The Best Essential Oils for Migraine

By Alene Brennan

1 min read

Last updated: December 2022

I consider essential oils to be like food – another gift from nature to support us in maintaining good health or even healing our bodies. So, I decided to explore them to see if they could help in managing migraine.

Which essential oils help me?

Personally, I find them helpful to cut the edge of a migraine and ward off the smaller chronic headaches. Of course, not all essential oils are the same. Peppermint and lavender tend to be the most broadly used for headaches. You can use them aromatically or topically.

Have you tried essential oils before? Tell us about your experience.

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danadibs1979
I am a peppermint junkie. I have a diffuser in my bedroom and my living room that are on constant (with peppermint, of course). I also have a roll on in my night stand and one in my bag, I roll on my wrists in the crook of my elbows, above my eyebrow, at the base of my skull, across my shoulder and occasionally I use peppermint lotions. I know some people are probably like scented lotions? This girl must be crazy.... but it relaxes my muscles. Sometimes I'll even just open the bottle and give it a whiff. I swear by essential oils. But just my peppermint .
1. Alene Brennan Moderator
 <inline-mention username="danadibs1979" user-id="3712883"/> thanks so much for sharing! It's always helpful to hear what's working for others in our migraine community. It sounds like peppermint has been a big win for you... and I'm sure your house smells amazing from it too!
xkupp1
I get neck tension, I use Saje Pain Release. It contains: lavender, marjoram, rosemary, cajeput, peppermint, eucalyptus, roman chamomile, grapeseed oil. Sometimes I use Saje Peppermint Halo but I find peppermint to strong. I like Saje Immune. It's like Vicks but in oil form, it's for colds and I will use it then. But I pack it in my purse and roll it under my nose when I'm out and there are some fake perfume smells or something that is making me nauseous.
1. Alene Brennan Moderator
 <inline-mention username="xkupp1" user-id="3900727"/> I haven't heard of this one before but it sounds like a great combination of oils. Most importantly it's working for you. Thanks for sharing your experience and recommendation. And yes, I can definitely identify with being irritated by the fake aromas out there. Time to steer clear! You have the right idea of having a natural option in your purse. Great call!
migraineur_n2843l
Yes I find essential oils to very helpful BUT after seeing your video, what type of lotion is that, that you showed? I would be interested in that one too. Another one that I find that can be effective is called "TIGER BALM RED OINTMENT". Sometimes when I don't have anything else, I'll rub a little on my wrists and smell it occasionally. Please let me know about the lotion you showed. Thank you.
1. Alene Brennan Moderator
 <inline-mention username="migraineur_n2843l" user-id="3691338"/> the lotion that I show in the video is called Deep Blue, it's made by doTERRA. I've used it for years and love it. It's also the one that my husband tried for some aches and pains he had, and had a great experience with too. It's what helped him become a believer in essential oils and better understand why I love them so much.
tonyc
For some reason, essential oil tend to make my migraines worse. I love lavender and peppermint. But for some reason, I can't stand to smell anything.
1. Alene Brennan Moderator
 <inline-mention username="tonyc" user-id="3837909"/> oh bummers! I'm sorry to hear that but you're smart to recognize what works (and doesn't work) for your body and honor that. I experience that with certain foods - I wish that I could have them but they are migraine triggers for me so I have to respect that and support my body with what it needs. Thanks for being part of this conversation and sharing your experience as I'm sure there are other migraineurs that are in the same boat as you and find comfort in knowing that none of us are ever alone on this journey.
jmedlin
Infusions made with lavender flowers and peppermint leaves , if you can’t stomach water, can’t have tea or coffee, this can be relaxing. The one I use has lavender flowers , peppermint, spearmint, Australian round leaf mint and blue cornflowers. Helps a nauseous tummy
1. Alene Brennan Moderator
 <inline-mention username="jmedlin" user-id="3773349"/> It sounds delightful! What a beautiful combination of oils and it sounds like they're quite helpful for you as well.
jmedlin
Another helpful is ginger and peppermint brewed together, for a turbulent tummy, especially if you’re trying to eat so as not to trigger another migraine but your tummy is not helping
1. Alene Brennan Moderator
 <inline-mention username="jmedlin" user-id="3773349"/> YES! I love ginger. It can support our body in so many ways. Thanks for the reminder and adding this to the conversation. I haven't tried the combination of ginger and peppermint brewed before but I will definitely give it a try as it sounds wonderful. 
2. Melissa Arnold Admin
