How to Get Rid of Headaches (Homemade Headache Salve)

Do you find yourself getting headaches but don’t want to reach for those OTC (over-the-counter) medications? Learn how to get rid of headaches naturally with this homemade headache salve made from peppermint and pine!

Why I Love This Natural Remedy

I’m not crazy about taking over-the-counter medications, nor do I want my children to take them. That’s why I’m passionate about filling my herbal medicine cabinet with all the home remedies we may need.

The Mayo Clinic says that most headache medicines, including simple pain relievers (aspirin, acetaminophen, etc.), have the potential to lead to medication overuse headaches. (Source) None of us want that! So, let’s reach for natural headache remedies instead.

Some of our favorite homemade remedies are this congestion remedy (great for the cold and flu), these homemade allergy capsules (great for hay fever), this steam inhalation for congestion (to clear your sinuses, nasal passageways and chest), this bone healing comfrey compress, this homemade antibiotic ointment, and, of course, this homemade elderberry syrup (or these elderberry gummies).

Identifying The Cause of Headaches

Headaches are one of those unwelcome guests that can show up unannounced and wreak havoc on our day. Whether it’s a dull ache or a throbbing pain, headaches have a knack for stealing our focus and leaving us feeling drained.

Before treating a headache, it’s a good idea to try to pinpoint its cause to prevent it from becoming a regular occurrence.

• Tension Headache
• Eye Strain
• Heat Exhaustion
• Not Enough Food
• Over-Tired
• Dehydrated

While I’m not a doctor, and this blog post is not intended as medical advice, there are some ways to identify what has caused your headache. If you can pinpoint the cause, the solution will be much more straightforward.

Natural Headache Remedies

While taking an OTC painkiller might seem like the easiest (and sometimes fastest) solution, there are plenty of natural remedies and lifestyle changes that can help alleviate headaches and prevent them from returning.

Let’s dive into some effective strategies for bidding farewell to those pesky headaches:

Stay Hydrated	Dehydration is a common trigger for headaches. Make sure you’re drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day, especially if you’re active or spending time in hot weather. (Source)
Get Some Rest	Lack of sleep or poor sleep quality can contribute to headaches. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to give your body the rest it needs to function optimally. (Source)
Manage Stress	Stress is a major headache culprit for many people. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or simply taking regular breaks throughout the day to relax and recharge. (Source)
Watch Your Diet	Certain foods and beverages, such as alcohol, caffeine, processed foods, and those containing artificial sweeteners, can trigger headaches in some individuals. Pay attention to how your body reacts to different foods and consider keeping a food diary to identify potential triggers. (Source)
Exercise Regularly	Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood boosters. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week to help prevent headaches and improve overall health. (Source)
Practice Good Posture	Poor posture, especially when sitting at a desk or using electronic devices, can strain the muscles in your neck and shoulders, leading to tension headaches. Be mindful of your posture and take frequent breaks to stretch and relax your muscles. (Source)
Try Relaxation Techniques	In addition to managing stress, relaxation techniques such as massage, acupuncture, and aromatherapy can help alleviate tension and promote headache relief. (Source)
Use Heat or Cold Therapy	Applying a cold compress or a warm towel to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from headache pain. Experiment with both to see which works best for you. (Source)
Consider Supplements	Magnesium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), and coenzyme Q10 are among the supplements that some people find helpful in preventing headaches. However, it’s essential to choose high-quality safe supplements and to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen. (Source)
Herbal Remedies	Last but certainly not least is this herbal headache salve that includes peppermint and pine. Peppermint oil has been shown to help relieve tension-type headaches (Source), and pine has been shown to help with certain types of migraines. (Source)

If none of the above remedies provide any relief, it may be time to seek professional help. If you’re experiencing frequent or severe headaches that aren’t relieved by lifestyle changes or herbal remedies, consulting with a healthcare provider is the best next step.

They can help determine the underlying cause of your headaches and recommend appropriate treatment options.

