and ease discomfort.

What You’ll Need:

• 18 drops of Headache & Migraine Aid
• 1 oz of Tamanu Oil or Grapeseed Oil
• A small, damp towel
• A heating pad

Instructions:

• Mix the essential oil blend with the carrier oil.
• Massage the oil into the back of your neck and shoulders.
• Place a lightly damp towel under a heating pad and apply for 10 minutes.
• For added relief, gently massage a small amount of oil around the temples.

Migraine Temple Rub Roll-On

For on-the-go tension relief, the Edens Garden Headache & Migraine Aid Roll-On is a convenient option. This ready-to-use roll-on makes it easy to apply the essential oil blend whenever you need it.

How to Use:

• Roll onto the temples, the back of the neck, and a small dot under the nose.
• Gently massage the oil into the skin to encourage relaxation.
• Use as often as needed throughout the day.

Bath Salt Blend for Relaxation

A warm bath infused with magnesium-rich Epsom salts and essential oils can create a soothing atmosphere and help ease tension.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup Epsom salts
• ½ cup Castile soap
• 6 drops Headache & Migraine Aid Essential Oil Blend

Instructions:

• Blend the Epsom salts, Castile soap, and essential oil in a small bowl.

• Fill your bathtub with warm water.

• Add the salt mixture and stir to disperse.

• Soak for at least 20 minutes while breathing deeply.

DIY Migraine Bath Bomb

Bath bombs infused with essential oils provide a luxurious and relaxing bath-time experience.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup baking soda
• ½ cup citric acid
• 1 oz Jojoba carrier oil
• 8 drops Headache & Migraine Aid Essential Oil Blend
• A silicone bath bomb mold

Instructions:

• Combine baking soda and citric acid in a bowl.
• In a separate bowl, mix the essential oil blend with Jojoba oil.
• Slowly combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until it holds together.
• Pack the mixture into the mold and let it dry overnight.
• Once hardened, store in an airtight container.
• To use, drop a bath bomb into warm water and enjoy the aromatic experience.

SOURCES: 

1. In vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of Cinnamomum camphora extracts https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16182479/
2. Long-term efficacy of Boswellia serrata in 4 patients with chronic cluster headache https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3620238
3. The Efficacy of Topical Basil Essential Oil on Relieving Migraine Headaches: A Randomized Triple-Blind Study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32155616/
4. Lavender essential oil in the treatment of migraine headache: a placebo-controlled clinical trial  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22517298/