Lavender Migraine Relief

Lavender---or lavandula angustifolia---has properties that may provide some relief from migraine headaches. Turn to lavender's soothing phytochemicals to ease stress, a contributing factor in migraines. Use lavender in pillows, in your bath water and in room diffusers. While proponents proclaim lavender's healing action, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine asserts that there is no hard evidence to back this up.

Properties

• In "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Phyllis A. Balch details lavender's healing properties. Lavender contains phytochemicals including---but not limited to---alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, luteolin and ursolic acid. The purple herb also contains esters, which calm and soothe the body and help prevent spasms.

Applications

• People use lavender in aromatherapy for stress, depression and headache. Use lavender in simple ways to help ease migraine pain. It is unlikely that lavender will cure a migraine; but, as sufferers know, any relief from the pain is welcome.

  Use lavender essential oil in a room diffuser. When you feel a migraine approaching, retreat to a cool, dark room; place the oil diffuser in the room and try to relax. You can also use a lavender-filled pillow or "eyebag" and keep it by your bedside for the unhappy occasion of a migraine attack. Buy lavender pillows or eyebags or make one from dried organic lavender, but always use organic herbs, as you don't want pesticides or other chemicals near you, particularly when suffering from a migraine.

  When a migraine attacks, lie in a quiet, cool and darkened room. Rest your head, neck or face on the lavender pillow. The herb's aroma is soothing and may reduce migraine-related inflammation. If you do not have a pillow, wrap dried or fresh lavender in a soft cloth for the same effect. You can also pour several drops of lavender essential oil in a warm bath. A bath is also provide beneficial aromatherapy, as the moist heat combined with lavender's scent penetrates your pores, eases physical tension and helps release stress. Be sure to give your neck and head comfortable support.

Considerations

• According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, lavender has been used to treat headaches, among other uses. NCCAM reports, however, that there is no significant data to suggest lavender is a headache remedy. NCCAM warns that the oral use of lavender "may cause headache, changes in appetite and constipation." Do not combine lavender with sedating medications, and consult a health-care professional before adding any herbal remedy to your arsenal against migraines.