 <inline-mention username="jmedlin" user-id="3773349"/> Sounds like a wonderful treat for the winter season, too! Great call. -Melissa, <a href='http://migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>migraine.com</a> team
birthdoula
Diffusing a mixture of frankincense and peppermint (about 4:1) works well for me. It’s easy to go overboard with peppermint! Peppermint tea is also helpful for a queasy tummy.
1. schottg
 I diffuse frankincense in my home as well. I also take Boswalia which is frankincense and was recommended for migraine by my neurologist.
2. Alene Brennan Moderator
 <inline-mention username="birthdoula" user-id="3906878"/> Yes, it's a great reminder that we can get the benefits of the herbs from essential oils as well as in their whole plant form as in a tea. And I love your suggested combination of frankincense and peppermint. They're both regulars in my diffuser for sure.
kdoe6b
I have a serious problem with many, many scents leading to migraine. Lots of folks use diffusers for these oils in their offices or work places and put me at risk for huge amounts of pain and suffering as a result. Please be respectful of others and ONLY use these in private places only. These oils may only be dangerous to those folks with sensitivities and not to others, but if we who deal with migraines aren't understanding about that, who will be? The word "essential" is misleading here, also. There is nothing essential about these oils. Essential amino acids are necessary (essential!) for the health of every human being. Essential oils are merely pleasant to some people, but dangerous for others.
1. Alene Brennan Moderator
 <inline-mention username="kdoe6b" user-id="3700861"/> Thanks for this great reminder that yes, essential oils do not bring relief to everyone, and can in fact be triggers for many people. It definitely is an important best practice to only use the oils in your own private space - not a publicly shared spaces. Thank you for bringing this important topic into the conversation.
glassmind
Such a catch 22 for me. In public, I have a blend of natural oils I wear as they help me avoid migraine by masking other offensive odors I might encounter and are calming, thus redusing stress and tension (also triggers for me). I usually, get complements on the scent, but I know it could be a potential trigger for others. Alas.
1. Alene Brennan Moderator
 <inline-mention username="glassmind" user-id="3906820"/> it is a tricky balance. I'm glad to hear that you're finding your way through it though to discover what best supports your body's needs and is respectful of others. It's certainly nice to hear that you're getting many compliments on the aroma! It sounds like you've selected a good one 😀
schottg
I find essential oils extremely helpful. Sage manufactures a pocket farmacy which has 5 blends that are really good for holistic help for migraines and neck strain. They also have a peppermint oil pen that you can basically target on your scalp. Essential oils are also good for immune system.
1. Alene Brennan Moderator
 <inline-mention username="schottg" user-id="3745488"/> that's great to hear that you're finding essential oils extremely helpful. Anything that we can find to support our body in managing migraines is a big win. That's interesting that you found a pen version of peppermint oil too! I'm sure it makes it a lot easier for application.
mellies
Would love to try the oils. Which brand and where do you purchase them? How many times in one day do you apply them? Does anyone know of a migraine meditation app?
1. Alene Brennan Moderator
 <inline-mention username="mellies" user-id="3918374"/> I personally use doTERRA essential oils. They're the ones that I've have a great experience with personally. The details of how, where, and how often to apply the oils will vary based on the person and the outcome that you're looking to achieve in using the oils. It's important to connect with someone who can guide you through that process. There are also a lot of good handbooks you can get on Amazon on essential oils basics to get you started. 
2. Cheryl Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention username="mellies" user-id="3918374"/> I also use doTERRA oils as Alene has suggested. I would suggest using their dosing guidelines and then modifying them to best fit your needs once you are comfortable using them. My husband uses an app called Rest & Relax. He was told to use it by his biofeedback doctor. He says it helps him be more mindful when trying to relax and it guides you through three types of meditation. They don't take very long, but he finds them useful. Warmly, Cheryl <a href='http://migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>migraine.com</a> team
mellies
Thank You very much!
1. Alene Brennan Moderator
 <inline-mention username="mellies" user-id="3918374"/> you are most welcome! Thanks for being part of the community 😀
dnli90
I use peppermint oil topically to my right temple - all my migraines are right-sided. I have an infuser, and I have found citrus oils effective. Lavender is a trigger for me. usually grapefruit and orange are best though sometimes I use lemon with the orange. I also usually burn a vanilla candle.
