Headaches are a common health issue affecting people of all ages and lifestyles. Whether caused by stress, tension, dehydration, sinus problems, or other triggers, headaches can significantly impact productivity and quality of life. Over the festive period, headaches may be more common due to over-indulging in alcohol, sugar, or rich foods, especially the morning after social occasions! While over-the-counter medications are often used for relief, many people seek natural alternatives for managing tense, sore heads. One such remedy is Peppermint Essential Oil, a naturally cooling and stimulating plant extract, known for its therapeutic properties. This article explores the ways Peppermint Essential Oil can offer relief from that ’morning after’ feeling, we look at the research behind its effectiveness, and how to use it simply and effectively.
The Properties of Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint Essential Oil is extracted from the leaves of the Peppermint plant (latin name; Mentha piperita). It contains high concentrations of menthol and menthone, two naturally occurring compounds known for their cooling properties. These constituents make Peppermint Essential oil a popular choice for various ailments for people looking for a natural method of self-care. Peppermint has been used for thousands of years in Aromatherapy and it has a refreshing, invigorating aroma that can help improve mental clarity and focus. It also acts as a natural muscle relaxant when used diluted in a carrier oil and used in massage, which is particularly beneficial for tension headaches caused by stress or muscle tightness in the neck and shoulders. Always dilute Peppermint Essential Oil with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin and perform a patch test before using the oil to check for skin sensitivity.
Types of Headaches Peppermint Essential Oil Can Address
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Tension Headaches:
Tension headaches are the most common type and are often caused by stress, poor posture, or eye strain. Peppermint Oil’s muscle-relaxing properties when it’s used in a massage blend can help to ease tightness in the scalp, neck, and shoulders, helping to relieve the pressure that contributes to these headaches. There is nothing better than a professional massage; an Indian head massage or a back neck and shoulder massage are great treatments to seek if you suffer regularly from a tense head or neck. Repetitive strain is also a culprit for sore heads – sitting at a desk, looking at our phones or a lot of driving can all contribute to sore heads and necks. Indian head massage can be performed with or without oil, but the addition to Peppermint Essential Oil to a massage blend can offer stimulating, deeply penetrating relief.
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Migraines:
Migraines are intense headaches often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances. We always recommend seeking the advice of your GP or medical practitioner if you suffer from migraines or any form of regular headache, and it’s important to stress that using Essential Oils is not a replacement for this but they can be used in addition to support you will receive from a Doctor (always check with a physician before use if you’re unsure). Peppermint oil is naturally clearing and can provide some relief from sinus headaches – read on to see some ideas on this.
How Peppermint Essential Oil Alleviates a Stuffy Head in Winter
Peppermint Oil has a naturally cooling effect on the skin when applied topically but must always be applied diluted in a carrier oil or cream. Our Headaid Essential Oil blend combines a synergy of Lavender to relax, Peppermint to cool and Chamomile to soothe and is available as a pure blend of Essential Oils or as a handy rollerball to apply directly to temples. To create a soothing compress, add 4 or 5 drops of Headaid Blend to a bowl of warm or cold water, soak a clean cloth in the water and apply to the forehead. The cooling nature of the menthol in the Peppermint interacts with cold-sensitive receptors in the skin. This cooling effect can reduce the perception of pain, and can also act as a distraction.
Further Ideas of how to use Peppermint Essential Oil Effectively
- Topical Application:
Dilute a few drops of Peppermint Essential Oil with a carrier oil such as Coconut, Almond, or Jojoba oil.
Massage the mixture onto your temples, forehead, back of the neck, or shoulders. Avoid contact with the eyes, as Peppermint Essential Oil can cause irritation.
- Aromatherapy:
Add a few drops to a diffuser and inhale the refreshing scent, or alternatively, place a drop or two on a tissue or cotton ball and inhale deeply.
- Cold Compress:
Add a few drops to a bowl of very cold water. Soak a cloth in the water, wring it out, and place it on the back of your neck.
- Steam Inhalation:
Boil water and let it cool for a few minutes…then pour it into a bowl and add 2–3 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil. Lean over the bowl, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam for 5–10 minutes.
- Footbath Soak:
Add a few drops of Peppermint Essential Oil to a warm footbath (which could just be a shallow, leak-proof bowl like a washing up bowl or box) along with some plain Epsom salts, to aid relaxation and relieve tiredness.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Peppermint Oil for Headaches
Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Peppermint Essential Oil for headache relief:
- A 1996 study published in Cephalalgia found that a 10% Peppermint Essential Oil solution applied to the forehead significantly reduced headache symptoms in participants.
- A 2010 review in the International Journal of Clinical Practice highlighted Peppermint Essential Oil’s benefits for tension headaches due to its analgesic and muscle-relaxing properties.
Peppermint Essential Oil offers a natural and holistic approach to alleviating headaches. Incorporating peppermint into your headache relief routine can provide a refreshing and effective addition to other more traditional remedies. Our little Headaid Aroma-Roll is a great addition to your handbag this season, it will keep you feeling fresh and is so easy to apply. Whether used through topical application, Aromatherapy, or other methods, this tried and trusted Essential Oil is a valuable addition to any natural wellness toolkit. Always remember to use it following proper dilution and application guidelines, to reap its full benefits.
