Posts Tagged ‘aromatherapy for headaches’

Aromatherapy Essential Oils for Headaches

Friday, July 22nd, 2011

Aromatherapy basically refers to the science of using certain essential oils that have been extracted from plants for both psychological as well as physiological treatments. Aromatherapy has been practiced since ancient times as soon as people began to realize and discover the healing properties of certain plants and their fragrances. Therapy for headaches depends on the exact cause of the headaches which may range from migraines, dehydrations, hunger, tumors, high blood pressure and so on.

Aromatherapy for headaches is nowadays being prescribed in the case of frequent mild headaches that do not point out to serious conditions. The use of aromatherapy tends to increase the oxygen levels in the room thereby promoting inhalation of more oxygen by the individual thus helping to heal the headache. Besides this, aromatherapy also helps in calming and relaxing body and reducing stress levels. One of the best essential oils for headaches as part of aromatherapy is peppermint oil. As part of the aromatherapy headache relief one should apply some peppermint oil on the forehead which will then cause the headache to minimize or even completely go away in just 15 – 20 minutes. Some of the other essential oils for headaches are chamomile, sage, basil, Lemon, ginger, rosewood, thyme, eucalyptus and so on.

Aromatherapy for headaches includes inhaling the essential oils for headaches from a tissue or a piece of cloth. Aromatherapy headache relief can also be gained by applying a strong dilution of the essential oil for headaches on ones forehead or gently massaging the area around the head, neck and shoulder. As part of the aromatherapy for headaches one can also go for an aromatherapy bath. Such baths include the use of these essential oils in their bath tub. One should stay in this hot water for at least 20-30 minutes to get the maximum benefits. Inhalation is another method to gain relief from headaches. Boil some water and 5 drops of any of the essential oils for headaches in the water. One should then inhale the steam slowly for over 10 minutes.

Similarly, aromatherapy headache relief can also be obtained by mixing around 2 cups of ice water and then adding approximately 10 drops of essential oils to this water. One should then soak a wash cloth or a towel in this water and after wringing it out well. They should place the towel on their forehead. This is also known to provide immense relief from headaches.

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Aromatherapy Headache Relief

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

Nothing beats a relaxing head massage, especially when you’ve got a pounding headache. Unfortunately, sometimes headaches can be so severe that even a good massage doesn’t help to alleviate the pain. This is where aromatherapy can help.

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses the extracts from different plants to promote healing. Although the name suggests that aromatherapy works on smell alone, the truth is that most of the ingredients used in aromatherapy also have some intrinsic medicinal value. So, in effect, a cure is achieved by combining the medicinal property of these aromatic compounds along with the soothing or enlivening power of their smell.

The plant extracts that are used in aromatherapy are known as essential oils. These essential oils are extracted from various parts of the plant using different methods such as steam distillation and cold pressing. These essential oils are very potent in nature and must never be applied directly on the skin. However, when combined with a carrier oil, such as almond oil or jojoba oil, they may be massaged onto the skin. This form of massage therapy is known as aromatherapy massage and is particularly useful in getting rid of nasty lingering headaches that just refuse to go away.

Essential oils for Headache Treatment

The aromatherapy essential oils that can be used to provide relief from a headache are:

  • Peppermint essential oil: Peppermint is famous all over the world for its cooling effect and this property of peppermint essential oil can also be used to cool the head and alleviate headaches.
  • Lavender essential oil: It has a very soothing smell and aids in inducing a deep sense of relaxation. This is very useful in relieving stress induced headaches.
  • Sandalwood essential oil: It is well known for its medicinal properties. In addition to being a very good essential oil for curing depression and anxiety, it is also used in treating headaches caused by stress and anxiety.
  • Rosemary essential oil: It has a fresh smell and is very useful in alleviating muscular tension by increasing the circulation of blood. It can be used in a soothing aromatherapy massage to cure stiff and tense muscles and headaches.
  • Eucalyptus essential oil: Another, Fresh smelling oil, it is used in a number of massage lotions and ointments. This is due to its peculiar property, whereby it cools the surface of the skin while simultaneously warming the muscles below. This amazing property of this oil can be used to good effect in curing headaches and reducing muscular tension.

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Aromatherapy Headaches Treatment

Friday, April 24th, 2009

A headache is a simple thing that affects almost everybody, and yet, it can cause a lot of discomfort to people and can sometimes even be debilitating. Fortunately, aromatherapy is very good for treating headaches, and in this post we’ll talk about some aromatherapy based possible treatments. Keep in mind, though that headaches are often symptoms of some other illness in the body (for instance, dehydration) and it’s important to identify and correct whatever is causing the problem.

Some of the essential oils that are helpful in treating headaches are chamomile, cinnamon, clove, ginger, jasmine, lavender, lemongrass, marjoram, and patchouli. Peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender are especially useful in treating headaches. These essential oils can be applied in different ways, and it is important to remember that different methods and oils affect people differently. Different types of headaches also need different treatments.

Cold compresses work very well for most people, but some people also prefer hot compresses. You can experiment with both to find out which one suits you. You can make a cold compress with chamomile, eucalyptus, or lavender and apply this to your forehead. Change the compress when the towel reaches room temperature.

Migraines can be especially painful, and in some serious cases, can be debilitating. These headaches respond best to a blend of ginger and lavender. You can warm up some water with a few drop of oil in them, and dip your hands in the water for some quick relief.

Cluster headaches can often be very painful and difficult to treat. You can use a cold compress to treat these, but also apply a cream made from capsaicin, the substance that gives cayenne peppers their kick. Apply it on your temples (but away from eyes). This cream is available in aromatherapy stores.

An aromatherapy bath can often have wondrous effects. Fill up a tub with warm water, and add a few drops of an essential oil of your choice. Let it stand for a few minutes, and then get in the bath. Jasmine and chamomile have relaxing and healing powers effects, and can help relieve the stresses that cause the headache.

If you’re out at work, and don’t have the time to do any of these, then you can dab a few drops of essential oil onto a handkerchief. Keep taking whiffs from this handkerchief to help relieve the headache.

If you have the time, you can make perform an aromatherapy massage for your head. Use a carrier oil that suits you, and mix the essential oil into this and get someone to softly massage it into your temples or scalp. Remember that this may not suit some people.

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