1. Cheryl Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Alene Brennan" user-id="3663804"/> He likes frankincense so much that he has found bar soap that combines frankincense and myrrh made by Zum Bar. It really does some pretty good! Warmly, Cheryl <a href='http://migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>migraine.com</a> team
2. Alene Brennan Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Cheryl Picerno" user-id="3673232"/> sounds amazing!
tip
I use a combination of peppermint and eucalyptus oils (50%/50%) in a small nasal inhaler to take the edge off the pain during a migraine attack. It's amazing to me that smelling these oils can suddenly dull the pain and delay the inevitable nausea. Another amazing thing is that this only works when the migraine pain is on my right side. My doctor also found it interesting that I also have a trigger aroma that causes right-sided attacks. (When I smell burning leaves, it triggers an immediate right-sided migraine.) My olfactory response, either as a migraine trigger or pain relief, only affects my right side, but my left-sided migraines seem to increase my sense of smell in general. Weird, huh?
1. Alene Brennan Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Melissa Arnold" user-id="3827796"/> it's so true! It often does feel like a puzzle that we're putting together 😀
2. Alene Brennan Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Rebecca C" user-id="3677527"/> wow! I love how this conversation is helping to raise awareness of aromas can impact migraines - both in a good way (essential oils) and not so good way (smoke and stinky dogs!). Thanks so much for sharing your experience too. It's how we all get through this together.
tip
<inline-mention username="Rebecca C" user-id="3677527"/> Your mention of "olfactory hallucinations" sparked a thought about something that often happens to me. Specifically, I will smell something which seems "out of place" and typically ask my wife, "Do you smell that?" It will often be just a faint smell, but it will be something that I wasn't expecting, such as smoke, ozone, or something that I can't identify. Her typical response is, "No, but your sense of smell is much better than mine." This often occurs in the prodrome or aura phase of an attack, and I've started recognizing it as such, but now I'm wondering if it's simply my heightened sense of smell during a left-sided attack or if it's truly an olfactory hallucination related to the migraine. I will discuss this with my doctor. Thank you for the insight!
1. Rebecca C Moderator
 <inline-mention username="tip" user-id="3905887"/> - I have a very sensitive sense of smell. I can walk into a room and smell something rotting in the fridge that is double wrapped in the back of the bottom drawer. My husband says the same - "Your sense of smell is much better than mine" and calls me the super smeller. I am not sure if my hallucinations are prodrome, an aura, or just bc (I consider myself HSI - a highly sensitive individual which works against me, most times overwhelming me) - but I do know if it gets too overpowering episodes of migraine increase. My peppermint stick and lavender spray (by the bed) help soothe this. Wishing you the best at the doctor's. Rebecca (comm advc)
plirwin
Comment: Phyllis I. I am extremely sensitive to various scents and suffer from not just chronic migraines, but from daily migraines. I'd love to try some of those sprays, but to tell you the truth, I am actually terrified of actually exposing myself to them on purpose! I am scared of what might happen... a migraine plus possible respiratory complications. I'm not sure it's worth it. I used to love wearing perfume, etc., but no more.
1. Rebecca C Moderator
 <inline-mention username="plirwin" user-id="3858839"/> - I identify as an HSP (highly sensitive person) where scents, sounds, even moods, atmosphere, etc all lead to a decline in my health in many ways, especially migraines, allergies, asthma, and URIs. In controlling my environment I've learned to ward off episodes and flares, and have anxiety when I am out and about and can't control what's around me. Learning to relax a bit, but I just do not want to put myself in harm's way on purpose - I totally understand. I have had to throw away a lot of my expensive perfumes and only have a few that are very subtle and light and refreshing. Musks send me into such episodes its horrible. I've had to leave stores, offices, and friends/family homes when the scent is just too much. It's rough, but I've learned I come first. Thanks for sharing your journey and reminding why and how I try to control my environment so much. It's just how it is for me and that's okay. Rebecca (comm advc)
2. Alene Brennan Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Rebecca C" user-id="3677527"/> I'm so glad to hear that it was helpful, and yes, I love your comment about putting your health first. When we're each reminded of the importance of this, we're likely to do it more often and with greater confidence.