Peppermint oil-- the BEST natural remedy for instant relief from a headache

The sweet smelling peppermint oil will not only reduce headache pain but will also relieve stress. Try it out.

Essential oils are really popular. Peppermint is one such versatile essential oil that not only smells wonderful but has many medicinal properties too. The oil can pick-you-up when you have a bad headache by minimising the pain and helping you relax Here s how it helps you deal with a headache.

Peppermint oil contains significant amounts of menthol which helps relieve tension headaches by lessening the pain [1].
Headaches are often a cause of poor blood flow in the body. Massaging the fresh smelling oil on your forehead will help open and close the blood vessels to promote optimum blood flow [2]. The oil also helps open up the sinuses so that more oxygen can get into the bloodstream.
Peppermint oil acts as a muscle relaxant and is thus particularly beneficial for tension headaches. [3]
Stress is a major trigger of a headache. The scent of peppermint oil helps relieve anxiety and stress by promoting a sense of calmness. [4]

Steps to use

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Take 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil on your hands and gently rub the oil on the temples of your forehead and over the sinuses. Ensure that you do not apply the oil anywhere near your eyes.
You can also combine two drops of lavender oil with two drops of peppermint oil and massage it on the surface of your skin near your ears, on the back of your neck and your forehead.

So would you consider using peppermint oil in place of the over-the-counter medicines for a headache? Also, try these home remedies for a headache.

References

[1] G bel H, Fresenius J, Heinze A, Dworschak M, Soyka D. [Effectiveness of Oleum menthae piperitae and paracetamol in therapy of headache of the tension type]. Nervenarzt. 1996 Aug;67(8):672-81. German. PubMed PMID: 8805113.

[2] G bel H, Schmidt G, Dworschak M, Stolze H, Heuss D. Essential plant oils and headache mechanisms. Phytomedicine. 1995 Oct;2(2):93-102. doi: 10.1016/S0944-7113(11)80053-X. PubMed PMID: 23196150.

[3] G bel H, Schmidt G, Soyka D. Effect of peppermint and eucalyptus oil preparations on neurophysiological and experimental algesimetric headache parameters. Cephalalgia. 1994 Jun;14(3):228-34; discussion 182. PubMed PMID: 7954745.

[4] Seo JY. [The effects of aromatherapy on stress and stress responses in adolescents]. J Korean Acad Nurs. 2009 Jun;39(3):357-65. doi:10.4040/jkan.2009.39.3.357. Korean. PubMed PMID: 19571632.

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