Headease & Migraine
Don’t let headaches get you down. This collection of products has been developed by our team of herbalists to ease sore heads and provide the relief you need.
Our Headease & Migraine collection includes our Headease Balm, which provides effective relief from headaches and migraines with cooling peppermint, microcirculation-boosting wood betony, and relaxing lavender and chamomile. For all types of headaches, our Headease Tea supports improved blood flow to the brain, and relief from symptoms associated with headaches and migraines, such as difficulties with digestion and sleep. Trust our Headease & Migraine collection to help you feel better fast!
Although very common, the mechanisms by which headaches and migraines develop and intensify are not yet thoroughly understood. Studies suggest an association between migraine and disorders of the cerebral, retinal and peripheral vasculature. To ease a headache naturally, it makes sense to take herbs that support microvascular circulation in the brain — internally or externally, through local application on the temples, forehead and neck. Calming nervines — herbs that nourish and support the nervous system — can also be particularly helpful, since stress, anxiety and overwork are often core triggers of migraines.
It is of course also important to stay well hydrated, to have a healthy diet, to avoid alcohol, caffeine, processed sugars and heavy foods such as chocolate and cheese, to be physically active and to ensure you have some restful sleep.
We carry two natural, herbal products that can be specifically helpful to ease headaches: our Headease Tea and our Headease Balm.
The tea has been formulated to provide relief for all types of headaches — whether linked to tension, eye strain, sinus congestion or migraines. It contains herbs that improve blood flow to the head, helping to ease pain and inflammation. It relaxes the nervous system, relieves stress, tension and irritability and promotes relaxation. This blend also supports the improvement of other symptoms often associated with headaches such as indigestion, insomnia and foggy-mindedness.
The tea can be used in conjunction with the balm (to be applied locally) for best results. Our cooling Headease Balm is made with a powerful blend of plants that are scientifically proven to provide effective relief from headaches and migraines. Peppermint and menthol crystals are deeply cooling. They alleviate pain, soothe congestion, and ease tension and inflammation in the forehead. Wood betony, lavender and chamomile bring additional circulation-boosting, anti-inflammatory, painkilling and uplifting properties. Massage it onto your temples and forehead and on the back of your neck when suffering from a headache, and let nature do the rest!
Although these products can certainly provide some support, if you have very serious migraines or a specific presentation to them, you will certainly benefit from a consultation with a medical herbalist who will be able to devise a bespoke prescription and management plan for you that matches your individual context and medical history.
It is of course also important to stay well hydrated, to have a healthy diet, to avoid alcohol, caffeine, processed sugars and heavy foods such as chocolate and cheese, to be physically active and to ensure you have some restful sleep.
We carry two natural, herbal products that can be specifically helpful to ease headaches: our Headease Tea and our Headease Balm.
The tea has been formulated to provide relief for all types of headaches — whether linked to tension, eye strain, sinus congestion or migraines. It contains herbs that improve blood flow to the head, helping to ease pain and inflammation. It relaxes the nervous system, relieves stress, tension and irritability and promotes relaxation. This blend also supports the improvement of other symptoms often associated with headaches such as indigestion, insomnia and foggy-mindedness.
The tea can be used in conjunction with the balm (to be applied locally) for best results. Our cooling Headease Balm is made with a powerful blend of plants that are scientifically proven to provide effective relief from headaches and migraines. Peppermint and menthol crystals are deeply cooling. They alleviate pain, soothe congestion, and ease tension and inflammation in the forehead. Wood betony, lavender and chamomile bring additional circulation-boosting, anti-inflammatory, painkilling and uplifting properties. Massage it onto your temples and forehead and on the back of your neck when suffering from a headache, and let nature do the rest!
Although these products can certainly provide some support, if you have very serious migraines or a specific presentation to them, you will certainly benefit from a consultation with a medical herbalist who will be able to devise a bespoke prescription and management plan for you that matches your individual context and medical history.
The botanicals included in our Headease Balm are easily absorbed by your skin. They provide an immediate cooling sensation which helps to alleviate pain; they then start supporting microvascular circulation in the area, soothing any inflammation, easing any congestion and dissolving tension and stress. You can simply massage it onto your temples, forehead and neck and the herbs and essential oils will do their work!
Our Headease Balm can be gently and mindfully massaged onto the temples, forehead and neck, as a self-caring gesture. Because headaches and migraines are strongly associated with stress and anxiety, in addition to the potency of the botanicals included, the comforting touch associated with the application of a balm is also key to the effectiveness of the product.
Peppermint has a long tradition of being used to relieve headaches. In 1898, the King’s American Dispensatory stated that fresh, crushed peppermint can relieve headaches. Over a century later, the European Medicines Agency describes a “well-established use” of liquid or semi-solid peppermint preparations applied to the forehead and temples to relieve headache, attributing this effect to a “prolonged cold sensation” and analgesic effect on the skin.
Studies have also demonstrated that local application of peppermint essential oil can significantly increase blood flow of capillaries in the forehead and induce muscle relaxation, pain relief and mental relaxation, leading to significant improvements in headache intensity.
Peppermint and its main active constituent menthol are therefore key ingredients in our Headease Tea (without the isolated menthol) and in our Headease Balm.
Studies have also demonstrated that local application of peppermint essential oil can significantly increase blood flow of capillaries in the forehead and induce muscle relaxation, pain relief and mental relaxation, leading to significant improvements in headache intensity.
Peppermint and its main active constituent menthol are therefore key ingredients in our Headease Tea (without the isolated menthol) and in our Headease Balm.
Both German and Roman chamomile enhance mood and calm anxiety, with well-researched anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, antianxiety, analgesic and sedative activities.
