Benefit of Aromatherapy Headache Treatment

Headache is a very common ailment, which everyone can have due to many reasons. Causes can vary from emotional disorders to head injuries, fever or dental ailment; infection in ears, nose or eyes, emotional disturbances, it can also be hereditary and environmental conditions.

Tension Headaches are a very common type of headaches that form or intensify tension in the scalp muscle and are due to stress. This type of headache can happen due to eyestrain, loud noise, too much caffeine etc. It can be easily treated with mild painkillers.

However, the worst types of headaches are Migraines. This starts with blurring of vision or flashing lights in front of the eyes, or a very sick feeling that is caused when blood vessels on one side of the brain are contracted and swelled. Usually starts with a severe pain in one side of the head and can last for hours or days. Causes can be too much of caffeine, different foods or scents, dry winds, changes in altitude or seasons, hormonal fluctuations or birth-control pills, missing a meal, or stuffy rooms. Migraines may also be caused by extreme emotions such as anger or excitement. This is a serious cause and should be given a right treatment.

Sinus headaches are characterized by pain in the area behind the face that gets more serious if proper precautions are not taken. Sinus headaches typically result from hay fever and other allergies, or from common cold.

Oils that can be used –

Essential oils have shown a very good result to eradicate or to relieve headaches of any kind. However, one has to follow the right method of using the oil to gain effectively results. There are different ways to use them. Some oils effective for relieving headaches are Chamomile, Lavender, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, Rosemary and Marjoram.

How to use ?

For normal headaches – Compresses cold or warm which ever suits, with right amount of essential oil, here Lavender and Peppermint are very effective. Light massage on the temples with Lavender Oil is also very useful.

For Migraines – For some typical migraines, which actually confine the flow of blood to the brain, hot or warm compress with a blend of sweet Marjoram when applied to the back of the neck really works to increase the flow of blood. Inhaling some drops of essential oil (Lavender, Clary Sage, Peppermint, Lemongrass) in handkerchief or putting some oil in boiling water and inhaling is also effective. Using Rosemary oil for 30 minutes in diffusers helps. Bathing with water mixed with 10 drops of Lavender or Rosemary oil works well.

Essential oils are very useful but they also have restrictions and before using them, some precautions must be taken, like migraine sufferers should not do massage. Also people suffering from headache, must like the smell of the oil they are using else, the condition can get worse. However, remember if the headache is long lasting do consult a doctor.