Tutorial on Making an Essential Oils Blend for Headaches & Migraines

Migraines

They are not just a headache. The headache is just a symptom of something neurological going on in the brain. I am not planning to go into all of that here as I am not a doctor/neurologist.  Bringing me to my next point, in no way is any of this information intended to be medical advice or a "cure all" claim. This is simply working for me with management of  my migraines. 

When I get a headache, I can usually take an aspirin, drink a glass of water and maybe a little coffee and it goes away. A migraine is different. Ocular migraines in particular. One of my triggers is barometric pressure change and that is something I cannot control. 

This piece of art depicts exactly how a migraine feels

When the pain is like what is depicted in the art work above, I can be desperate for any kind of relief that I can find. Battling the pain, nausea, sensitivities, that will sometimes last for days, is exhausting. Once, last spring, I lost 8 whole days! Yes! At that point I was even considering daith piercing, and my husband was ready to take me to the nearest tattoo parlor to get it done! I looked into Botox, but research indicated I would need up to 30 injections, not guaranteed to work. I may have to go back in 30 days and get 30 more injections.... Side effect is, this almost 60 year old would have a china doll face! 😅 Did I mention that I hate shots and needles? In no way would I be able to lie still for 30 injections. I do have the "quality of life drugs", but I hate taking them and when I have a migraine that lasts for days, I fear becoming addicted. But recently, I have had some success using essential oils in my pain management.

A year ago I found the recipe (listed below) on Pinterest. (What did we ever do before Pinterest!) I purchased the oils from the company I am affiliated with and used as directed. It didn't work. I was so disappointed! The Pinterest instructions said to rub on the forehead, temples and wrists. My blend went into the cabinet, the oils do have other uses as well, so I used them for other things. Then, I discovered this image, (again) on Pinterest! With instructions to rub basically the same blend of oils, but on the occipital lobe(s).

What to Look for in Essential Oils

With everyone getting on the essential oil wagon how do you know that you are getting the best products available? Do your research. There are only about 3 companies/brands I could consider purchasing EO's from and one of them, I am affiliated with. I stay away from the tempting "packets" at the box stores. They are cheap for a reason. I also stay away from what is offered at the health food stores. It is a hit & miss as to whether you are getting a quality product.

Do your research! 

When you do your research, use the following for your checklist:

• Purity - you want an essential oil that is pure, undiluted and traceable to the original botanical source.
• Fresh - your oils are best when they are fresh. Prices might be good, but how long has it been sitting on a shelf? 
• Harvested by Ethical Practices - Are the oils harvested ethically? In many parts of the world where many of the plants are grown and harvested for the oils, slavery is still acceptable. Do you really want to support that type of institution? Even if it is on the other side of the world? If you purchase your oils from these companies, you will be.
• Harvested by Sustainable Methods - Are the plants and trees being harvested for the oils from a managed farm/plantation? Are they from a forest/jungle? Are they harvested from plants that are endangered? When you purchase an oil, this is important to consider. We want future generations to also benefit from what these plants have to offer.
• Integrity of the Company - What is the integrity of the company that you are purchasing your oils from? If an audit were to be performed on any of their oils, would they meet the above requirements? Are they in compliance of the Lacey Act of 1900?

Using Essential Oils to Manage a Migraine

Essential Oils are not a "cure all", but they can help a great deal! If I only lose one day verses 8 days (like I did last spring) I consider that success! 😃

As soon as I see/feel an aura, I will check my occipital lobes to see if they are throbbing (pulsing), swelling, tender, etc. That is when & where I will roll on my essential oil blend for headaches/migraines. You will see in the diagram to the right - the location of the Occipital Triangle. The lobes are located in there. I will also rub the blend in above the lobes in the shaded area. Then I will take an aspirin with a little food and a full glass of water. 

It is not a "cure all" (There is no cure for an Ocular Migraine), but you can function. In fact, most of the time, little or no pain, little or no nausea, fog etc. I reapply every 4-8 hours and I will take a hydrocodine at bedtime. Occasionally I will take a phenergan with it. (If you have migraines, you may have these already in your arsenal. Be careful! with their use!) Sometimes all symptoms are gone the next morning, sometimes not. The real litmus test will be this coming fall when the weather will begin drastic changes once again. I will be sure to keep you posted!

The Essential Oil Blend for Headaches & Migraines 

Now I am a visual person and it just so happens that I have also put together a video (for other visual learners) on how to blend these oils together. It is only a few minutes long and is very helpful.

YouTube Tutorial on Blending Essential Oils for Headaches & Migraines

Here is the recipe for the Headache/Migraine Blend. Sometimes (as you probably noticed in the video) oil drops are a tad hard to control. It is OK (as in the blend will still work) to have one or two more or less drops of each oil. 

And here is a printable copy for you:  Essential Oil Blend for Migraine Headaches

Hopefully this blend will work for you as it has worked for me. If you find some success with it, please comment below and let me know. 

We do not want a headache to keep us from enjoying the...

Little Things in Life.

Hugs,

Missy