Headaches can often indicate a deeper issue, such as a lack of magnesium, though they sometimes have simpler causes, like the chaos of five kids making noise at home. Regardless of the cause, a natural headache relief stick can be beneficial.
I’ve noticed I hardly get headaches anymore after improving my diet and increasing my magnesium intake. Still, occasional stress or noise can trigger headaches, so I keep a relief stick handy for those moments.
This headache stick is crafted with cooling essential oils that help alleviate stress, tension, and nerve pain. It’s also great for dealing with motion sickness or nausea, like the kind I experience on a sailboat—not due to morning sickness!
It’s crucial to dilute essential oils to prevent skin irritation. Instead of a carrier oil, we’re using magnesium oil here, which serves as a wonderful substitute.
There’s substantial evidence supporting magnesium’s importance in the body, especially in preventing headaches. Magnesium can stop a headache from starting or provide comfort when one looms. I prefer making my own magnesium oil because it’s cheaper, though pre-made versions are also available.
Interestingly, magnesium oil is not actually an oil but a dense mineral solution. These minerals help suspend essential oils, diluting them similarly to saltwater. If you only have carrier oils at home and need fast relief, they work too. Fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, grapeseed, or olive oil are all suitable options.
Headaches arise from various problems, but they usually have an underlying cause. The best approach is to nourish our bodies, stay active, and address any potential health issues.
According to the Mayo Clinic, headaches result from chemical activity in the brain, nerves, blood vessels, or muscles in the head and neck. Some common causes include:
I’ve combined essential oils and magnesium to address a wide variety of headaches. Whether you’re feeling nauseated, stressed, or dealing with noisy kids, this blend is likely to help ease the headache.
We’re focusing on Lavandula angustifolia here, as it helps alleviate numerous headache causes, unlike spike lavender.
Frankincense is another oil in our blend. Boswellia carterii is a popular type known for reducing stress, and a 2012 study found that Boswellia serrata can lessen the severity and frequency of cluster headaches. Both types of frankincense reduce stress, tension, and inflammation-related headaches.
Chamomile essential oil is well-known for relieving stress and tension. You can use Roman or German chamomile in this blend; each has different benefits. Roman chamomile generally smells nicer and is better for stress reduction, while German chamomile is more effective at calming inflammation. Both chamomiles are beneficial for:
Peppermint, with its cooling menthol, helps soothe sore muscles and headaches and gives an energy boost that isn’t coffee. However, it comes with safety considerations.
Essential oil from peppermint should not be applied near very young children’s faces, as it can cause breathing problems. Nursing moms or those holding babies close should avoid using it directly. Fortunately, there’s a workaround.
Spearmint has less menthol and is also effective for stress and headaches. It’s gentler compared to peppermint and doesn’t have strict safety precautions for kids. While it’s not advisable to put it directly on a baby, with spearmint, your baby can comfortably smell the blend while being nearby. It’s also safe for topical use on kids over two, though any essential oil for kids should be more diluted than for adults. The current recipe is for adults, but adjustments can make it suitable for older children.
Certified aromatherapists confirm this blend is safe during pregnancy if diluted properly and applied to a small area, making it safe for expecting mothers.
Many of these ingredients are part of my first aid kit, but having a pre-mixed roller bottle makes it easier to use and carry in my purse.
You could also create a spray or lotion, but I prefer a method that avoids getting oils on my hands. Trust me, accidentally getting essential oils in your eyes isn’t pleasant!
For those with chronic headaches or migraines, I recommend trying herbal solutions like feverfew.
Magnesium oil can last for years due to its mineral properties. Essential oils, on the other hand, have different shelf lives, but according to Plant Therapy’s aromatherapists, the oils in this combination should last about 2-3 years. For optimal shelf life, store the blend away from direct light, heat, or freezing temperatures.
Got any headache-relief tips you’d like to share? Drop a comment and let us know!
