The Best Essential Oils for Migraine

By Alene Brennan

February 12, 2019

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.

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
February 18, 2019
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 .
xkupp1
February 20, 2019
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.
migraineur_n2843l
February 20, 2019
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.
tonyc
February 20, 2019
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.
jmedlin
February 20, 2019
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
jmedlin
February 20, 2019
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
birthdoula
February 21, 2019
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
 February 22, 2019
 I diffuse frankincense in my home as well. I also take Boswalia which is frankincense and was recommended for migraine by my neurologist.
kdoe6b
February 21, 2019
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.
glassmind
February 21, 2019
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.
schottg
February 22, 2019
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.

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