How to Make This Herbal Remedy

Supplies Needed

• 2 Pint-sized Mason jars – For herbal oil.
• Strainer – To strain the finished herbal oil. A fine mesh colander works great, as does cheesecloth or an old clean t-shirt.
• Funnel – This helps prevent spills while straining oil. Also helpful, if needed, for filling containers with salve.
• Small Burner – Use your stove top or a small electric burner.
• Small Pot – Create a double-boiler with a small pot and a heat-proof bowl to melt the salve ingredients.
• Bowl or Glass Measuring Cup – Something that fits into or on top of your pot for melting the salve ingredients.
• Containers – You’ll need something to store the finished salve. A small glass Mason jar or jelly jar works well. However, we love the convenience of the chapstick tubes or salve tins.

Ingredients Needed

For the Herbal Oil

• Dried Mint Leaves – “The local topical treatment with peppermint oil (oleum menthae piperitae) has proven to be significantly more effective than placebo in controlled studies. Peppermint oil targets headache pathophysiology in multiple ways.” Peppermint essential oil is not recommended for children under six years old. (Source)
• Dried Pine Needles (Or Pine Essential Oil) – It’s been shown that pine can help with headaches such as migraines. (Source)
• Oil of Choice – Enough oil of choice to cover the dried herbs.

For the Salve

• Beeswax Pastilles – I like using the pastilles because they’re easier to measure. You can also get a large block of beeswax and grate it with a cheese grater.
• Herbal Oil – This is your finished pine and peppermint herbal oil.
• Vitamin E Oil – This extends the shelf life of your salve while also adding great skin benefits.
• Peppermint or Lavender Essential Oil (optional) – For added benefits, you can add essential oils to the salve. This is purely optional.

You can purchase all the ingredients needed for this headache salve recipe from our friends at Farmhouse Teas. You can buy all the ingredients and supplies in a ready-made kit or only buy what you need. They even offer the easy application plastic tubes!

Step-By-Step Directions

How to Make Herbal Oil

Yield: Makes 10 oz

1. Gather your herbs and add them to a clean and dry pint jar. 
2. Pour oil over the herbs until they are completely submerged, leaving a little room at the top of the jar.
3. Place a lid on the jar and close snugly. 
4. Find a warm area in your home and let the herbs infuse for about two weeks.
5. Occasionally, rotate or gently shake the jar to help the herbs blend together. 
6. After two weeks, strain the herbs out of the oil by pouring through a coffee filter, butter muslin or fine mesh strainer into a new, clean jar.
7. Strain the oil, label and move directly to making your salve or store it in a cool, dark location for up to one year.

Homesteading Hack: If you can’t find a reputable source for pine needles, you can substitute pine essential oil. Use 1/4 teaspoon pine essential oil for every 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of oil.

How to Make the Headache Salve

1. Warm the beeswax and the herbal oil in a double boiler, stirring occasionally. Once the beeswax is melted, remove it from the heat.
2. Add the peppermint essential oil and vitamin E oil.
3. Stir together and pour into clean, dry containers.
4. Label with name, ingredients and date made.
5. Store at room temperature for up to one year.
6. Use as needed. 

While headaches can be a real pain, there are plenty of natural remedies you can use to find relief and prevent them from disrupting your life.

Did you make this remedy? If so, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below. Then, tag us on social media @homesteadingfamily so we can see your herbal remedies!

Herbal Oils & Salves Course

Ready to learn more? We have a brand new course on making herbal oils and salves. If you’d like to learn more, grab this course and learn how to create oil infusions, salves and balms for everyday ailments.

Together we’ll create practical salves, fun cosmetic balms and even herb-infused culinary oils. We even have a special discount offer for you of 25% off the price of the course. Grab the Herbal Oils and Salves Course now!

More Herbal Remedies You May Enjoy

• Home Remedies for Cough (Baby and Toddlers & Adults)
• Calendula Oil Recipe
• Homemade Arnica Salve
• DIY Lip Balm: Easy Homemade Recipe Guide
• Dandelion Uses for the Homestead
• Medicinal Uses for Rose Petals
• DIY Rose and Honey Face Wash (For Dry & Aging Skin)