Aromatherapy for Headache

Medication for tension headaches and migraines can be harsh on your body, particularly prescription treatments. Consider using aromatherapy to treat your headache. Aromatherapy is a complementary and alternative medicine. Consult your doctor to ensure your safety before using aromatherapy treatments, and to make sure your headache doesn't have a serious underlying cause.

Significance

Aromatherapy is a holistic form of medicine. It uses essential oils, which are extracted from plants that have healing properties. According to Medical News Today, "inhalation of essential oils stimulates the part of the brain connected to smell--the olfactory system; a signal is sent to the limbic system of the brain that controls emotions and retrieves learned memories." For instance, steam distillation involves applying heat and pressure to a plant until its essential oil drops into a container. Add drops of essential oil to water, cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam. Add essential oils to cold compresses, teas, bath water and lotions.

Safety

Accurate dosing of essential oils is important. Improper use of essential oils can damage your skin, liver and other organs, according to the University of Minnesota. Seek the approval of a medical professional to ensure the essential oils you plan to use will not interact with any of your medications and supplements. Never eat or drink essential oils. Do not apply undiluted oils directly to your skin.

Benefits

Aromatherapy is used for preventative and active holistic medicine. Aromatherapy "boosts the immune system, relieves muscle pain, and treats and corrects insomnia," according to "Best Health Magazine." "It has also been found to relieve stress." Use quality oil from respectable sellers. Select oils that are 100 percent pure to ensure they're all natural and contain no chemicals.

Considerations

Aromatherapy targets your body as a whole, not just one specific symptom. If your headaches have an underlying cause, consider treating those as well. For instance, if you suffer from stress headaches, combine aromatherapy treatment with relaxation therapy, such as guided imagery. Always perform a skin test before using a new essential oil to avoid an adverse reaction.

Types

Choose from different blends of essential oils to treat your headaches. Experiment to find the mixture that works best for you and your type of headache. Basil, chamomile, fennel, lemongrass, marjoram and oregano may help migraine headaches, according to Danièle Ryman's "Secrets of Youth & Beauty: Aromatherapy for Natural Rejuvenation." Use oils that combat stress--such as lavender, chamomile and eucalyptus--for tension headaches. AWorldofAromatherapy.com suggests chamomile, lavender and peppermint for headaches.