Benefits of Peppermint Oil on Headaches and Migraines
Mentha x piperita, otherwise known as Peppermint Essential Oil, is one of the premier oils that can assist in reducing headache and migraine symptoms, as well as general body pain and fatigue. Peppermint Essential Oil contains the chemical components menthol anywhere from 28 to 46% depending on the individual batch and also isomenthone from 4-10%. These two components promote cooling and analgesic qualities, which aids in why peppermint oil is great for headaches.
Peppermint Essential Oil is widely used in aromatherapy and is quite effective in assisting with digestive issues, respiratory issues, body aches and pains, apathy, lack and focus and headaches, both sinus and non-sinus.
What’s so great about Peppermint?
I am glad that you asked 🙂
Peppermint is both warming and cooling. When used externally, it is cooling, but when taken internally (do not take it internally unless directed by a trained clinical aromatherapist) it is warming. However, despite how you use it, peppermint raises the energy to the head area. This means it helps with head conditions and it is known to be a cerebral stimulant.
- Chronic headaches
- Mental Fatigue
- Cloudy Thinking
- Anxiety due to hyper limbic thoughts
- Dizziness
Our favorite Peppermint Essential Oil formula.
I have found that a very effective formula for the above issues is Peppermint (Mentha x piperta), Frankincense (Boswellia sacra or serrata) and Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens) formulated in a 25/40/35 ratio.
This stock blend can be inhaled via an inhaler, diffused, or placed directly on certain points. Be sure that your skin is not sensitive! If it is, blend a drop or two of the stock blend with a teaspoon of carrier oil or cream. The points for the external application are the temples, wrists, on the occiput (base of spine), forehead and under the nose. Be careful not to get any in your eyes.
While there is no documented research on why this formulation works, I believe it to be the cooling and cephalic aspects of peppermint, the protective energetic quality of the Frankincense, and the protective and mind-expansive quality of the Palo Santo due to the slight ether content.
Peppermint is fantastic for muscular aches and pains as well as respiratory issues. Part 2 coming soon.
References
Davis, P., & Budd, S. (2005). Aromatherapy: an A-Z. London: Vermilion.
Holmes, P., & Camp, M. (2016). Aromatica: a clinical guide to essential oil therapeutics. London: Singing Dragon.
Mailhebiau, P., & Mailhebiau, P. (1995). Portraits in oils: the personality of aromatherapy oils and their link with human temperaments. Saffron Walden, Essex, England: C.W. Daniel.