Oh, your aching head! A tension headache is an uncomfortable experience that can put a damper on an otherwise pleasant and productive day. Like a band of pressure surrounding your head, the discomfort of this type of headache can last anywhere from several hours to a week. Although over-the-counter medications such as Advil and Tylenol may provide some relief, they're not effective for everyone. Are you looking for a natural treatment for tension headache? Some studies suggest that peppermint oil may be a natural solution for treatment of tension headaches.

Two studies discussed in American Family Physician showed that application of peppermint oil applied to the temples of the forehead was effective in relieving the symptoms of tension headache. One of the studies showed that topical peppermint oil was as effective as Tylenol for the relief of headache symptoms. It was noted in these studies that headache relief occurred approximately fifteen minutes after application of 100% peppermint oil to the forehead. No adverse reactions to the peppermint oil were seen in either of the studies.

While application of 100% peppermint oil was used for tension headache in these studies, other sites have suggested the use of peppermint oil mixed with eucalyptus oil and diluted in a third base oil as a topical treatment for tension headache. It seems that the combination of peppermint oil with eucalyptus oil as well as peppermint oil used alone cause muscle relaxation which is helpful for relieving the discomfort of tension headache.

Are there any safety concerns associated with use of peppermint oil for tension headache treatment? Peppermint oil used orally can have significant side effects when used at high doses. These include kidney failure and even death. It should also be avoided in persons who have GERD since it can relax the flap leading from the esophagus to the stomach causing an increase in reflux symptoms. When taken orally, peppermint oil may alter the levels of certain prescription and non-prescription medications.

These side effects could potentially apply to skin application also since there's evidence that the oil is absorbed through the skin. For these reasons, use peppermint only in small quantities and discontinue if any adverse reactions occur. Children and pregnant women should avoid it entirely. If you have any known allergies to peppermint products, avoid using peppermint of any kind. It's also best if you consult your doctor before using any kind of natural supplement particularly if you're taking other medications.

Peppermint oil appears to hold promise for treatment of tension headache but should be used only in small doses and under the care of your doctor.