Tension Headache and Treatment with Pepermint and related oils

Headache (Tension), Muscle Contraction Headache, Stress Headache

Tension-type headache is very common and is typically experienced as a dull, non-throbbing pain in the back of the neck or in a "headband" distribution.

Herbs

A preliminary report suggested that peppermint oil has relaxing and pain relieving effects, and may be useful as a topical remedy for tension-type headache.¹In a double-blind study, spreading a 10% peppermint oil solution across the temples three times over a 30-minute period was significantly better than placebo and as effective as acetaminophen in reducing headache pain.²Similar use of "Tiger Balm" an ointment combining menthol and other oils related to peppermint oil was also as effective as pain relieving medication and superior to placebo in another double-blind study.³

Are there any side effects or interactions? Refer to the individual herb for information about any side effects or interactions.

References

Gobel H, Schmidt G, Soyka D. Effect of peppermint and eucalyptus oil preparations on neurophysiological and experimental algesimetric headache parameters. Cephalalgia 1994;14:228-34.

Gobel H, Fresenius J, Heinze A, et al. Effectiveness of Oleum menthae piperitae and paracetamol in therapy of headache of the tension type. Nervenarzt 1996;67:672-81 [in German].

Schattner P, Randerson D. Tiger Balm as a treatment of tension headache. A clinical trial in general practice. Aust Fam Physician 1996;25(2):216, 218, 220.

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