using oils for migraine while taking prescription medicines

by Lori
(De Pere WI)

I have a friend who suffers from migraines daily and I'm trying to help her with essential oils, but only recently started learning about and using them.

She is on a number of medications and I'm wondering if there is any danger in using peppermint oil with certain Rx's? I'm not sure what meds she's on, just know it's a variety for a number of different ailments (my guess is all the meds are what's giving her the migraines, but she's not open to changing).

Any help/advice you could offer is greatly appreciated!!

Lori

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May 09, 2011
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Essential oils and Migraines
by: Penny Keay

Hi Lori,
It is always a good idea for you to find out the medications someone is taking before trying to use essential oils too.

But if you were just going to have her give Peppermint oil a try, it usually is considered pretty safe. It is a common food flavoring and although essential oils are much stronger than the flavoring.

She should make sure her Doctor is aware she is going to try to use essential oils.

I'm sorry to hear that she is on so many medications and I do have to agree it is always possible that all those medications along with her being a women (hormones can definitely play a major role in migraine headaches) are making her headaches worse.

If you can find out what medications she is on we can check to see if there are 'contra indications' of why she shouldn't use essentials oils.

Normally using them properly in a massage oil or just inhaling should not be an issue.

The key word here is properly and with guidance. Never use them undiluted on the skin and never ingest them unless prescribed by a licensed medical professional.

If she wants to try essential oils to see if they can help have her send me an e-mail and we'll see what we can do.

Yours in Aromatherapy,
Penny Keay
Certified Clinical Medical Aromatherapist
www.birchhillhappenings.com
pennyk@birchhillhappenings.com

May 09, 2011
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thank you!
by: Lori

Wow - thank you so much for your feedback! It really helps to know that the peppermint oil is generally safest, because yes, that is the only oil (at this point) I was going to have her try. I read that you can use one drop and rub it in the temple area - that's what I was going to try. Does that sound safe enough? I will ask her if she's interested in seeking more help and also ask if she wants to divulge her medicines to me (she's a private person). It is important though for her safety, and I hope to learn alot more about oils and the contra indications and such. Thank you for the advice and quick response!

May 09, 2011
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Peppermint Oil for headaches.
by: Penny Keay

Hi Lori,

Yes many folks will find that Peppermint oil will help their headaches.

But for safety always mix essential oils with a carrier oil such as Sweet Almond or Fractionated Coconut oil or even olive oil.

2 to 5 drops of essential oil to 1 teaspoon of oil will still provide plenty of 'peppermint' power but yet be safe to help prevent developing skin sensitivities or irritation.

Besides rubbing this blend just on the temples many folks find rubbing on the back of the neck from the base of the head down to the shoulders gives relief too.

Our favorite is a Peppermint and Rosemary blend of 2 drops of each in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil or lotion. And use that to massage into the temples and back of head/neck.

Yours in Aromatherapy,
Penny Keay
Certified Clinical Medical Aromatherapist
www.birchhillhappenings.com

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