I can always tell when a headache’s coming on. I’ll get a dull throb in the back of my head or heaviness around my eyes. If I catch it soon enough, I’m usually okay. Sometimes all I need is a large cup of hot water or dandelion root tea and some deep breaths while walking outside. And I keep my herbal rollerball close.
I’ve learned to pay attention to what gives me a headache. For me, it is usually dehydration. I get so focused on my writing or a project that sometimes half a day will go by, and I’ve forgotten to drink! When someone tells me they have a headache, the first question is if they have any idea what the trigger might be.
A skipped bowel movement or certain foods are usually at the top of the list. A tight neck from sitting in one position or a sudden change in weather are also common triggers. Everyone is different, so look for your own headache triggers and learn to detect them as soon as possible.
Why Liver Health Matters for Headaches
If you deal with headaches a lot, your liver may need some extra care. In many herbal traditions, the liver is seen as the organ that keeps your energy and your mood moving. When yours is working too hard from stress or poor digestion, that strain can end up in your head. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this is called liver fire rising, while Ayurveda describes it as excess pitta, or heat, going toward the top of your body.
Small daily habits can make a big difference. I add bitter greens like dandelion or watercress to meals to help the liver stay cool and clear. A cup of hot bitter tea such as dandelion root, feverfew, artichoke or burdock increase bile flow and can back off a headache.
My Favorite Herbal Infused Oils for Headaches
An herbal rollerball comes in handy for quick comfort when a headache starts creeping in. I use oils infused with peppermint, lavender, and basil for this. These herbs work to relax your body while releasing pressure in the head.
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
Peppermint improves circulation and its antispasmodic properties help ease tension around the head, neck, and temples. A little amount of peppermint-infused oil can calm you down and make you feel refreshed.
The bitters in peppermint support the liver, and in Traditional Chinese Medicine it’s used to move stuck energy and aid digestion. Enjoying a cup of peppermint tea or adding fresh leaves to food is a way to care for your liver so you’re less likely to experience headaches.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
This herb is famous for its relaxing aroma. Lavender soothes the nerves, and is an antispasmodic like peppermint.
Herbalists use it to cool the liver and move heat and stagnation, which is often the cause of recurring headaches. Its mild bitterness aids digestion and allows the body to process stress. A cup of lavender tea or a soak in the tub with lavender oil before bed is one of my go-to ways to unwind after a long day.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
You may think of basil as more of a kitchen herb, but this is one I use when my head feels tense and tired. The scent of fresh basil is uplifting due to a compound called linalool.
Traditionally, basil is thought to move stagnant liver energy and keep digestion on track. Try it as a tea, toss a few leaves into your dishes, pluck it off your plant and chew it, or add some to a rollerball blend like the one below.
Herbal Headache Rollerball Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 part Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) Infused Oil
- 1 part Lavender (Lavandula spp.) Infused Oil
- 1 part Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Infused Oil
Instructions
- Make or gather your three herbal oils.
- Remove the rollerball top from your bottle.
- Using a small funnel, fill the bottle with equal parts of each oil.
- Snap the rollerball back on and give it a gentle snake.
- Label your bottle with the name, date, and ingredients.
- Apply to pulse points, such as temples, back of the neck and wrists.
- Store in a cool, dry spot to help the oils last longer.
Keep Exploring Herbal Headache Support
This isn’t the only rollerball recipe out there worth trying. I have one on my bedside table for sleep and another on my desk for focus. Play with other oils such rosemary, chamomile, lemon balm, and more, until you find the mix that feels right to you.
If you have any herbal recipes for headaches, I’d love for you to share them in the comments below! It’s inspiring to hear what helps!
