EFFECTS OF

AROMATHERAPY ON
MIGRAINES
AMONG MIGRAINE SUFFERS (POPULATION), DOES AROMATHERAPY
(INTERVENTION) HELP REDUCE THE PAIN OF A MIGRAINE (OUTCOME)
COMPARED TO PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS (CONTROL)?
WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?
I chose this therapy because it seemed easy to
use and to follow. It also seemed affordable to
most people.
Is a treatment of using essential oils. They are
added to the bath or massaged into the skin,
inhaled directly or diffused to scent an entire
room. The oils come from plants, bark, and
flowers.(4)
Aromatherapy has been around for more than
6000 years. It started in Greece, Italy, and Egypt.
Aromatherapy was first used by French chemist
Rene-Maruice Gattefosse in 1928(3,4)
Aromatherapy is considered to be an alternative
therapy.(4)
MECHANISM OF ACTION
The molecules of essential oils work when
they are inhaled because, aromatic molecules
interact with the surface of your nasal cavity.
And by tiny olfactory nerves located in the roof
of the inner nose, these aromatic molecules are
transmitted to the part of the brain called the
limbic system. The limbic system interacts to
control the heart rate, blood pressure,
breathing, memory, stress level and hormone
balance.(5)
HOW DOES AROMATHERAPY
WORK?
Our sense of smell has a great deal with how we feel. Smell
certain smells helps our body feel better. The smells react with
other chemicals in the brain to help other parts of the body to
feel better.
SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE
There is a real lack of evidence on studies with aromatherapy. Every article I found there was no
actually study done.
All the evidence that actually found were of people who had tried aromatherapy on their on and their
reaction to the therapy.
The research I found does not prove my pico question. I would love to in the future be able to conduct
a case trial on aromatherapy and migraines.
I still do believe that aromatherapy will help with migraines.
TRAINING, LICENSING, AND CERTIFICATION
In the United States, 44 states and the District of Columbia regulate massage therapists. Cities,
counties, or other local governments also may regulate massage. Training standards and requirements
for massage therapists vary greatly by state and locality.(2)
DIFFERENT TYPES OF ESSENTIAL OILS(4)
Chemical Compound Therapeutic Action Oils
Hydrocarbons Terpenes Antiseptic, bactericidal, antiviral Bay, verbena, pine, juniper, tea tree
Oxygenated hydrocarbons alcohols Antiviral, bactericidal, stimulates
immune system
Rose, geranium, citronella, rosewood,
coriander, eucalyptus
Esters Antifungal, anti-inflammatory,
antispasmodic
Ylang-ylang, neroli, bergamot,
lavender, clary sage, petitgrain,
geranium, citronella
Phenols Antiseptic, bactericidal, stimulate
immune system, stimulate central
nervous system
Thyme, sage, oregano, clove,
cinnamon leaf, ylang-ylang
Aldehydes Anti-inflammatory, vasodilators, calm
central nervous system
Citronella, Melissa, cinnamon bark,
lemongrass, lemon, lime, verbena
Ketones Calming, sedative, analgesic Caraway, dill, spearmint, peppermint,
jasmine, rosemary, sage, fennel
Lactones Calming Bergamot, orange, mandarin, lemon
What is a migraine?
Migraines are a neurological syndrome characterized by severe headaches, nausea, vomiting,
and vision problems. They can last anywhere from a couple hours to days.
WHAT ESSENTIAL OILS HELP WITH
MIGRAINES?(4)
Green Apple
Lavender
Melissa
Peppermint
Rosemary
INTERNET SOURCE
My favorite internet source is http://www.aromatherapy-at-
home.com/howdoesaromatherapywork.html
This source is quoted in the next few slides.
This article was written by Teri Robert. She talks about the different ways she use aromatherapy forher
migraines and gives the recipes for them.
HOW DO YOU USE THE OILS?
Place oil on washcloth with cool water and use
as a compress on the forehead or the back of
the neck.
Use the Green Apple as an inhalant.
Message oil on the neck and shoulder
Put into bath and soak(3)
MAKE SMELLING SALTS
Fill a bottle up with dead sea salt
Fill bottle 75 % up with coconut oil
Fill the rest of the bottle up with the essential oils
Use Peppermint oil for nausea
Use lemongrass for feelings of depression
Use Sadlewood or clary sage oils for anxiety and pain
Use eucalyptus oil for facial pain(3)
MAKE ROLL-ONS
Start with a roll-on bottle
Fill 75% with coconut oil
Then add 10 drops of essential oils. A combination of peppermint, lavender, and clary sage are best.
Apply to temples and wrists(3)
MAKE BOTTLE BLENDS
Start with an empty bottle
Fill bottle 75% with coconut oil
Then add 10 drops of essential oils
A relaxation and sleep blend is chamomile, lavender, and clary sage oils.
Place few drops of these blend on pillow or in a bath to help.(3)
SUMMARY
It is important to understand that a migraine can not be stopped by aromatherapy; but aromatherapy
does help you when you have one. You can get relief and comfort by using aromatherapy.
I will definitely be purchasing some of these things and start trying it soon!
SOURCES CITED
Aromatherapy for treating postoperative nausea and vomiting - See more at:
http://summaries.cochrane.org/CD007598/aromatherapy-for-treating-postoperative-nausea-and-
vomiting#sthash.IOPIcWRP.dpuf Hines S, Steels E, Chang A, Gibbons K April 18, 2012
Massage Therapy for Health Purposes: What You Need To Know,
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/massage/massageintroduction.htm
http://migraine.com/blog/aromatherapy-for-migraines/
Fontaine, K. L. (2011). Complementary & Alaternative Therapies for Nursing Practice. Saddle River, New Jersey:
Prentice-Hall.
http://www.aromatherapy-at-home.com/howdoesaromatherapywork.html
ttp://www.grannymed.com/articles/remedies/the-scent-of-headache-relief
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23030536#