Healthy Lifestyle The 5 Best Essential Oils for Headaches and Migraines, According to Research Bonus: They all smell incredible. By Rochelle Bilow Rochelle Bilow Instagram Twitter Website Formerly of Bon Appétit and Cooking Light magazines, Rochelle Bilow graduated from The French Culinary Institute and worked as a line cook, professional baker and wine marketing professional before settling into her career as a novelist and food writer. Her next book, a romantic comedy titled The Whisky Year, will be published in the spring of 2023. Connect with Rochelle @RochelleBilow. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Published on November 30, 2021 Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD Instagram Jessica Ball, M.S., RD, has been with EatingWell for three years and works as the associate nutrition editor for the brand. She is a registered dietitian with a master's in food, nutrition and sustainability. In addition to EatingWell, her work has appeared in Food & Wine, Real Simple, Parents, Better Homes and Gardens and MyRecipes. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Share Tweet Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Can essential oils help headaches? As most people know, migraines and headaches can be debilitating—even if you are an infrequent sufferer. While over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin and acetaminophen (as well as migraine-specific meds, like Excedrin) can help relieve symptoms fast, there is a growing interest in "natural" headache treatments. Essential oils are leading the pack as holistic or alternative treatments for many health issues, including stress. Here's what research and studies show about the efficacy of essential oils for headaches and migraines. What Are Essential Oils? Essential oils are plant compounds that have been pressed and extracted into the material's purest form. They smell potent, due to their highly concentrated makeup. While there are varying methods of extracting the oils, steam heating or cold pressing is most typically used. Essential oils are used for a variety of reasons, from homeopathic treatments (including headaches!) to an alternative for scented candles. Getty Images / Neustockimages / Catherine Falls Commercial How Do You Use Essential Oils? The power of essential oils is in their scent. To gain the maximum efficacy of essential oils, they should be inhaled through the nose. But before you go sniffing every miniature bottle in the pharmacy, try these common methods for using essential oils. Essential Oils on the Skin Most essential oils are too potent to use directly on the skin. However, if they're diluted into a carrier oil (skin-friendly jojoba and almond oils are commonly used), they can be massaged into your hands, feet, neck and anywhere else you like. It's a good idea to test the oil on a small patch of your skin before using it all over the body. Essential Oils in a Diffuser Diffusers use steam to dilute and disperse a scent. They're a low-cost way to scent an entire room without the fire danger associated with burning candles This is also a great way to stretch your essential oils — a few drops into the diffuser's water basin are all that's needed to scent a room. InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser Buy Now Amazon You could also put essential oils in an oil-diffusing humidifier, since dry air can irritate sinuses and cause headaches. The American Migraine Foundation says that cool, dry air can cause dehydration—especially if you crank up the heat in your home during the winter. A humidifier can help by keeping the indoor air moist. GuruNanda Halo Diffuser Kit Buy Now Amazon What Are the Best Essential Oils for Migraines and Headaches? Now that you know how to use essential oils, it's important to pick the right ones. What are the best essential oils for headaches or migraines? Here's what research has shown. Eucalyptus Eucalyptus oil smells invigorating and bright—it is a powerful sinus cleanser, which is why it's frequently used in spas. It's also been associated with muscle and mental relaxation (especially in combination with peppermint oil). And one study showed that inhaling eucalyptus oil significantly reduced pain and inflammation in knee-replacement patients. While knee replacements are clearly a long way from headaches, the results are promising. Eucalyptus Essential Oil + Base Buy Now Aveda Lavender Long praised for its calming properties, lavender can actually do more than just relax you. In a 2012 study, a group of participants inhaled lavender essential oils and noted their headache severity over a two-hour period. The people who sniffed lavender reported a much higher instance of headache reduction than the control group, who inhaled liquid paraffin. Lavender Essential Oil Buy Now Revolve Peppermint Peppermint oil does more than just bring holiday cheer (although it's great at that, too). One early study showed that when rubbed onto the temples and forehead, peppermint oil encouraged muscle relaxation. It also produces an analgesic effect on tension headaches, making it a smart option for your diffuser any time of year. Peppermint Essential Oil + Base Buy Now Aveda Rosemary Rosemary oil can also help your headache. It's been studied as an anti-inflammatory agent, with a recent review citing it as promising, though more research regarding dosage and delivery is needed. Rosemary has also shown promise in helping to alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms, which may appear alongside headaches. (And of course, it smells delicious.) Rosemary Essential Oil Buy Now Revolve Rose oil A 2017 study that evaluated the efficacy of rose oil in migraine sufferers provided hope for short-term relief: The results showed that inhalation of rose oil was most helpful for providing short-term relief for those who experience "hot" migraine symptoms, such as sharp and searing pain. Rose Essential Oil Buy Now Amazon The Fastest Way to Relieve a Migraine, According to a Headache Expert The Bottom Line Headaches and migraines can be triggered by various things (such as dehydration or stress), and they can be painful. While they won't replace medication, essential oils may be able to help relieve your headache. However, it's worth speaking to your doctor if you have persistent headaches or migraines. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit