Have you ever used essential oils for a headache? There are lots of good oil options to support you in this time of discomfort. If you looking for a natural, effective way to get rid of your headaches, then essential oils might be an option to consider.

Not only are they backed by science as being able to help treat various ailments, but essential oils offer pleasant aromas that can help relax and soothe your headache symptoms. In this blog post I'll cover the best essential oils for headaches, how to use them properly, and any other helpful information.

Read on if you are interested in learning more about using essential oils for headaches!

10 Essential Oils For Headaches

Essential oils are becoming increasingly popular for headache relief, as they are all natural and can provide pain relief. You may want to use a combination of oils for headache pain.

We asked our readers "What is your favorite essential oil to use for headaches?" Find out what our Loving Essential Oil fans like to use best and see if they surprise you at all.

Here are the top 10 answers that they picked:

1. Peppermint Essential Oil

Our overwhelming top answer was peppermint oil. More than half of our fans, 58% of votes, like to use peppermint when they have headache discomfort. I have to admit, it is my top choice too!

Peppermint acts as a natural painkiller. It is very potent so a little really goes a long way. It has a cooling, refreshing effect due to its menthol content that can help to reduce inflammation and pain.

The aroma can also ease headache related nausea. Many find diffusing peppermint helpful or using it diluted in a roller bottle.

2. Lavender Essential Oil

Oh lavender oil, how we love you so. It is no surprise that this oil came in second place at 23% of votes. Lavender oil loves to support our well-being and ease our discomforts. It helps with stress and relaxation, especially good for stress or tension headaches. 

This nourishing oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It pairs well with peppermint, a favorite combo when it comes to headaches. Add 3 drops of lavender and 2 drops of peppermint into a tablespoon of avocado oil for a nourishing massage oil, rub onto chest, neck and shoulders.

3. Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it a great choice for treating headaches. This oil contains large amounts of 1,8- cineole, a component that is known for respiratory support and sinus relief.

Eucalyptus oil can assist in soothing muscle aches and inflammation, plus the cool and refreshing aroma of has been known to relieve headaches and boost energy. Additionally, the different types of eucalyptus oils can help with breathing and sinus tension.

4. Chamomile Essential Oil

Roman chamomile is a calming and reassuring oil. It can deeply soothe the nervous system and relieve pain. Chamomile calms inflammation and soothes sore muscles and joints.

Chamomile essential oil is known for its calming and soothing effects, which can help to reduce stress and tension in the head and neck muscles. It also has the ability to assist you with a good nights sleep. Add to a headache blend when bedtime is near.

5. Frankincense Essential Oil

Has the capacity to calm and quiet the mind, bringing deep tranquility. Place a drop of frankincense in the palm of your hand, rub palms together, cup over mouth and nose and inhale deeply to promote a calm and relaxed feeling.

6. Helichrysum Essential Oil

This precious oil is an amazing healer, restoring all types of skin conditions and calming inflammation. Helichrysum oil has pain relieving properties as well. It is a great helper oil when added into blends for headaches.

7. Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass offers calming and soothing effects that help to relieve the pain, pressure, or tension that can cause headaches. It contains citral, a powerful pain relieving component. Breathe in the lemony fresh aroma or massage diluted lemongrass onto temples when a headache hits.

8. Basil Essential Oil

Basil oil can bring clarity to the mind and has analgesic properties. Works best for headaches that are stress or tension related. Can be diffused, inhaled or added to a carrier oil for massage.

Adding basil oil in a blend can help enhance the absorption of other components in the blend, making it perfect for massage blends or pain relieving blends that are applied topically. Blends well with lavender and frankincense as a headache relief balm (see recipes below).

9. Orange Essential Oil

Orange oil contains a large amount of d-limonene, suggesting that it has the ability to relieve pain and inflammation.  The fresh and fruity aroma eases stress and tension. It is a bright and uplifting oil that add a happy note to any blend.

10. Clary Sage Essential Oil

Well known for easing menstrual cramps and reducing menopausal symptoms. The main chemical component of clary sage is linalyl acetate. This component makes this oil one of the most relaxing, soothing, and balancing essential oils.

This may not be a top choice when it comes to headaches but it can definitely add beneficial properties when added to a blend of oils. Add Clary Sage to promotes feelings of relaxation, allowing for a restful night’s sleep.

Were any of these oils surprising to you? A few other oils that did not make the list but have been helpful in headache blends are rosemary, marjoram, and copiaba essential oil.

Essential Oil Recipes For Headaches

Headaches occur from a variety of reasons. Maybe it is from emotional stress, sinus congestion and pressure, or muscle tension. Whatever the reason is, here are some recipe to help you get fast relief.

Frequently Asked Questions About Headache Essential Oils

Aromatherapy is a great way to use essential oils for all types of headaches.

Who can benefit from using essential oils for headaches?

Essential oils can be used to help reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches, as well as to provide relief from the associated symptoms. Essential oils can be beneficial for anyone who suffers from headaches, whether they are occasional or chronic. People with tension headaches, migraines, or cluster headaches can all benefit from using essential oils.

How long do essential oils take to work for headaches?

Essential oils can be a great natural remedy for headaches, but it's important to note that the amount of time it takes for them to work can vary depending on the individual, the type of essential oil used, and the type and severity of the headache. Also, when dealing with headaches its a good idea to multifaceted approach with headache relief.

What are the more effective essential oils for headaches?

Essential oils are a great natural remedy for headaches, as they can help to reduce inflammation, reduce stress, and provide relief from pain. The most effective essential oils for headaches include lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, chamomile, and frankincense oil.

Hera re more essential oils to try for headache symptoms and discomfort:

• Rosemary essential oil is known for its ability to improve circulation and reduce pain. Additionally, rosemary oil provides a calming and soothing effect when applied topically or inhaled.
• Cypress essential oil can be used for headaches. Cypress oil is derived from the evergreen tree of the same name, is known for its many therapeutic benefits, such as its ability to help relieve headaches, reduce stress, and improve circulation when applied topically or inhaled.
• Ginger is a powerful natural remedy that can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, as it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and pain; it can also be used to improve digestion, reduce nausea, and even boost the immune system.
• Lemon essential oil, derived from the rind of the lemon fruit, is known to be a natural remedy for headaches, and can be used in aromatherapy, massage, and topical applications, as well as being added to a diffuser to help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
• Sandalwood essential oil has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, due to its calming and soothing properties, and its ability to reduce inflammation and improve circulation. Sandalwood has long been used in aromatherapy, as its calming and soothing scent can help to reduce stress and anxiety, while also providing a sense of balance and harmony.
• Juniper berry essential oil is known for its many medicinal benefits, including its ability to help relieve headaches, as it is believed to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antispasmodic properties. Additionally, juniper berry essential oil can be used to help reduce stress, improve digestion, and even boost the immune system.

Where do I apply essential oils for headaches?

To apply headache essential oils, the best places to target are the temples, the back of the neck, behind the ears, and pulse points on your wrists. Most headache essential oils should be diluted with a carrier oil -- such as fractionated coconut or jojoba oil -- before applied directly to skin.

Some essential oils, like peppermint and eucalyptus, may also be added to a diffuser, allowing you to benefit from their soothing aroma. However you choose to use headache essential oils, make sure to pay attention to how your body responds for best results!

How To Use Essential Oils For Headaches

Another question we asked was "What is your favorite way to use essential oils when you have a headache?" and had over 80 responses.

Essential oils are a great natural remedy for headaches, as they can help to reduce inflammation and relax the body. Many of our fans said they use roller bottles and roll or rub essential oils onto temples, hairline and/or neck.

Lots also enjoy diffusing oils, especially peppermint in their time of need. You can use an essential oil diffuser to help spread the scent of the essential oil throughout the room.

Another way oil are used for support is by inhaling from the bottle or an aromatherapy inhaler. Kay from GA recommends using a diffuser necklace. Trish from PA said she likes to "take a walk in fresh air", great idea!

Here are more answers we wanted to share with you:

I use Peppermint essential oil diluted in Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil in a Roller Bottle with a stainless steel roller ball. I massage the back of my neck, shoulders and along the sides of my spine in my neck with the roller bottle as it applies the oils to my problem areas. I will also run the roller bottle directly over the area of my head where the headache originated. Yes, through my hair onto my scalp. -Roxanne, WI

I put 2 drops of lemongrass essential oil onto a cotton ball and dab on temples. -Lorry, NC

I rub a few drops of Frankincense on my temples and occipital area (back of my head). -Anne, MO

I use Copaiba with Frankincense in a rollerball. -Vicki, NY

Mix a few drops of helichrysum with jojoba oil in roller vial, then roll it on my temples, the back of my neck and down the spine. Add a few drops of Peppermint to my diffuser, turn on some meditation music and "space out" for about 15 minutes. My headache is usually gone or on its way by then. -LeeAnn, FL

I get tension headaches. I put peppermint at the base of my skull and at my temples at the hairline. -Karin, NM

I have a roller bottle with lavender, peppermint and FCO. When a headache starts, I roll it onto my forehead and temples. Almost instantly I feel relief. -Liz, FL

I make a blend in a 10 ml roller bottle, put on the bottoms of my feet & on the area of the headache & massage it in. Then I sit quietly & within 20 min or so - no more headache! -Teresa, PA

I use them as a roller ball blend usually peppermint and lavender with a carrier oil of fractionated coconut oil. I then put it on my pulse points when I feel a headache coming on and it helps to relax the tense muscles. Sometimes I put it on the back of my neck also. This has helped a lot as I get migraines frequently. -Mis, FL

My favorite way to use essential oils for a headache is to use an inhaler. -Linda, MO

I like to diffuse peppermint oil. -Elizabeth, FL

I like to put a drop on the pointer finger of both hands and rub it into my temples. Then I put a small amount just under my nose. Sometimes I'll take a nice, slow, long inhalation for the oil throughout the day. -Sandy, IL

I love to use peppermint for my headaches. Most of my headaches are stress induced and peppermint is very calming for me. I work in the law enforcement field so my day can get stressful, when it does I just pull out my peppermint and use it and I start to calm down which in turn calms my headaches. -Dawn, CO

I break out a peppermint roller and put some on my temples and the back of my neck. I have also discovered that a really strong peppermint gum will clear my sinuses! -Becky, CO

Couple ways. I use a lavender roll on for temples. I wear an eye mask then put a few drops of oil on a cotton ball and set it between my eyes. I also have a headache blend I use I In the diffuser. -Michelle, PA

I mix peppermint oil with castor oil and give myself a facial massage. If the pain is especially horrible, I ask my mom or a friend for a head, neck, and shoulder massage with this oil mixture. One friend did this for me when I had a particularly bad migraine and added in a foot massage, too, and it reduced the pain significantly and allowed me to get some sleep -Rachel, CA

I suffer from allergies and sinus headaches I use a blend with eucalyptus and others in a diffuser and I don't wake with sinus headaches any more. -Debbie, NC

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