DIY Headache Salve with Peppermint (Herbal Recipe & Instructions) (2024)

This DIY headache salve with peppermint, coconut oil, and beeswax is all natural and a wonderful herbal home remedy for headaches.

DIY Headache Salve with Peppermint (Herbal Recipe & Instructions) (1)

If you suffer from headaches or migraines, you know just how much they can interfere with your life. I’m blessed to not be cursed with recurring headaches, but my husband does, and he usually gets a severe migraine at least once or twice a year.

It used to be worse! If there’s one thing we’ve noticed, it’s that diet, getting adequate sleep, and staying hydrated make a huge difference in keeping headaches and migraines away. It’s also important to act fast before they really start to set in.

When you feel a headache coming on, nip it in the bud! Apply this DIY headache salve and drink a tall glass of water immediately. My salve will still help even after a headache or migraine has set in, but I know how debilitating they can be.

Homemade salves are fairly easy to make. I’ve made a ton, from all purpose healing salves, to belly butters for pregnancy and postpartum.

Most of my recipes start with an herbal infused oil. In this case, I infused some sweet almond oil with dried peppermint leaves. One day I’ll use fresh, homegrown peppermint leaves, but my garden was a huge fail this past year.

I allowed the oil to infuse in my window for five months. Yes, you read that right! Five whole months!

It was an accident, but a happy one! It made for a super potent oil that gave my headache salve a beautiful green color!

Alternatively, you can infuse your oil over the stove or in a crockpot if you don’t feel like waiting weeks or months for your oil to infuse. Both ways work just fine. The longer you allow it to infuse, the more potent it will be.

Peppermint, especially the aroma, is great for naturally easing headaches and migraines. Of all the herbal remedies I’ve tried out on my husband, peppermint has been his favorite, by far.

Up until now, I’ve simply made him herbal teas with loose peppermint leaves tied up in a cheesecloth. I’ve also wrapped a few peppermint leaves in a cool, wet rag and placed it on his forehead for headache relief.

Both have worked quite well, but I was excited to make a convenient salve that would provide relief for tension and headaches.

Now, instead of digging out my dried peppermint leaves, I can simply whip out this handy little salve!

Apply a small amount to your forehead and temples for relief! You don’t have to use a ton, so one batch of this lasts a long time. You can adjust the fit your preference. For a creamy, smooth salve, follow my instructions exactly, or use a little less beeswax.

To make it more like a balm, add more beeswax and cut down on the coconut oil.

How To Make DIY Headache Salve

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Ingredients For DIY Headache Salve:

  • 2/3 cup Peppermint Infused Oil
  • 1/3 cup Beeswax
  • 1/4 cup Coconut Oil
  • 4 drops Vitamin E Oil
  • 2 4-ounce Mason Jars
  • Optional: 3 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil or Rosemary Essential Oil

DIY Headache Salve with Peppermint (Herbal Recipe & Instructions) (3)

Directions For DIY Headache Salve:

1. Add Ingredients To Double Boiler

In a double boiler, add peppermint infused oil, beeswax and coconut oil.

2. Heat Until Melted

Heat the ingredients until everything is melted.

3. Take The Mixture Off of Heat

Take the mixture off of the heat and allow to cool for a minute or two.

4. Add Rest of The Ingredients

Add the vitamin e oil and essential oils (if you’re using those).

5. Stir Until Thoroughly Mixed

Stir the mixture until the oils are all mixed in.

6. Pour Into Small Mason Jars

Pour the salve mixture into 4 oz mason jars and allow to cool.

DIY Headache Salve with Peppermint (Herbal Recipe & Instructions) (4)

DIY Headache Salve with Peppermint (Herbal Recipe & Instructions) (5)

If sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, this homemade salve can last up to a year. Because there is coconut oil, it can become more solidified in cold temperatures. Alternatively, hotter temps will make it smoother and creamier.

I didn’t add essential oils to my recipe, because I’ve found peppermint to be the most effective scent for headache relief. However, lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus have been known to ease headaches and migraines as well.

Remember to go easy on the essential oils, as overpowering scents can have the opposite effect.

If you make my DIY headache salve, don’t be shy! Tag me on Instagram or Facebook and tell me about your experience. Did it help soothe your headaches? Did you run into any issues with the recipe? I’d love to hear from you.

If you liked this post, don’t forget to pin it for later:

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DIY Headache Salve with Peppermint (Herbal Recipe & Instructions) (2024)

FAQs

DIY Headache Salve with Peppermint (Herbal Recipe & Instructions)? ›

Research is limited on its clinical effectiveness, but topical peppermint oil may be a good herbal option for the relief of migraine pain. Peppermint oil is one of the easiest herbal remedies to try because of its prevalence in health food stores and pharmacies.

