Peppermint to Relieve a Headache
Can peppermint help relieve a headache?
By: Kathy Sadowksi, MS in Aromatherapy, Registered Aromatherapist, LMT, RYT
Headaches can be caused by many factors, like mental stress, hormones, illness, and exposure to toxins. Aromatherapy assists the body gently and holistically to help relieve a headache. Peppermint has shown in the studies listed below to help reduce headaches.
In addition, avoid stress, fatigue, loud sounds, allergies, and toxic chemicals. Consider the cause, such as potential dental problems, hormonal changes, injury; especially of the head, toxin exposure, or stress. Seek medical advice with severe and ongoing issues.
Massage Oil Remedy
For a tension headache: add two drops each of peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus to an ounce of carrier oil: massage on neck, temples, and forehead: avoid eyes. Do not create a stronger blend of essential oil; diluting is important and less is more, especially to relieve a headache. The aroma will help, but the topical application will also be analgesic and anti-inflammatory, helping to reduce tension.
Diffuser Remedy
In a five ounce diffuser, add two drops of peppermint, two drops of lavender, and 1 drop of lemon. The aroma will help open airways, calm the mind, and boost spirits.
TEA REMEDY
Another helpful idea: make a tea with fresh or dried peppermint and lavender. Add 1 tablespoon of dried herb or 2 tablespoons of fresh herb to two cups of hot water. Steep about 5-7 minutes; strain and drink. Inhale the aroma with each sip to help ease a heavy head.
Here is a list of research on peppermint to relieve headaches.
- In a double-blind, randomized crossover study, headache was reduced with the cutaneous application of diluted peppermint oil. From: Gobel H, Fresenius J, Heinze A, et al. [Effectiveness of Oleum menthae piperitae and paracetamol in therapy of headache of the tension type]. Nervenarzt 1996;67:672-81.
- Peppermint and eucalyptus oil improved cognitive ability and was mentally relaxing. Peppermint also reduced headache. From: Göbel, H., Schmidt, G., & Soyka, D. (1994). Effect of peppermint and eucalyptus oil preparations on neurophysiological and experimental algesimetric headache parameters. Cephalalgia, 14(3), 228-234.
- A menthol solution applied to the forehead and temporal area reduced the migraine headache pain. From: Borhani Haghighi, A., Motazedian, S., Rezaii, R., Mohammadi, F., Salarian, L., Pourmokhtari, M., … & Miri, R. (2010). Cutaneous application of menthol 10% solution as an abortive treatment of migraine without aura: a randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossed‐over study. International journal of clinical practice, 64(4), 451-456.
- Topical application of peppermint oil reduced neuralgic pain. From: Davies, S. J., Harding, L. M., & Baranowski, A. P. (2002). A novel treatment of postherpetic neuralgia using peppermint oil. The Clinical journal of pain, 18(3), 200-202.
- A 10% peppermint oil in ethanol solution efficiently alleviates tension-type headaches. From: Göbel, H., Fresenius, J., Heinze, A., Dworschak, M., & Soyka, D. (1996). [Effectiveness of Oleum menthae piperitae and paracetamol in therapy of headache of the tension type]. Der Nervenarzt, 67(8), 672-681.
