Everyone has suffered from headaches before – that throbbing, ebbing pain in your head that never seems to go away. Headaches, also known as Cephalalgia (stems from the Greek words kephale meaning “head”, and algos meaning “pain”), are a common ailment amongst adults. If not treated properly, it can rob you of your time and your life.
The two most common causes of headaches are stress-induced headaches and illness-induced headaches. There are specific aromatherapy remedies to target these two particular causes of headaches.
Stress-induced headaches
As our quality of life improves, so does our stress level. The rising barometer of stress hits an all-time high for active working adults, especially during crunch time. After prolonged fatigue, muscles around the body tightens to the extent that it presses nerves in the blood vessels, reducing the follow of blood circulation and causing headaches.
The frequently recurring nature of these headaches is a sign of bodily exhaustion. Although some relief medicine can alleviate the pain, it can only cure the symptoms on the surface. Moreover, pain-killing medicine will remain inside the body for as long as a year, so accumulated or long-term usage will take a toll on the liver.
Aromatherapy Relief – Massage Therapy
To help relieve the pain of stress-induced headaches, you can try massage with essential oils. The massage oil is a blend of one part pure essential oil and one part vegetable oil. Combine this with 3 drops of lavender essential oil and 1 drop of chamomile oil. Then simply massage the blended oils on the temples and the lower part of the skull in a circular motion.
In the solar plexus region in the upper abdomen, apply the following essential oils and rub in a clockwise direction:
- Geranium – 1 drop
- Lemon – 2 drops
- Lavender – 3 drops
- mixed with one teaspoon of vegetable oil.
Essential Oil Bath
Taking baths is another way to help relax from stress and alleviate the pain associated with stress-induced headaches. Combine the following blends of essential oils:
- Geranium – 4 drops
- Lavender – 4 drops
- Rosemary – 4 drops
Fill a bathtub with 37-39°C of water, then pour the blended oils into the water. Immerse yourself in the bath for 15 to 20 minutes to let the oils seep into the pores. (In case this is too relaxing, set a timer to prevent yourself from falling asleep!)
Cold Application:
- Add 4 drops of lavender oil into the washbasin filled with cold water.
- Dip a towel in cold water and wrap around the temples and eyes. Repeat the process several times until the lavender water is absorbed through the skin.
Alleviating stomach-induced headaches:
Create the following essential oil blend before application:
- 2 drops of peppermint (peppermint is one of the best digestives to help facilitate the respiratory system and circulation, as it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties).
- 1 drop of rosemary, a disinfectant.
- 1 drop of lavender, which has a natural sterilizing, disinfecting, anti-depressing and sedative detoxification effect.
You can select from the following three usages:
- Apply 1 drop of the blended oils to the back of the neck and massage gently
- Apply 1 drop of the blended oils on a facial tissue and inhale
- Use 3 drops of the blended oils in steam inhalation
Alternatively, you can create a warm cool (you’ll see why in a moment) drink to help with the stomach pain:
Add 1 drop of pure peppermint oil (a cooling agent) and a teaspoon of honey into a cup of warm water and enjoy as a beverage.
Puzhen’s five essential oil series can be used in diffusion and inhalation. Simply apply one drop on your handkerchief or pillowcase, and enjoy a feast of olfactory sensations.
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