Looking for a better alternative to OTC pain relievers? Make this headache salve.
Headaches are a literal pain, and one that nearly everyone encounters at some point.
If you’re a chronic migraine sufferer- I feel for you. Some types of headaches can be harder to find relief for, and can make it really tough to go about your daily tasks.
For many of us, headaches are less frequent and can be more commonly a result of things like eyestrain (and blue light), weather changes and stress.
Food sensitivities and hormonal shifts can often be to blame for other types of headaches.
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Headache Medicine Risks
Regardless of the cause, you might be hesitant to pop another over-the-counter pain reliever every time you feel a headache coming on.
It seems that as time goes on, there is mounting evidence that makes me want to use those medicines sparingly – not as the first option.
Ibuprofen, for instance, comes with risk of ulcers and bleeding of the stomach or intestine.
There is also a warning of a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, especially when taken over a long period of time. [Source.]
Natural Headache Relief
There are many options you could try to relieve headaches. If you’ve landed on this post, you may have already exhausted a few ideas!
Lately, I’ve been more invested in the healing potential of herbs.
Just by infusing herbs in oil, you have the start of an endless list of natural remedies for your home medicine cabinet.
Yes, they can take a little time to prepare in advance. But the benefits are really worthwhile.
Start your first batch now, so you’ll be prepared when you need it.
(*Or, see the notes section of the recipe card for the quick heat infusion method.)
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Headache Herbs
For this headache relief salve, we are infusing some herbs known to be effective with pain relief for centuries:
- Willow Bark
- Ginger
- Chamomile
- Peppermint
But as always, feel free to add or experiment with herbs you are familiar with and enjoy using, or those you might have growing in your garden.
You can find the complete recipe below in the recipe card. Let us know how this salve works for you!
Natural Headache Relief Salve
Try this natural pain relief that comes without the side effects!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup White Willow Bark
- 1/4 cup Ginger Root
- 1/4 cup Chamomile Flowers
- 1/4 cup Peppermint Leaf
- 1 to 1.5 cups of carrier oil: avocado, olive oil, or fractionated coconut oil (or enough oil to cover the herb mixture completely)
- 1/4 cup Beeswax Pellets
- 20 drops essential oils (optional)- such as peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary
Instructions
- Add all the herbs to a quart-sized jar, filling it halfway full.
- Add enough carrier oil to cover the herbs completely- approximately 1 to 1.5 cups of oil. (If you want to make a smaller batch, you can use a pint-sized mason jar and less oil, instead.)
- Let this mixture infuse for about a week and a half. The longer you can let it sit, the more potent it will be, though. *See Notes section for quicker method, if preferred.
- Strain the herbs from the oil.
- Add one cup of the infused oil and beeswax pellets to a glass jar and melt slowly in the microwave until all melted.
- Once melted, let it cool slightly before adding in your essential oils (optional).
- Pour mixture into 2-ounce tin containers and let harden overnight before putting the lid on. If you don't have the 2-oz containers, you can use one small jar (such as a half-pint jar) and pour the entire mixture into that.
- To use: rub salve with fingers onto temples or wherever the pain is located on your head.
Notes
*FOR QUICK HEAT INFUSION METHOD: Instead of letting herbs sit in cold oil for several weeks, you can do one of the following if you prefer, letting the herbs heat in oil for 30 mins for up to a few hours:
- Heat the oil and herbs over a double broiler, keeping the temperature from 90-110 degrees F. Do not go over 110 to preserve the quality of the herbs. Do not boil! Don't allow any water to get into the mixture.
- Add the oil and herbs to a small slow cooker on low or "keep warm" setting, checking the temperature frequently to stay under 110 degrees F.
- Add the oil and herbs to a glass mason jar; shake and add ring and lid. Put in dehydrator at about 105 degrees F for a few hours. Careful when removing jar! Use potholders.
*You can also blend the herbs in a blender or coffee grinder before heating, to increase surface area and allow a quicker infusion process.
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