Headache/Migraine Relieving Aromatherapy Lotion

Ever have a horrific headache or even a migraine?  If you have, you'll never forget it.  I suffer from them as do many members of my family.  Luckily, I only get a migraine about once a month (more often if I am sleep deprived), but I also get terrible tension headaches.  Working at a computer 8+ hours a day, I tend to hold tension in my shoulders and neck. This can result in excruciating tension headaches.  

One way that I have discovered for relieving headaches is through a combination of aromatherapy and acupressure.  I'm going to share my solution here. The lotion uses peppermint (menthol) and eucalyptus essential oils.  Peppermint used topically and as aromatherapy is known to help relax muscles and increase circulation.  This makes it excellent for headaches, particularly tension headaches. 

I have included the recipe below for making your own headache relieving lotion.  This is for use on your hands in combination with acupressure.  See instructions, below the recipe, for how to use this lotion in combination with acupressure for headache relief.  My hubby loves acupressure so much that if he has a headache, he will wave his hand at me and ask me if I'll rub it to relieve a headache!

Headache Relieving Aromatherapy Lotion:

 4 oz. (1/2 cup) of lotion of choice or homemade hand lotion (recipe HERE or dollar store vitamin E lotion is also excellent for this)

15-20 drops peppermint essential oil

10 drops eucalyptus essential oil 

Combine all ingredients, mix well, and store in air-tight container. 

To use:  Place a small amount of lotion on both hands and massage all over hands.  Concentrate on the part of your hand where your thumb joins to your hand.  Put pressure on both sides of this area by placing the thumb on the top part of the area and your fingers underneath (see link below for photo).  Use firm pressure and massage in a circular motion.  You may even find that, surprisingly, it is sore and that the degree of soreness directly relates to the severity of your headache.  Continue to massage this area for 5 minutes.  If you are experiencing nausea with your headache, place three fingers together (as if you were going to show someone you're 3 years old), place your fingers on the inside of your wrist, and measure 3 fingerbreadths down from the base of your hand.  Begin massaging at that point on the inside of your wrist/forearm.  This is an acupressure point to relieve nausea.  Alternate these massages, using the lotion liberally.  Relax, breathe deeply, and your headache should ease. 

For further information on the use of peppermint for headaches, see link HERE. 

For further information on the use of acupressure to relieve headaches, see link HERE. 

Medical Disclaimer:  The information provided here is for personal use only.  It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or consultation.