3 Essential Oils for Tension Headaches that WORK

Tension headache at work?

These 3 essential oils for tension headaches ease the pain while improving focus.

Tension headaches really get in the way.

These 3 essential oils are perfect for tension headaches!

• Rosemary ct. camphor (Rosmarinus officinalis ct. camphor)

• Spike Lavender (Lavandula latifolia)

• Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum ct. linalol)

Take a whiff of any of them, and you'll experience a clarifying, open feeling in your head.

These essential oils work by calming inflammation, supporting circulation, and encouraging mental focus.

I'm going to share a blend that's great to use during the day—it can help your muscles relax without putting you to sleep.

This recipe is adapted from my book, The Heart of Aromatherapy, where I included it as a tension headache inhaler called "Rosemary's "Easy Focus" Headache Inhaler. I'm going to teach you how to make this recipe as a headache oil instead of an inhaler. (Both ways will work great.)

Rosemary's "Easy Focus" Headache Oil

Massage the oil into your neck, shoulders, and scalp where you're experiencing pain.

Ingredients

• 1 fl oz (30 ml) Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)

• 10 drops Rosemary ct. camphor Oil(Rosmarinus officinalis camphor)

• 4 drops Spike Lavender Oil (Lavandula latifolia)

• 4 drops Basil ct. linalol Oil (Ocimum basilicum linalol)

Equipment

• One 1 oz (30 ml) glass bottle

Directions

• Combine the jojoba and essential oils in the bottle

• Cap tightly, then shake gently.

I suggest you don't apply this oil to your face. While these essential oils for tension headaches are effective, they're also strong and camphoraceous. Their fumes can cause irritation to your eyes.

Some people experience tension headaches in a predictable way. If this sounds like you, you can keep this bottle in your bag or at your desk. Use it before your usual headache sets in, so you can prevent the inflammation from flaring up.