What herbal salve is good for headaches? ›

Research is limited on its clinical effectiveness, but topical peppermint oil may be a good herbal option for the relief of migraine pain. Peppermint oil is one of the easiest herbal remedies to try because of its prevalence in health food stores and pharmacies.

How to make peppermint ointment? ›

What to Do:
  1. Chop your peppermint leaves.
  2. Warm the oil in a crock pot on low or on the stove in a pot on low.
  3. (optional) Check the temp to make sure it doesn't get too hot (over 120 degrees)
  4. Allow to infuse for 3–6 hours at this temp.
  5. Turn off the heat.
  6. Stir the herb and allow to infuse overnight in the oil.
Nov 30, 2016

How to make peppermint oil for headaches? ›

Essential oils need to be diluted in a carrier oil before being applied directly to the skin. Usually, the recommended ratio is 3 to 5 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce of sweet almond oil, warmed coconut oil, or mineral oil.

How to make peppermint salve? ›

Take a large mason jar (or other heat proof glass container) and pour a few inches of a light oil into the bottom then start crumbling mint leaves into it. Swirl or stir this so that the leaves are covered, then repeat layering oil and adding leaves as needed.

Which balm is best for strong headache? ›

rao's ARAM Balm is the best balm for pain, providing relief for instant pains like a headache, body pains, sprains, and muscular pain. Advantages: Broad spectrum pain reliever. Safe & Long lasting effect.

How do you mix peppermint oil for pain? ›

To use peppermint oil for pain relief, simply apply two to three drops topically to the area of concern three times daily, add five drops to a warm bath with Epsom salt or try a homemade muscle rub. Combining peppermint with lavender oil is also a great way to help your body relax and reduce muscle pain.

How do you make herbal ointment at home? ›

Method
  1. First you will need to make an infused oil. ...
  2. Take 100ml of your infused herbal oil.
  3. Warm in a bain-marie, add 15g beeswax until it has melted.
  4. Take it off the heat.
  5. Whilst it is still warm add any essential oils you want to.
  6. Pour this into some salve jars.
  7. Allow to cool and then add a lid, label and store.

How do you mix peppermint oil for topical use? ›

To dilute peppermint oil for skin, use the step-by-step guide below:
  1. Make sure you have the peppermint oil and carrier oil to hand.
  2. You'll also need a bowl to mix your oils together.
  3. Pour 10ml of carrier oil into your bowl.
  4. Add 5 drops of peppermint essential oil and mix well.
Sep 23, 2023

Where do you put peppermint for headaches? ›

Best for tension headaches: Peppermint oil

This 2015 review of published studies on essential oils states that applying peppermint oil to the temples and forehead helps ease tension headaches.

Where to rub peppermint oil for headaches? ›

If you're unsure where to apply peppermint oil for headaches, follow the steps below:
  • Mix the peppermint oil with a carrier oil.
  • Dab a couple drops of the mixture onto your fingers.
  • Massage onto your temples, back of neck, shoulders and chest.
Dec 24, 2023

What homemade oil is good for headaches? ›

Mix peppermint oil in a carrier oil and apply to the temples, forehead, and back of the neck for headache relief. You can also add a few drops to a diffuser or steam inhalation for an extra soothing effect. Peppermint oil is generally safe for most people.

How do you infuse herbs into salve? ›

In a dry, pint-size jar, crumble 1/2 cup dried herbs and cover with 1 cup of olive oil (ratio 1 part dried herbs : 2 parts oil). Cap and place the jar in a soup pot filled with water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, then simmer for 1 hour. Strain the herbs from the oil with a piece of clean cloth.

What is the ratio for homemade salve? ›

Mixing Your Salve

I typically make my salve with an oil to beeswax ratio of 3:1 or 4:1, which results in a thick but still easily spreadable texture. For example, in my latest batch I had about 100 mL of melted beeswax so I added about 300 mL of oil.

What plant cures headaches? ›

Feverfew is used mostly to treat and prevent headaches. Feverfew was popular in the 1980s as a treatment for migraines. A survey of 270 people with migraines in Great Britain found that more than 70% of them felt much better after taking an average of 2 to 3 fresh feverfew leaves daily.

What does Tiger Balm do for headaches? ›

2. Tension headaches. Authors of a study from 1996 found that applying Tiger Balm to the forehead was more effective at relieving tension headaches than a placebo. It was almost as effective as taking acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Why does Tiger Balm work for headaches? ›

It creates a cooling sensation on the skin, which can be particularly effective in reducing pain and discomfort. Studies have shown that menthol aids in lessening pain, as it interacts with the body's pain receptors to alleviate discomfort.

How does Tiger Balm get rid of headaches? ›

Tiger Balm is a topical pain reliever. There's some evidence that its ingredients may ease pain or reduce inflammation. It's possible that the product's cooling effect distracts users from the pain of muscle aches, tension headaches, or joint pain.

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