Make: DIY Essential Oil Headache Balm {Super Easy, Doubles As A Lip Balm & A Great Gift}

Now, before we get into this easy recipe, you have to know that I am prone to headaches and migraines. Actually, all of the women in my family are the same. We are not shy about taking pain relief when we need it either. The other day I was laying in bed, hoping the paracetamol would kick in and wishing I had taken something stronger to kill off my headache. I was thinking that there had to be something soothing I could do to get myself feeling better. I decided to make a headache balm or salve (whichever you prefer to call it) as soon as I was feeling better.

I knew I would need a combo of essential oils, with different properties that are deemed beneficial for headaches. I knew I wanted peppermint oil in my balm because it has that cool yet warm sensation that I thought would be nice on the temples. Plus it will help clear stuffy sinuses, if they are part of the problem. Frankincense can be pricey but I adore the scent and a scientific paper has shown it to be effective in treating cluster headaches and migraine. That study included taking it orally and assuming you use food grade essential oils, this makes a lovely lip balm too! I’ve been using it as a lip balm and it’s just wonderful! If you would prefer to use different essential oils lavender, camomile, rosemary and tea tree are all good choices.

This is so simple to make but you might wonder where to get the ingredients. Most health food stores will sell everything you need. If you or your gift recipient are vegan, sub the beeswax for a vegan alternative like carnauba or candelilla wax. I use regular coconut oil from my kitchen and food grade shea butter from here. You’ll need some little pots, jars or tins to store the balm. I had these little tins from eBay on hand but any clean little container will do. There’s probably something perfect at your local craft or $2 shop. I made two lip balm sized containers and two bigger pots with my batch. And if you are wondering what you might do with the leftover ingredients, there is a list of other things I’ve made at the end of the post, you could make a whole gift set!

Let’s make this!

• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup grated or beads of beeswax (or vegan alternative)
• 30 drops peppermint oil
• 30 drops frankincense oil
• Clean popsicle stick or straw

How It’s Done!

1. Add the shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax (or alternative) to a heat proof container. Heat proof glass or metal is best. If your essential oils aren’t food grade, you won’t want to use this container for food after making the balm.
2. One way to melt the wax is using a double boiler situation like I did. Or you can microwave in 30 sec bursts until just melted. Give everything a stir with a popsicle stick (or straw).
3. Add in the essential oils, stir well and pour into containers to set. The balm will contract a little as it cools, so you can fill right to the top. Allow your pots to cool and put the lid on.
4. Use fingers to apply the balm to the temples, forehead, neck, lips or wherever feels good!

I think this is a really lovely thing to give to someone who is headache prone! Just the thought of Christmas gives me a headache! If you are the same, you could yourself some and make a whole bunch as gifts. If you have lots of people to gift, why not mix and match with other essential oil gifty things? These recipes are perfect and most have printable gift labels too!

• DIY Relaxing Bath Salts
• DIY Essential Oil Roller Ball Perfume
• DIY No Heat Shea Butter & Olive Oil Body Butter
• DIY Mint & Rosewater Facial Mist

Now, I know you have the BIG question, does it work? I think it certainly helps! I have used this to banish a few headaches without taking pain relief and I have used it and found it backed things down a bit. The day I gave it to her, Mum put this on her sore back and felt some relief too. The gorgeous scent of this certainly made me feel like I was taking care of myself and helped me to change tracks a bit and tune in. Even if it is a placebo effect, I’m taking whatever works! Happy making and happy gifting and happy to be without a headache xxxx