Every one of us has experienced a headache and one time of another whether it is self-inflicted through too much alcohol the night before, due to hormone fluctuations or for an unknown reason. A headache is the result of pain signals caused by interactions between the brain, blood vessels, and surrounding nerves.
During a headache, the pain does not come from the brain contrary to what many sufferers believe, because it lacks nociceptors. The pain actually comes from activated nerves surrounding the skull, blood vessels and head muscles. The reasons why these nerves in the head are activated are not understood. However, activation of specific nerves in the head sends pain signals to the brain that are interpreted as a “headache”.
Headaches can be related to stress and emotions; or can be caused by other disorders of the eyes, nose, throat, sinuses, teeth, jaws, ears or neck; or can be a symptom of a more serious disease.
Sweet basil essential oil is a soft green smelling option that is a general tonic to the whole body. In particular it is used for headaches because it is antispasmodic, a nervous system regulator and a decongestant. It is also incredibly effective against stress so can help if this is the trigger or cause of the headache. Sweet basil is high in linalool and a comprehensive review on the effects of linalool (Aprotosoaie et al 2014) shows that the different isomers affect ten different pathways including anti-inflammatory ones (in vitro, and in animal models) which could explain the oils analgesic properties.
Copaiba Balsam is a traditional remedy from the South American rain forests. The resin is harvested from wild trees by tapping (similar to the way rubber trees are tapped). It is a woody base note that has many respiratory and muscular benefits. Chemically it is high in beta-caryophyllene which is a big buzz in the aromatherapy world due to one of the anti-nociceptive mechanisms of betacaryophyllene reviewed by Soares et al, 2013, being that it binds to CB2 receptors (the ones targeted with CBD therapy). One study saw its effectiveness in helping ease inflammatory and neuropathic pain in mice.
Cornmint essential oil contains up to 80% menthol. Menthols properties are well documented included anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipruritic (anti-itch) and antitussive (anti-cough), antibacterial and antifungal (Kamatou et al 2013). It affects the ‘cool temperature’ sensing TRPM8 channels in the membranes of sensory neurons, causing a feeling of cold wherever the concentration is high enough (Knowlton & McKemy, 2011; Reid et al 2002). This feeling of cold can be a very effective painkiller even more so because we can feel it working. Activation of TRPM8 can also have therapeutic effects, and this partly explains menthol’s analgesic action. Cornmint is documented to be anesthetic, anti-migraine and antispasmodic all of which are useful when treating headaches.
Here I have shared my top 3 essential oils for treating headaches and some of the research I have done into them as to why I recommend these but there are many oils out there so it is worth experimenting to see what works for you.
Please do seek out the advice of a professional aromatherapist when using essential oils especially around the face area. We generally recommend 2-3 drops per 10ml of base product or carrier oil.
References
Aprotosoaie, A. C., Hăncianu, M., Costache, I. I., & Miron, A. (2014). Linalool: a review on a key odorant molecule with valuable biological properties. Flavour and Fragrance Journal, 29(4), 193-219.
Knowlton, W. M., & McKemy, D. D. (2011). TRPM8: from cold to cancer, peppermint to pain. Current Pharmaceu1cal Biotechnology, 12(1), 68-77.
Soares, D. C., Portella, N. A., Ramos, M. et al (2013). Trans-beta-Caryophyllene: An Effective Antileishmanial Compound Found in Commercial Copaiba Oil (Copaifera spp.). Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 13.
Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essen1al Oil Safety (Second Edi1on), pp. 483-647. St. Louis: Churchill Livingstone.