Headaches are quite unpredictable and can be persistent, with the throbbing making it difficult to concentrate and function properly. Instead of taking harsh medications that have a long list of side effects, try using this natural DIY homemade headache salve.

Homemade Headache Salve

I’m not one for taking many over-the-counter medications, preferring to take a natural, herbal route where possible.

Types of Headaches

Before treating a headache, it is good to try and pinpoint the reason it has occurred in the first place, so that you can prevent it from reoccurring. There are many different types of headaches:

Tension headache
Dehydration
Eye strain
Heat Exhaustion
Lack of food
Over-tired
Stress

Carrier Oils

When making a salve, choosing the correct carrier oil can improve the impact of the salve as each carrier oil has its own set of distinct properties. Blending a couple of carrier oils can also help maximise their benefits.

With this salve recipe, there are multiple carrier oils that could be used including:

Avocado Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sweet Almond Oil
Argan Oil
Rosehip Oil
Hemp Oil
Safflower Oil

You can learn more about carrier oils here.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are potent, and need to be diluted. As this salve is being used on your skin, you will need to use essential oils that are gentle enough to be applied to your skin – and used in the correct quantities.

Just be careful using some essential oils such as tea tree and peppermint, around children and pregnant women, making sure to do your research before using.

Before Using this Salve

Before using this rub, you will need to understand a few things.

Don’t use on skin with open wounds or cuts.
Test on small area of skin before using. If there’s any irritation, dilute with more carrier oils.
Wash hands well after using.

More Salve Recipes

Ingredients for Making Headache Infused Oil

To make the infused oil, you will need:

Dried Willow Bark
Dried Ginger
Dried Chamomile
Dried Peppermint
Carrier Oil
Avocado Oil or another carrier oil of your choice

First you will need to infuse the herbs in the avocado oil. If using fresh leaves, let them dry for at least a day or two before infusing.

Place the dry leaves in a glass jar adding 1 TBSP of each until the jar is just over half full.

Pour over the avocado oil or other carrier oil until all the herbs are covered.

Put the lid on the jar and store in a dark cupboard for two to four weeks, shaking every couple of days to keep everything submerged.

Strain the leaves with a strainer, cheesecloth or an unbleached coffee filter. The infused oil is now ready to make into a salve.

If you want to speed up the infusion process, slowly heat the oil in a slow cooker on low heat for 24 – 48 hours.

For more information on making infused oils, check this out.

Making Headache Salve

To make 6 ounces of this salve, you will need:

1 Cup Infused Oil
¼ Cup Beeswax
15 Drops Essential Oils
2 Oz Containers

Making Headache Salve

Combine the beeswax and the infused oil in a microwaveable container and heat for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave until the beeswax is completely melted. Stir in between each heat burst.

This process could also be done in a double boiler.

Add the essential oil if using and mix through.

Pour the mixture into small glass jars or tins.

Let the salve cool and set.

The salve is now ready to label, date and store.

Storing This Salve

Place the salve in dark glass jars or metal tins to protect it from exposure to light and air. I have also used tubes for easier application.

Store in a cool, dark place.

When properly stored, this salve should last up to six months.

To Use this Salve

Using clean hands, rub a small amount of the salve onto your fingers, then gently rub on the areas needed on the forehead. Be careful not to get it in your eyes.

Notes

If you are picking fresh leaves to use in this salve, make sure to harvest them from a pesticide free area.
Harvest only when you are 100% positive you have the correct plant as there are many lookalikes which are inedible or poisonous.
Vitamin E is optional, and is often added to salves as an antioxidant to prevent rancidity, as well as for its amazing skin-healing properties. Add 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil to help preserve your salve even longer!
You can use any type of carrier oil for the infused oil. This recipe uses avocado oil.
If you want this to be a vegan recipe, swap out beeswax pellets for candelilla wax.
Try adding essential oils or other infused oils for a more powerful salve. Peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender and rosemary essential oils are good for headaches.
I live in a hot climate, so this is made with 3 tablespoons of beeswax to stop it from melting during hot summers, thus making this a harder salve. Use less beeswax if you want a softer balm. To test the consistency of the salve, place a small amount on the back of your hand and see what it does. If it’s too soft, add more beeswax; if it is too hard, add more oil.

More Ways to Help Get Rid of Headaches

Stay Hydrated – Make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day.
Get Some Rest – Lack of sleep or poor sleep can contribute to headaches.
Manage Stress – This is a big one for many people. Try yoga, stretching, meditation, deep breathing, relaxation techniques or going for a walk.
Diet – Many foods and beverages contain ingredients that can trigger or aggravate headaches. Limit things such as alcohol, caffeine, and processed food.
Exercise – Aim to keep moving on a regular basis. Take breaks and move if sitting at a desk for long periods of time.
Good Posture – Tension headaches can be triggered by poor posture, especially when sitting at a desk, as your neck and shoulders muscles can become strained. Make sure to take breaks to stretch, relax and do some moving.
Heat or cold compress – Some people may benefit from using a cold compress or warm heat bag on affected areas as this may help reduce inflammation which can provide relief from headaches.