The Best Essential Oils for Migraine Headaches to Get Better

My mom gets very bad headaches, and this is one of the reasons I got into essential oils. Because she had tried many different medications, and none of them has helped. That is one of the reasons why I researched a lot of essential oils to find out which essential oils for migraine headaches worked the best. Of course, like with anything, there are lots of different essential oils that you can try. But I am giving you five great options to start. These oils will work for migraines or just a plain old headache. But if you want to check it out, here are the symptoms of a migraine.

The reason that there are so many options is because, just like medications, not one specific oil works for everyone’s same ailment. Sometimes you need to try a few to find that one that really helps you. Some essential oils work well for some people, and then others work for other people. So do not give up after the first one.

I did ton of research to find out what helped for migraine headaches but also on other ailments such as anxiety and the seasonal crud. Go and read all my other posts about all the other things I have learned so much about many different oils! But right now we are talking about all the essential oils for migraine headaches! So read on!

1. Tension Blend for Headaches

Oh my gosh, tension blend is always the very first go to for essential oils for migraine headaches. This blend is great for headaches, especially for any tension headaches you may have (obviously, since it is called tension blend). 

The really cool thing about it is that it already comes in a roller ball bottle so you just roll it on your temples to get rid of that tension. But you can also roll it on your neck if you have tension there. And down your shoulders if you have tension in those. It is a blend specially made for headaches so you know it is going to work.

So I roll the blend on my temples and neck, and then I put a cold compass eye mask on, and give it about a half hour. Then I am good to go with no headache. Here is an eye mask I use!  Notice that the eye mask comes in three different colors! I have the pink, but you can get the other two also. If this essential oil blend does not work, keep reading to see what other oils you can try.

2. Frankincense

This oil is amazing for so many different ailments, including headaches. This oil is all about healing. So what you can do with this one is, put a drop on your thumb, and then press your thumb to the roof of your mouth. This gets the oil going directly to the head, and to the headache, to stop it in it’s tracks.

And, the great thing about essential oils, is that you are not limited in how many times you can use it. So if you need to do this technique three times in a row, every five minutes, for it to get rid of your headache, then do it.

You can also mix frankincense with any of the other essential oils that are mentioned in this post. And this will give you extra help with your migraine headache. So you can mix the oils in a roller ball bottle and roll on your temples. Because, sometimes, more oils are better than one. 

3. Peppermint

Peppermint is another oil that helps with so many different things, another reason I love essential oils so much. But, did you know it can also help with a pesky headache? You can either rub on your temples to loosen up the tension that is collecting there. Or you can rub on the back of your neck as well to get rid of the tension. 

Another option, is  you can just inhale it. Just put the bottle up to your nose and take a couple whiffs. You should notice the tension start to relax in your head. And, just like frankincense, you can apply it as many times as necessary until the headache is gone.

4. Soothing Blend

This is a blend you might not think of using for headaches because it is usually for sore muscles. But sometimes headaches are caused by sore muscles. So this one can be put on your shoulders and on your stiff neck to help loosen up those muscles. You can even put it at the base of the neck, right where your hairline is, just to get all those muscles relaxed, and get the headache to stop.

I like to use the roller ball bottle of soothing blend. But you can also use the cream and rub it into those tense muscles. This is actually my favorite essential oil for helping with migraine headaches. So definitely give it a try. 

5. Copaiba

This is an oil that has come out recently, and it is amazing for all things pain. It especially helps for headaches. You can just take the oil and put a couple drops under your tongue. This way it will go right to your head. And, as mentioned, you can do this as many times as it takes to get the headache to stop. But many people only need to use it once. 

They have also come out with actual capsules of copaiba. Which means you can just take a capsule or two when you have a headache. But if you want to have it work faster you would want to put the drops under your tongue. Or put a drop on your thumb and press to the roof of your mouth like the frankincense.

These are just a few of the options of essential oils for migraine headaches. If the first oil does not work, definitely try one of the other essential oils. Or try a blend of the oils. That is the great thing about essential oils. There are many options and sometimes one works for one person while another works for someone else. So make sure you try them all!

Vanessa is a Doctor of Pharmacy who champions natural health. She lives with her husband of 18 years as well as her 12 & 15 year old sons. She aspires to encourage moms on their journey to family wellness through holistic health and essential oils.