5 Essential Oils That Relieve Headaches Quickly and Naturally

When head pain strikes, you want fast relief.  Luckily, there are a variety of essential oils for headaches that can reduce your discomfort quickly and naturally. Keep reading to learn which oils work best and how to use each to maximize the benefits.

What are essential oils?

“Essential oils are extracts from plants that, when distilled, produce certain therapeutic properties such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, vasodilative and vasoconstrictive,” says Jennifer Pressimone, clinical aromatherapy expert, CEO and educator at JennScents, Inc. “Science-based research studies show that specific essential oils possess these properties in higher potencies, making them great natural headache relief remedies.”

Note: While essential oils are generally safe and well-tolerated, be sure to check with your doctor first if you’re taking any medications or have any health conditions. 

The 5 best essential oils for headaches

If you want to try essential oils for headaches, Markus Ploesser, MD, chief innovation officer, psychiatrist and integrative medicine physician at Open Mind Health, notes three methods: “Aromatherapy, topical application or indirect inhalation.”

While all three will deliver the pain relief you’re after, certain oils are more effective when used in certain ways. Since essential oils are a highly concentrated liquid, it’s best to dilute them in a carrier oil (like coconut, jojoba or almond oil) when applying them topically to reduce the risk of skin irritation.

Here, a look into the most beneficial essential oils for headaches and how to use them:

Try peppermint oil for tension headaches

One of the most popular remedies for a tension headache (the most common type) is peppermint oil. “Peppermint oil works for headaches because it contains menthol, a compound known to aid in muscle relaxation and improve blood flow,” says Brynna Connor, MD, Healthcare Ambassador at NorthWestPharmacy.com. “This directly targets the root cause of most tension headaches—tight and/or contracted muscles in the head and/or neck.”

It’s so effective, in fact, that a German study found applying peppermint oil to the forehead and temples relieved a headache as effectively as taking acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol). And relief started to kick in within just 15 minutes.

It’s best to massage peppermint oil into the temples, neck or forehead to relieve a headache. This oil is strong and can irritate the skin, so Dr. Connor suggests first diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. Don’t use more than five drops in the mixture; repeat every two to four hours as needed.

Try lavender oil for stress headaches

Another common essential oil for headaches is lavender. The calming scent can reduce headaches caused by stress. “One of the reasons lavender oil can work for headaches is because lavender has components that interact with the body’s nervous system, particularly the parasympathetic nervous system,” says. Dr. Connor. “It regulates anxiety-associated processes, which can be a common trigger for headaches.”

It can even be helpful for migraine pain. A study in the journal European Neurology found that simply breathing in the scent of lavender oil halted migraines for 71% of study participants. The compound linalool in lavender helps regulate blood flow to the brain, preventing vessels from painful spasming.

Connor explains that to get the most out of lavender oil, it’s best to hold the vial of essential oil a few inches from your face and take slow, deep sniffs, or use steam from a diffuser or warm bowl. To do this, place the bowl on a table or flat surface, add a few drops of the essential oil, and place a towel over your head and the bowl. Close your eyes and deeply inhale the steam for several minutes. You can use it multiple times throughout the day or as needed for relief. 

Try eucalyptus oil for sinus headaches

“Eucalyptus oil is helpful for headaches related to sinus pressure,” says Raj Dasgupta, MD, Medical Advisor for HelpGuide Handbook. “It has anti-inflammatory qualities, can ease pain and open nasal passages, clear sinus blockages and reduce inflammation.”

Dr. Dasgupta suggests adding a few drops to a small bowl of hot water and inhaling the steam to use it. Once diluted with carrier oil, you can also apply eucalyptus oil to your temples to treat a headache. Note: Eucalyptus is very potent, so a little bit goes a long way in terms of healing.

Try rosemary oil for energy-sapping headaches

Dr. Ploesser says rosemary oil is known for its stimulating properties and can help improve blood circulation and reduce pain. “It’s useful for tension headaches and can help improve focus and reduce mental fatigue.”

A study in the journal Psychiatry Research backs this up. Scientists found that breathing in the herbal scent of rosemary lowered levels of the stress hormone cortisol by 23 percent within minutes. And increased alertness at the same time.

For the best relief, mix a few drops with a carrier oil and massage the blend into your temples, scalp and neck. Tip: Rosemary oil is most effective when you start to feel a headache coming on.

Try chamomile oil for anxiety-triggered headaches

Similar to how you’d drink chamomile tea to calm down before bed, you can also use chamomile oil to soothe headaches.  “With its anti-inflammatory effects, it’s useful for headaches caused by stress, anxiety or tension,” says Dr. Ploesser.  It can also promote relaxation and sleep. (Research in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies shows that the relaxation-promoting effects can even help you doze off up to 16 minutes faster.)

Chamomile oil can be used topically or through inhalation. “Dilute 3-4 drops in a carrier oil and apply to temples and forehead,” says Dr. Ploesser. You can also use it in a diffuser or add a couple of drops to a warm bath for even more relaxation. 

What to look for when using essential oils for headaches

One of the most important things to pay attention to when purchasing essential oils is the quality, explains Dr. Connor. “Therapeutic grade” is a marketing term, but usually indicates a higher quality of oil. 

It’s also crucial to seek oils from reputable brands that disclose the botanical name, country of origin and extraction method. Dr Ploesser adds that essential oils should be stored in dark glass bottles, as light can degrade the oil.

While essential oils can help alleviate headaches, there are a few other natural tricks Dr. Dasgupta recommends to speed pain relief. “Staying hydrated, eating regular meals and getting quality sleep can also help with headaches naturally before turning to over-the-counter medications,” says Dr. Dasgupta. 

For more headache relief!

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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.