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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. 1 In
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. 2
Similar 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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