As a lifelong headache sufferer, I can’t tell you how thrilled I am about this one-second natural headache remedy! I was totally skeptical at first, but I tried it and it worked like a charm! Want to know what it is? You’ll have to keep reading! Don’t worry, I won’t make you scroll through 1,000 words to find it!

Quick background and the types of headaches this natural remedy will relieve

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Okay, so I know I promised that I wouldn’t make you sit through a lot of blah blah blah before getting to my favorite new headache remedy, but I feel like we need a little backstory (and a disclaimer, of course) before we get to it. If you want to skip that, you can scroll down a smidge and it’ll be clear as day. I’m not about burying the lead so deep that you have to read every word to find it. That drives me bonkers!

So, quick background info: I’ve had headaches of one form or another for the better part of 25 years. They run the gamut from mild tension headaches to “OMG, please just chop off my head already!” migraines. This quick headache remedy works very well for mild to moderate attacks.

It does not work for my major migraines, BUT it does help clear the fog that all of my migraine meds cause. It also helps relieve the nausea and vomiting that accompanies them so that my stronger meds have a chance to get into my system.

Will it work for your migraines? Possibly. I know people who swear it relieves even the worst headaches instantly. My migraines are so severe that even the strongest pain killers don’t put a dent in them. I actually just started a beta blocker, so we’ll see how that helps. I just want you to go into this with reasonable expectations. I don’t want you to be suffering from a “chop off my head now” headache, try this, have it fail, and think “that girl is an idiot.” 😀

My One-Minute, One-Step Natural Headache Remedy

It’s peppermint oil! Yep, the same stuff you use to make your house smell festive and to turn regular bath salts into a muscle-soothing powerhouse is the stuff that makes my headaches take a hike within seconds! Crazy, right? Let’s talk a couple of quick safety tips, then I’ll tell you how I do it.

Peppermint Oil Safety Tips to Follow Before Trying This Headache “Cure”

This natural headache remedy is meant for adults. Don’t use it on children. Definitely do not use it on very young kids!

There are very few essential oils that I would recommend putting INTO your body (be it through ingesting it, using it as a mouthwash, or even dabbing it on the roof of your mouth). The FDA has a list of “generally considered safe for human consumption” oils, but I still exercise great caution when using them in this way. I did a lot of research before trying this to make sure it was safe.

Another thing (I’m almost done, I promise): I am sharing what worked for me, and in no way guarantee that it will work for you. If you have a medical condition or take other medications, please talk to your doctor before trying any natural remedy. You might be surprised by how well they understand herbal remedies. My neurologist’s medical assistant was quite knowledgeable when it came to peppermint oil for migraines.

For more safety tips regarding the use of peppermint oil, please check out this article by NAHA. They’re very reliable and thorough.

Okay, now that we have all of that out of the way, let’s talk about how to use peppermint oil for headaches!

How to use peppermint as a natural headache remedy

1. Get the good stuff!

Buy really good peppermint essential oil. Like the therapeutic grade stuff, not the “gee this would smell good in a diffuser” stuff. Don’t worry, it’s still one of the cheapest essential oils, even when you buy the really good stuff! You’ll also want to make sure it’s 100% pure peppermint oil, and not a blend.

Oh, and it must be peppermint. Don’t substitute other minds. For the love of whatever higher power you believe in, DO NOT USE WINTERGREEN. It is HIGHLY toxic when used incorrectly (and this would definitely be one of those incorrect uses for it).

I am a big fan of ArtNaturals Essential Oils. Their 15ML Peppermint Oil is sold out as of this moment (although that may not be the case when you’re reading this, so check), but their larger bottle is in stock. I use Peppermint oil so often that it would be worth it for me to buy the larger bottle. It’s also included in their gift set, which comes with all of the other essential oils you should always have on hand! Their products are sold on their website and on Amazon.

2. Wash your hands!

You’ll be sticking your thumb in your mouth, so please do not skip this step! I’m talking full on “sing the ABCs” hand-washing! You may even want to break out the nail brush and get under those fingernails if you have them. Despite my odd obsession with nail art, I bite all of mine off, so I don’t have that problem.

3. Place ONE DROP of peppermint oil on your thumb.

I put my thumb on top of the open bottle, tip it quickly, and tip it back. You’ll end up with a small drop on your thumb. If you prefer to be more clinical about it, hold the bottle above your thumb and let just one drop fall on it. Trust me, a drop is enough. Don’t get all crazy with it!

4. Stick that baby to the roof of your mouth!

Act like a toddler and stick your thumb in your mouth as if you were going to suck on it. You don’t actually have to suck your thumb. 😀  Just place the part with the peppermint oil against the roof of your mouth. The whole thumb-sucking imitation just helps you find the perfect spot to put it.

Hold your thumb there for about ten seconds, give or take. It doesn’t have to be precise. You don’t need a stop watch or anything. Just count to ten in your head. Remove your thumb and revel in the feeling of your headache running for the hills! I like to drink water afterward because it’s very refreshing.

I’m lying. I drink coffee after because I drink coffee always, but water sounds healthier, doesn’t it? Oooh, you could throw some cocoa powder in your coffee and the combination is kind of like a mint mocha! But seriously, water is better for you, so go with that.

5. Wash your hands again

Make sure you wash your hand again when you’re done. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step, especially if you tend to bite your nails or rub your eyes. I rubbed my eyes without washing my hands, and wow, does that burn! Since I bite my nails, skipping this step has also left me with burning lips! Peppermint oil is lovely in a lip balm base, but on its own it’s a little harsh on the delicate skin around your lips. You’ll want to keep that in mind when you stick your thumb in your mouth. Maybe I should have mentioned that earlier.

That’s it! In just about a minute, your mild to moderate headache should be gone! Like I said, it doesn’t work on the hardcore migraines for me, but it does help stop the nausea that comes with them.

Have you tried the peppermint oil for headaches remedy? How did it work for you?