Benefits of Peppermint Oil for Treating Headaches

Updated on March 3rd, 2020
Peppermint Essential Oil Benefits

Headaches are a very primitive and common medical condition that everyone suffers from at some point in time. They hinder performance, productivity and cause a lack of concentration.

Using Peppermint Oil for alleviating headaches is an effective remedy for treating the pain caused by this condition. Headaches cause a prolonged numb sensation in a specific part of the head.

Headaches are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea and dizziness and can cause further complications. A profound complexity in the body might also give rise to a headache. Using Peppermint for Headache is hugely beneficial. It provides a soothing effect and makes one feel rejuvenated and calmer.

Peppermint is a common herb used to flavor food, as an ingredient in toothpaste, cosmetics, and chewing gums.

Its Latin name is Mentha piperita and has been used by humanity towards treatment for gas, nausea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Headaches.

Peppermint Oil is extracted from this plant and is considered one of the essential oils. It provides a specific numbing effect and has a cooling effect on the aggrieved part of the head.

It provides great relief to people suffering from a headache. Primarily composed of menthone and menthol, it is a standard part of aromatherapy for the cure of colds, fatigue, acne, digestive problems, and dermatitis.

The menthol present in the oil helps to relax muscles and ease any degree of pain(1).

However, it can cause skin rashes, heartburns and breathing problems in infants. It should be kept away from children because the effect of this oil on children has not been studied extensively.

Pregnant women should also keep away from it or take advice on this topic from their respective physicians.

How to Use Peppermint Oil for Headaches?

There are some ways to effectively use Peppermint Oil for proper relief of an impending headache. Follow any one of the given methodologies for proper usage of the oil as a soothing remedy.

1. The 30-minute remedy

You need three drops of Peppermint Oil, one tablespoon of water or coconut oil, a bowl to mix them both and a piece of cloth or a cotton ball to apply it to your forehead.

Mix both the oils and apply it on your forehead along your hairline and temples using a cotton ball. Re-apply at least twice and rest. Within 30 minutes, you shall be provided with relief by this magic oil.

[Read: Natural Treatments for Headache]

2. Adding It to a Bath

peppermint oil drops for headaches

Add a few drops of Peppermint Oil to your warm bath and spend about 30 minutes soaking in this soothing and relaxing bath. This reduces pain and with continuous use, reduces symptoms of migraines(2).

3. Massage Oil

Mix about two tablespoons of almond oil with 3-5 drops of Peppermint Oil to make a massage oil. Use your fingers to massage this oil into your temples, shoulders, and back of neck to get quick relief.

[Read: Massage for Headaches]

4. Filling the Air

This is another way of battling a headache. Add about 3-7 drops of the essential oil in your vaporizer. Breathe in this air directly, and you must observe immediate results. If you don’t own a vaporizer, drop in 3-5 drops of the oil in a bowl of hot water. Cover your head and breathe in the escaping steam only through the nose with your eyes closed. A cotton ball dipped in Peppermint Oil might also do the trick if the smell is too strong for you.

5. Peppermint Tea

peppermint tea

If you use Peppermint essential oil for headache treatment, be informed that it cannot be consumed directly, but tea made from peppermint leaves can be consumed. Peppermint candy or chewing gum has the same effect. Drink peppermint tea to be free from migraines, feel more energetic and improve concentration.

Dos and Don’ts

Adults can freely consume dietary supplements and use skin products containing Peppermint Oil or extract. However, such supplements may also cause heartburns if used excessively and reduce the efficiency of certain medications.

A physician must be consulted in all cases before using such products. You must also check for the development of any rash or any side effect that might have occurred with continuous use of Peppermint Oil. Keep it out of reach of children and place it in a cool place.

[Read: Essential Oils for Headaches]

Precautions

  • Peppermint Oil must be applied along with another carrier oil.
  • The oil must never be rubbed on the skin as it can irritate and can cause rashes.
  • If you are under any medical treatment, it is better to ask a healthcare expert before using Peppermint Oil.
  • Pregnant women must avoid using Peppermint Oil. A physician can be contacted to know about the effectiveness of the oil during pregnancy.

This was all the required information about the benefits of using Peppermint Oil for treating Headaches. Using these remedies at home will hopefully relieve you of your Headaches and with continuous use, might even cure it.

Nature is bountiful and provides a solution to almost all diseases. After reading all the benefits of using Peppermint Oil, you are now ready to use and reap it’s benefits.

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