Use of aromatherapy for Migraine pain relief

Migraine is a debilitating disease with a complex pathophysiology and multiple risk factors. Due to the limited efficacy and tolerability of available pharmacologic treatments, patients often seek complementary and alternative therapies like aromatherapy, which has shown promising results in various clinical trials. This survey investigates the usage patterns of essential oils among migraine patients and their knowledge of proper usage methods and associated side effects. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted over nine months (December 2022 to August 2023) among migraine patients using a semi-structured electronic questionnaire analyzed with Microsoft Excel. Most participants (83.44%) were aged 25 to 64, predominantly female (83%). Among them, 42.75% had suffered from migraines for 5 to 15 years, with 61.19% reporting significant life impact due to the condition. Over half opted for alternative treatments; aromatherapy was used by 61%, with essential oils such as Mentha piperita, Lavandula angustifolia, Eucalyptus globulus, Cinnamomum camphora, and Nigella damascena being most cited. Notably, 55% reported symptom improvement after use. Aromatherapy shows potential as a complementary approach for managing migraine symptoms. However, the lack of awareness regarding proper usage and safety highlights the need for patient education and further clinical studies to establish its efficacy and ensure safe practices.