Peppermint for Headaches
While having dinner at Rebecca’s house a few months ago, I felt the signs of a headache coming on. I don’t often fall victim to a headache, but when I do, they are particularly unpleasant. I have a history of Migranes that started with a hospital visit and suspicion of a tumor at 14. For the next 6 years, I lived with frequent weekly to monthly migranes. I was lucky to meet a massage school student who was studying trigger point & neuromuscular therapy who helped me eradicate my migranes almost completely.
But, as I mentioned, when I get a headache… it tends to be a doozy! No massage or whatnot seems to help when I am in the midst of throbbing head pain. Rebecca handed me a bottle of Peppermint Essential Oil and told me to take a couple whiffs. Almost instantly, the inflammation and discomfort in my head was gone. *amazing* How could I, she who LOVES essential oils & aromatherapy, not have known this?
Now, I have peppermint with me at all times. I carry a peppermint, lavender, spearmint & chamomile blend with me in my purse which serves many purposes. If I feel a headache coming on, I take a few whiffs. If I already have a throbbing headache, I inhale, place some oil on my temples and at the base of my skull. (*some people need to dilute in a carrier oil, honor your body*) I have also found it helps keep me cool in very hot places… with the oil on my temples & occiput, I seem to stay more comfortable in excessive heat.