DIY Herbal Headache Relief Balm Recipe with Essential Oils

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When your head feels heavy and nothing seems to help, a gentle, herbal DIY headache salve with targeted essential oils might offer just the relief you need. This homemade remedy brings together time-tested herbs and essential oils known to comfort tension and support relaxation.

The great thing about this salve is it can be made with the herbs and essential oils, or just one or the other. For example, you can make it with only the herbs, or only the essential oils.

You don’t need anything fancy to make it—just a few simple ingredients, a jar, and a bit of patience for the infusion. The result is a smooth, natural balm that you can reach for whenever your temples throb or your neck feels tight.

Let’s see what makes this salve worth a spot in your daily care routine.

Why This DIY Headache Salve Needs a Spot in Your Routine

This herbal salve is more than just a natural remedy. It brings together calming plants, nourishing oils, and optional essential oils to create a balm that supports comfort when you need it most. Here’s what gives it that soothing touch:

A Calming Blend of Herbs

Willow bark is often called “nature’s aspirin.” It contains compounds that help ease discomfort. Ginger warms the skin slightly and encourages circulation, which can be helpful when tension builds. Chamomile offers a gentle calming effect, and peppermint cools the skin while delivering a refreshing scent.

Together, these herbs create a base that feels both grounding and light at the same time.

Gentle on Skin, Easy to Apply

The salve glides on softly without feeling greasy or sticky. The beeswax gives it structure, while the infused oil soaks in smoothly. It’s easy to rub into your temples, neck, or shoulders when you feel a headache coming on.

Naturally Scented, Not Overwhelming

You can add essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, or lavender—but it’s totally optional. A few drops give the salve a gentle scent that supports focus and calm. You won’t get that strong artificial smell that sometimes comes with store-bought products.

A Little Goes a Long Way

You only need a small amount with each use. The salve is concentrated but light, making it perfect for travel, your bedside table, or your work desk. With about 6 ounces in total, it’s enough to fill a few small containers that last for weeks.

What You’ll Need to Make This DIY Headache Salve

This recipe gives you about 6 ounces of herbal balm. Each ingredient plays a part in creating a salve that feels grounding, soothing, and easy to apply when you need relief.

Here’s what goes into it:

Infused Herbal Oil:

• Willow bark
• Ginger root
• Chamomile flowers
• Peppermint leaves
• Carrier oil of your choice (ex: Jojoba oil)

Salve:

• 1 cup infused herbal oil (optional – can use plain carrier oil with essential oils)
• ¼ cup beeswax
• 20 drops essential oils (optional – can make with only herbs)
• 2 oz. Tins – could use any container you like.

These tins are perfect for this salve. Since they come in a large pack, you could put them to use by making some other salves like my sleep salve or DIY Oregano salve.

Let’s take a closer look at how these ingredients work together:

The Herbal Base

• Willow bark brings soothing support, especially for tension-related discomfort.
• Ginger adds gentle warmth that pairs well with the cooling effects of peppermint.
• Chamomile helps calm the skin and senses.
• Peppermint, both as a herb and essential oil, is great for pain relief.

The Carrier Oil

I used jojoba oil. It’s my go-to carrier oil for everything. You can use another oil like almond, avocado, fractionated coconut oil (which always stays liquid).

Beeswax

This helps the salve hold its shape while staying soft and spreadable. It also adds a light protective barrier on the skin, sealing in the benefits of the oils and herbs.

Essential Oils (Optional)

Adding essential oil is going to make this balm even more powerful. My go to for head relief is a combination of equal parts Lavender, Frankincense, and Peppermint. Some copaiba would also be fantastic.

How to Make Your Own DIY Headache Salve

Once your ingredients are ready, the process is simple and enjoyable. Here’s how to create your own soothing balm at home:

Step 1. Prepare the Herbal Infusion (optional – can skip to step 2 and use only essential oils)

Pour your chosen carrier oil over the herbs until they are completely covered.

Close the lid and place the jar in a warm spot for about two to three weeks. Give it a gentle shake every few days to help the herbs release their properties.

After the infusion period, strain out the herbs using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer. Set the infused oil aside.

Step 2. Melt the Oil and Beeswax

In a microwave-safe glass jar or a double boiler, combine 1 cup of your infused oil (or plain carrier oil) with ¼ cup of beeswax. Warm the mixture in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Continue until the beeswax is fully melted and the blend is smooth.

Step 3. Add Essential Oils

Let the mixture cool slightly but not too much—it should still be liquid. Add about 20 drops of essential oil if you’re using them. You may use more or less essential oil depending on your preference. Stir gently to mix.

Step 4. Pour and Let Set

Carefully pour the warm salve into your clean containers. Let them sit uncovered overnight at room temperature so the salve can fully set.

Once firm, add the lids and store them in a cool, dry place.

Using Your Headache Salve

This balm is simple to use and easy to keep close by for whenever discomfort shows up. Here’s how to apply it:

• Use clean fingers to scoop out a small amount of salve.
• Gently massage it into your temples, the back of your neck, or anywhere you feel tension building.
• Take a few slow breaths as the natural scent begins to calm and cool.

You can use the salve as often as needed. It’s helpful at the first sign of a headache, during a stressful moment, or before bed when your mind feels busy.

If you’re using essential oils, avoid applying it too close to your eyes. A little goes a long way.