Rosemary Blend For Migraines
Migraines can be debilitating, they are not ‘just a headache’ as anyone who has ever had one will know. With around 1 in 5 women and 1 in 15 men migraines are common and as such are not regarded as a major health concern. The reason some people have migraines whilst others don’t is still somewhat of a mystery. There are suggestions that there is a link to genetic factors which suggest that if you have family members who had or have suffered with migraines you are more likely to also have them. Use this Rose blend of essential oils to bring relief to migraines.
The onset of migraines is typically in early adulthood, however many women who have no history of migraines find these come on as a symptom of perimenopause and menopause. This is linked to changes in hormones and hormonal levels. Women may find they are more susceptible to migraines such times as in pregnancy or around their menstrual cycle for this reason.
Migraines typically present as a severe throbbing headache affecting one side of the head, this can extend to the side of the face as the pain radiates outwards. As well as a throbbing headache people may suffer other symptoms such as an increased sensitivity to sound our brightlight or feeling or being sick. Changes in vision, including temporary loss of vision either full or the loss of peripheral vision, seeing flashes of colour or light or dark spots. Some people experience sensitivity to sound and loud noises before they experience the
throbbing headache.
Some people have trigger warnings that alert them to the onset of a migraine before the migraine actually starts. These can include:
Changes in vision, including temporary loss of vision either full or the loss of peripheral vision, seeing flashes of colour or light or dark spots.
Some people experience sensitivity to sound and loud noises before they experience the throbbing headache.
Some people will experience numbness or tingling in their face or hands.
Sense of smell can also be affected.
Brain fog
Physical activity, stress, lack of sleep, certain foods and hormones can all aggravate and act as triggers for migraines. Migraines can last for between 4 and 72 hours. For some people migraines will be an occasional event but for others they may happen several times a week.It can be helpful to identify any possible triggers and also any early warning signs of a pending migraine in order to prevent or at least minimise the impact of the migraine.
Keeping a diary tracking when you have migraines can help identify if you are experiencing hormonal migraines for example. It can help you identify if there are certain foods that trigger a migraine, I had a client that had migraines every time she ate chocolate! It can also help to bring awareness to some of the warning signs such as sensitivity to light or sound so you can take action as soon as you notice this rather than waiting until the migraine has fully kicked in.
Using essential oil blends such as this Rose blend can be an excellent natural alternative to ease migraines.
THE SYMPTOMS OF MIGRAINES INCLUDE
Migraine with aura/visual disturbance – Before you experience a headache some people may see flashing lights/dark spots/floating dark spots or colours. Some people may have temporary blindness either full or in an area of their vision. Most people will experience some form of visual disturbance.
Migraine without aura/visual disturbance – Not everyone gets visual cues to a migraine for some people the migraine will just come on without warning.
Silent migraine - A migraine without the throbbing headache but with the visual disruptions such as light flashes, temporary blindness/peripheral vision loss.
THE FOLLOWING OILS ARE PARTICULARLY BENEFICIAL
Rosemary - Rosemary is a stimulating oil that helps ease congestion and fatigue and has uplifting antidepressant properties.
Lavender – As with Basil due to its antidepressant and analgesic properties, Lavender is an excellent choice of oil to use to treat migraines. It can bring pain relief to the throbbing whilst easing the stress and tension that can be caused and cause migraines.
Basil – With its analgesic and antidepressant properties Basil can relieve the throbbing pain migraines and soothe the nervous tension that may cause them.
HOW TO USE
If you have an empty essential oil bottle you can clean it out and make a blend to use when needed or you can add them individually in the following ratio.
Rosemary – 3 drops
Lavender– 3 drops
Basil – 3 drops
WAYS TO USE
DIFFUSE
Diffusing a blend of these essential oils can help to relieve the pain and lethargy associated with migraine.
Diffuse 1 - 3 drops of the blend of Basil, Lavender and Rosemary Essential oil in an oil burner or diffuser.
BATH
This essential oil blend can be added to a warm bath to relieve migraines, they can help soothe tension and as the oils disperse into the air they start acting on the body to relieve the pain and discomfort of the throbbing headache.
Add 1 - 3 drops of the essential oil blend (Basil, Lavender and Rosemary) to a warm bath.
Note: Care should be taken not to use more than 3 drops to prevent the bath from becoming too slippery. Essential oils should be added to a carrier oil before adding as oil and water do not mix and essential oils will float on the surface of the water and if used neat can burn the skin.
MASSAGE
Massage is a great way of relaxing the body and mind and easing aching muscles. Using this blend of essential oils during a massage is a very effective way of relieving a migraine.
Add up to 7 drops of the blend (Basil, Lavender and Rosemary) in 1 tbsp of carrier oil.
OINTMENT
Mix with some carrier oil such as almond oil olive oil and rub over directly over the temples.
Mix 1 to 2 drops of the essential oil blend (Basil, Lavender and Rosemary) to a tablespoon of carrier oil, put a few drops on some cotton wool or fingers and rug over the temple area and over the forehead.
SIDE EFFECTS
As with all essential oils it should not be used neat on the skin, essential oils are very concentrated oils that can irritate the skin unless mixed with a carrier oil. Essential oils should not be used internally unless under the supervision of an aromatherapist.
Basil should not be used during pregnancy and if used in excess can act as a depressant.
Rosemary should not be used during pregnancy or if epileptic. If used in excess can act as a depressant.
Lavender is generally considered safe to use
Pets can be particularly sensitive to the effects of essential oils and can even be toxic so where possible should either be avoided or used where a pet is able to go into another room.