Essential Oils (Lavender, Peppermint)

Summary:
Lavender and peppermint essential oils are used topically or via inhalation to relieve headache symptoms through relaxation, cooling effects, or local vasodilation.

Biological Plausibility

Lavender interacts with GABA receptors and has anxiolytic properties. Peppermint oil may reduce muscle tension and activate cold-sensitive receptors via menthol, modulating pain perception.

Evidence

Small placebo-controlled trials support lavender oil inhalation for acute migraine relief. Peppermint oil has demonstrated effectiveness for tension-type headaches, with limited direct migraine data.

Effect Size

Short-term reduction in pain scores, but not consistently migraine-specific. Effects may be more prominent in early attack or for stress-triggered headaches.

⚠️ Risk

Low. Skin irritation or allergic reactions can occur, particularly with concentrated topical use.

Cost

$

Scores

  • Benefit: 1
  • Burden: 2
  • Ratio: 0.5

Clinical Takeaways

  • Useful adjunct for stress-triggered or mild attacks.
  • Should not replace primary migraine treatments.
  • Topical forms should be diluted; inhalation is generally safer.

Key References

  • Sasannejad P, et al. *Lavender essential oil in the treatment of migraine headache: a placebo-controlled clinical trial.* Eur Neurol. 2012.
  • Borhani Haghighi A, et al. *The effect of peppermint oil in acute migraine attack: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial.* Int J Clin Pract. 2010.
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