The Use of Lavender Oil in the Prevention of Headaches

For those who suffer from frequent headaches and migraines, sometimes it seems like there is no relief. We have all the medicines, over the counter and prescribed, we have lifestyle choices that may lessen or prevent an onset, we have a myriad of programs and ways to deal with it. What some people may not have considered, which can be extremely beneficial, are certain alternative methods using essential oils.

No essential oil is better for the relief of headaches than lavender oil. The healing and calming properties of the essential oil of lavender has been known and used for centuries with very positive results. It can be used in both aromatherapy as a calming and relaxing agent, and as a topical ointment applied directly to the skin, providing a very real analgesic effect.

The use of lavender oil became popular as far back as biblical times, but it has received noted use throughout the 20^th century as well. It gained high prominence during WWI and WWII where it was used as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent. It is said to have been used in hospitals as well, to disinfect floors, walls, and other hard surfaces.

The essential oils of lavender are drawn from its fresh purple flowers. While it is possible to extract the oils yourself, it is more commonly bought in small bottles that have already been prepared. These can be found at most health food stores and throughout the internet.

Although there are other essential oils that can be used, such as peppermint, lavender is the best working, and also prized for its gentleness on the skin. Most other oils, can react badly with skin, and when used as a topical agent, the highly concentrated essential oils must first be diluted. This is not the case with lavender. It can be used in its pure form, requiring only a couple of drops and is safe on the skin of babies. As with most plants and oils, there can be allergies associated with lavender. If using on babies, it is highly recommended to use a very diluted dose at first to test for allergic reactions. It must be noted that lavender allergies are extremely rare, but noted.

For use in the relief of headaches, lavender oil should be applied on the temples or other areas of bare skin where the pain of the headache is felt the strongest. A couple drops in each spot will do nicely. This can prevent a major headache from occurring and can also stop, if used early enough, the onset of a migraine. The oil should be rubbed in with a gentle massage. It can also be mixed with a watery solution and cloth to form a wet compress. Hold the compress over the forehead or eyes for best relief.

Lavender oil can also work wonders through its scent alone. It is an integral part of many aroma therapies. If you are using a compress, breathe the scent in through the nose once every couple of minutes. Alternatively, you can heat the oil gently or use a lamp burner to infuse the aroma into the air. The scent will calm the nerves and relieve the tension that may be causing the headache.

When used early enough, the lavender oil can cure and prevent a headache. It is most often used in complement with other forms of relaxation or oral analgesics such as aspirin or ibuprofen. For those sensitive to ingesting these drugs, it can work wonders used alone.