Headaches are a pain… and migraines are even worse. For many people, these are unfortunately daily occurrences that can be brought on by a variety of conditions and ailments requiring over-the-counter and even prescription medications to provide relief. If you are looking for natural alternatives, her are 5 great tips to help relieve and even prevent headaches or migraines with Peppermint Essential Oil.
1. Put a few drops in your bath
Taking a bath can help decrease headache intensity. Add a few drops of diluted peppermint oil to your bath to really increase the relaxation benefits. Turn the bathroom lights off and use a candle if your headache gets worse with bright lights. Try taking a bath to prevent a headache from coming on or worsening.
2. Inhale peppermint oil with steam
Pour hot water into a bowl and add 3 to 7 drops of essential oil. Cover your head with a towel, close your eyes, and breathe through your nose. Do this for no more than 2 minutes. Steam inhalation can help with sinus headaches, especially if you also have symptoms of congestion.
3. Add it to your massage oil
Essential oils need to be diluted in a carrier oil before being applied directly to the skin. Usually, the recommended ratio is 3 to 5 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce of sweet almond oil, warmed coconut oil, or mineral oil. People with nut allergies should always avoid nut-based oils.
Before applying any essential oil, do an allergy test. Mix 3 to 5 drops of essential oil with 1 ounce of your favorite carrier oil. Apply the mixture to the skin of your forearm. If there is no reaction within 24 to 48 hours, the essential oil should be safe to use.
Dab a couple drops of your oil mixture onto your fingers and massage it onto your temples, the back of your neck, your shoulders, and your chest area. Tension headaches are often caused by muscle contractions in this part of your body.
ResearchTrusted Source also shows that a 30-minute massage can help relieve headache symptoms within 24 hours. To make a homemade massage oil, add a few drops of peppermint oil to an ounce of a carrier oil.
4. Diffuse it into the air
Use a diffuser to help diffuse the oil into the air. You can also inhale peppermint oil directly from the bottle. If the scent is too strong, add a few drops to a cloth, cotton ball, or tissue and breathe it in. Avoid incense sticks, as the smell of smoke may worsen your symptoms.
5. Drink peppermint tea
Peppermint essential oil shouldn’t bet taken orally, but you can make tea using peppermint leaves. According to a 2016 study, drinking peppermint tea may help you think more clearly and feel more alert.
