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For the past few weeks we’ve started to delve into migraines that start at night, linking biological and life-style correlations to this hard to explain pattern of nocturnal migraines that plagues so many. And while there is no one cure for migraines, there are holistic preventative steps you can take to lower their impact and lessen their frequency.

In past blogs we’ve discussed caffeine, lithium, anti-inflammatories, and changing eating patterns, but what if there was a simple, effective method proven to provide relief? Read on to learn about the treatment that will have you coming up roses…or floral, at the least.

Lavender Oil as Treatmentmigraine relief, essential oils

In a 2016 clinical trial researchers conducted a double-blind placebo controlled study using lavender essential oil over a period of three months.

The team distilled their own lavender essential oil and formulated it into an extract with ethanol, creating a placebo solution as well.

Patients, who all had a history of 2-8 migraine attacks per month in the past year used the extract internally (in a glass of water) each evening for 3 months. The enrolled patients were already taking beta blockers as a preventative and reported them ineffective. They were not taking other preventative medications for migraines at the time and weren’t to take acute anti-migraine medications more than twice per week during the trial.

Using the Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS) questionnaire, the research team in Iran found patients using lavender oil reported a significant (P < 0.05) score reduction when compared to the baseline and control group. What’s more, both the frequency and severity of the migraines diminished during that three months.

The headache frequency improved for both groups – by 42% in the control group and nearly 70% in the lavender treatment group.

With no reported complaints or negative side effects, it begs the question, why not? Why not try an organic, plant based oil remedy proven to provide relief? Let’s look a little more closely at what lavender essential oil is and how you can add it to your daily routine.

Lavender Essential Oil Facts

Lavender essential oil is derived from the purple flowering portion of the native Mediterranean plant through steam distillation. It takes roughly 35 pounds of lavender flowers to produce one 15mL bottle of essential oil. This study used an oral preparation of the essential oil in ethanol but you can benefit from the chemistry of lavender topically and through inhalation, as well.

The chemical components of Lavender—Linalool and Linalyl Acetate—are known for their calming properties, ability to reduce feelings of anxiety, stress and sadness, and enhance sleep.

Warning! While real lavender essential oil has many benefits, lavender fragrance used in air fresheners, lotions and laundry soap is irritating and a trigger in itself. Due to lavender’s popularity, cheap imitations of lavender essential oil are sold everywhere and can cause more harm than good. Be sure you are buying from a reputable source of therapeutic grade oils.

How to Add Lavender Oil to Your Daily Routine

Most people are familiar with using lavender oil aromatically, but it can also be used topically. Here a few practical ways to introduce Lavender Oil to your daily routine:

  • Add a few drops to unscented lotion or carrier oil and massage into your feetmigraine relief, essential oils
  • Diffuse overnight in your bedroom using a diffuser
  • Rub a few drops into the palms of your hands and inhale deeply
  • Add a drop of lavender and eucalyptus into your bath or shower in the evening

A previous investigation into lavender aromatherapy for acute migraine treatment (Sasannejad et al. (2012)) showed that inhaling lavender oil for 15min reduced headache intensity (without side effects) and was effective in management of migraine attacks, so in addition to using lavender daily – you might want to keep some in your rescue toolbox.

Parting Thoughts

Remember, migraine attacks are personal—no one treatment will work for everyone. It is absolutely essential to approach migraine treatment with an individualized and holistic plan to discover the root of the problem. The Engineering Radiance Migraine Freedom Plan is designed to eliminate your migraine headaches—not just treat the symptoms—by finding the internal stressors at the core of the issue.

Review our Ultimate Sleep Guide for natural and holistic was to improve your quality of sleep.

Resources:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2210803316300033

https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/335249

Want to improve your quality of sleep naturally?

Review our Ultimate Sleep Guide for natural and holistic was to improve your quality of sleep.