4 Ways to Use Aromatherapy to Treat Migraines

1. Create an Aromatherapy Recipe

Aromatherapy is an alternative medicine that utilizes the healing properties of essential oils. These oils are concentrated liquid plant extracts, and they each have a distinctive scent. Different essential oils are used to treat different ailments or promote different sensations.

The oils that are commonly used to treat headaches are lavender and peppermint. Eucalyptus, bay, jasmine, melissa and rosemary also may be effective. Many people combine one or more essential oils to promote relaxation or combat depression or anxiety. Lemongrass and roman chamomile are both touted to promote relaxation and sleep, and ylang ylang, clary sage and lemon may affect moods positively. To find what works, experiment with several different recipes.

2. Breathe in Your Aromatherapy Treatment

Inhalation is one of the most common ways to treat migraines abortively with aromatherapy, and there are several different methods from which you can choose. Add essential oils to a bowl of boiling hot water for a steam inhalation. With your eyes closed, inhale the vapors over the bowl for 5 to 10 minutes. You can apply essential oils to a handkerchief or towel and hold it to your nose while inhaling several times. This also works when you apply essential oils to your pillowcase before laying down at bedtime.

Candles and diffusers can fill a space with aromas. Electric glass diffusers create an aerial dispersion of essential oils in a mist form by using an air pump and nebulizer. You should only use these for about 15 minutes at a time, however. Candles, incense and pottery diffusers produce a less concentrated fragrance, so they are not recommended for acute migraine treatment. You can, however, use these in conjunction with other migraine treatments to create a more relaxing atmosphere.

3. Use Essential Oils in Massage

When mixed with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil or apricot kernel, essential oils can be used with massage to treat migraines. The carrier oil dilutes the essential oil so that you can use it safely on your skin. Generally, a 2.5-percent dilution (15 drops per ounce of carrier oil) is recommended for casual use. If you have a severe migraine, however, a- to 10-percent dilution may be more effective. Premix an aromatherapy massage oil for migraines so that you don't have to worry about it while you're in the throes of a migraine. Massage the oil into your temples, neck and shoulders. The relaxing sensation of the massage works in combination with the healing effects of the aromatherapy.

4. Relax in a Warm Bath With Essential Oils

Adding essential oils to a warm (not hot) bath is one way to relax away a migraine. The warm water and aromas relieve stress and muscle tension that can exacerbate a headache. Just before you get into the bath, add 5 to 10 drops of one or more essential oils to the water and swish it around. Alternatively, you can mix the essential oils with a diluter, such as powdered milk, milk, a carrier oil or sea salts. Soak in the bath as long as needed. Rinse off after getting out of the bath to prevent skin irritation.