DIY Migraine Relief Balm

 
When a migraine hits my world seems to halt to a stop. Between nausea, pounding heartache, neck cramps, sweating, and blurred vision the only thing that sounds remotely pleasant is closing my eyes, lying down in the comfort of my cool, dark bedroom, and falling asleep. Unfortunately, more than likely you are stuck in rush hour traffic, helping calm screaming kids, dealing with a crabby coworker, trying to put dinner on the table, or trying to get through your day when the pounding sets in, for which lying down just isn’t an option.

Since my late twenties, the above scenario was a part of my weekly scope of life. Worse still, my only options for ease and comfort was to medicate myself with overly prized prescriptions that were a crape shoot as to whether they would help knock out my migraine or irritate my stomach so badly that my migraine symptoms would subside in just enough time to flare up my acid reflux symptoms.

Recently as part of my healthy living journey, I have decided to kick my prescriptions to the curb and out more holistic, natural means of pain management and migraine relief. Getting a migraine infusion is a good option, but I have also come up with a natural solution that works pretty well in a pinch too. What’s my solution?

My recipe for migraine relief balm? Just a few simple essential oils, carrier oils, and a trusty half-pint mason jar. No fuss, no muss!  

 

 

In my balm, I use Peppermint Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Lavender Oil, Arabica Oil, and Coconut Oil.

Please note: I am not brand loyal currently to any brand of essential oils. Please use whichever brands of essential oils you are most comfortable utilizing for this blend.

 

 

Here’s a little breakdown for each oil:

• Peppermint contains menthol, a cooling element that helps restrict blood vessels around the skin and skull which helps relieve tension and resulting migraine headache symptoms.
• Eucalyptus oil: Eucalyptus oil is a non-drowsy means of scent-based, brain-wave activity reducer, and also helps reduce fatigue, muscle tension, and neck soreness.
• Lavender oil: Lavender oil, besides its relaxing scent nodes, is used to change brain wave patterns, as it is also a scent-based, brain-wave activity reducer that increases relaxation and relieves muscle tension.
• Arabica Bean Oil: Arabica oil contains natural, unprocessed vasoconstrictive properties. And it is this form of caffeine that helps restrict blood vessel tension, which causes blood vessels to narrow and restrict blood flow, aiding in head pain relief within minutes.
• Coconut oil: Coconut oil acts as both a carrier oil to help with the even and safe distribution of essential oils on the skin as well as acts as a natural means of balancing hormones, which is known to help aid in headache and migraine relief. Please note, for those allergic to coconut oil, grape seed oil can be substituted as well. 

 

 

Here’s what you will need:

• 20 drops of Peppermint oil
• 20 drops of Lavender oil
• 20 drops of Arabica bean oil
• 20 drops of Eucalyptus oil
• 1/4 cup Coconut oil
• Glass Measuring cup
• Glass storage containers (I love the Ball half pint jars)
• Spoon or honey stick (not shown)

 

 

Directions:

1. In a half-pint jar add 1/4 cup room temperature coconut oil.
2. Add all essential oils to carrier oil.
3. Fold oils into the carrier oil; oils can be adjusted to need and personal preference.
4. Let balm sit and meld for one hour to let oils fully combine. 
5. Balm should be stored in the fridge to remain solidified.
6. The balm will remain viable indefinably. 
7. Please note, to make your balm shelf stable, you can use a double boiler over medium heat to melt 2 tablespoons of beeswax pastilles, which can be added to your balm for on-the-go migraine relief. I also keep my blend in the fridge to help solidify the balm, and I prefer a cooling product when I have migraines. 

 

 

How to apply:

 Massage a small dab of balm onto your temples, back of the neck, and the headache pressure points (the skin between the thumb and forefinger), in small circular motions for 30-seconds per trigger area every 3-4 hours as needed. Remember, breathe deeply while applying balm to help with the added benefits of tension relief by way of aromatherapy.

 

 

 So, that’s it, folks. I really cannot say enough great things about this balm. Not only is it natural and relaxing, but it’s also affordable and great for your skin, too! I hope you will all try it should the need arise.

Here’s to your health,