A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial including generalised anxiety disorder sufferers showed significant reductions in anxiety following the administration of German chamomile extract. In 2018, a crossover study demonstrated a beneficial effect of topical German chamomile oleogel as pain relief in migraine without aura.
Roman chamomile essential oil is used for its anxiolytic properties — particularly to alleviate anxiety-related headaches and to ease an overactive mind. Flavones apigenin, luteolin and apigenin 7-O-beta-glucoside, contained in the essential oils of both species, are not only absorbed at the skin surface, but they also penetrate into deeper skin layers.
German chamomile is in our Headease Tea, and Roman chamomile essential oil can be found in our Headease Balm.
A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial including generalised anxiety disorder sufferers showed significant reductions in anxiety following the administration of German chamomile extract. In 2018, a crossover study demonstrated a beneficial effect of topical German chamomile oleogel as pain relief in migraine without aura.
Roman chamomile essential oil is used for its anxiolytic properties — particularly to alleviate anxiety-related headaches and to ease an overactive mind. Flavones apigenin, luteolin and apigenin 7-O-beta-glucoside, contained in the essential oils of both species, are not only absorbed at the skin surface, but they also penetrate into deeper skin layers.
German chamomile is in our Headease Tea, and Roman chamomile essential oil can be found in our Headease Balm.
Wood betony is a nerve tonic. It relieves pain, tension, stress and anxiety. It enhances circulation to the head and improves memory and concentration. It is excellent for headaches of all sorts, particularly for patients experiencing stress and mental overexertion. It is useful for neuralgic and ischaemic conditions affecting the head.
Wood betony has a very ancient tradition: Maud Grieve (1931) – a remarkable herbalist, writer, teacher and gardener – states that it was “once the sovereign remedy for all maladies of the head”. In 1653, Culpeper described it as being for “those that have continual pains in their heads, although it turns to phrensy”. Culpeper was a botanist, herbalist, physician and astrologer who for the first time wrote an English translation of Latin descriptions by the College of Physicians of various plants and their medical uses, making herbal remedies much more accessible. In 1740, John Hill, a renowned XVIIIth century writer, botanist and herbalist, wrote that “the habitual use of [wood betony] will cure the most inveterate head-achs”.
Despite strong evidence of traditional use, the use of wood betony for migraines is still under-researched. However, a 2019 double-blind randomised clinical trial demonstrated the analgesic effect of wood betony in migraine sufferers: pain intensity decreased significantly more quickly for patients taking wood betony as a tea compared to those taking placebo.
Wood betony is a key ingredient in our Headease Tea and in our Headease Balm.
Wood betony has a very ancient tradition: Maud Grieve (1931) – a remarkable herbalist, writer, teacher and gardener – states that it was “once the sovereign remedy for all maladies of the head”. In 1653, Culpeper described it as being for “those that have continual pains in their heads, although it turns to phrensy”. Culpeper was a botanist, herbalist, physician and astrologer who for the first time wrote an English translation of Latin descriptions by the College of Physicians of various plants and their medical uses, making herbal remedies much more accessible. In 1740, John Hill, a renowned XVIIIth century writer, botanist and herbalist, wrote that “the habitual use of [wood betony] will cure the most inveterate head-achs”.
Despite strong evidence of traditional use, the use of wood betony for migraines is still under-researched. However, a 2019 double-blind randomised clinical trial demonstrated the analgesic effect of wood betony in migraine sufferers: pain intensity decreased significantly more quickly for patients taking wood betony as a tea compared to those taking placebo.
Wood betony is a key ingredient in our Headease Tea and in our Headease Balm.
Rosemary has been valued as a “rejuvenating brain tonic” since the Egyptians. It improves blood circulation to the brain and is indicated to improve focus, concentration and memory, and to relieve anxiety. By improving peripheral blood flow in the brain, it helps reduce inflammation and tension, making it beneficial for migraines and headaches.
A 2015 study of the analgesic effects of rosemary essential oil supports its use to manage pain, and suggests a therapeutic potential for the essential oil in combination with analgesic drugs.
Another 2015 systematic review states that rosemary essential oil has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. McIntyre (2019) recommends the use of diluted rosemary essential oil onto the skin for headaches.
Rosemary is a key ingredient in our Headease Tea and in our Headease Balm.
A 2015 study of the analgesic effects of rosemary essential oil supports its use to manage pain, and suggests a therapeutic potential for the essential oil in combination with analgesic drugs.
Another 2015 systematic review states that rosemary essential oil has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. McIntyre (2019) recommends the use of diluted rosemary essential oil onto the skin for headaches.
Rosemary is a key ingredient in our Headease Tea and in our Headease Balm.
Lavender lifts the spirits and relieves tension, stress and anxiety, and its use to remedy stress-related headaches and migraines is well documented.
A 2012 placebo-controlled clinical trial showed a significant reduction of migraine headache severity following inhalation of lavender essential oil. In 2016, another trial conducted over three months showed similar results, not only in the severity of migraine incidents but also in their frequency.
Linalool and linalyl acetate — two components of lavender essential oil with sedative actions — have been shown to have significant absorbing properties from skin application.
Lavender is a key ingredient in our Headease Tea and in our Headease Balm.
A 2012 placebo-controlled clinical trial showed a significant reduction of migraine headache severity following inhalation of lavender essential oil. In 2016, another trial conducted over three months showed similar results, not only in the severity of migraine incidents but also in their frequency.
Linalool and linalyl acetate — two components of lavender essential oil with sedative actions — have been shown to have significant absorbing properties from skin application.
Lavender is a key ingredient in our Headease Tea and in our Headease Balm.
The herbs covered in other questions of this section — rosemary, wood betony, peppermint, lavender, chamomile — can be great allies for prevention and treatment of headaches and migraines. They are included in our Headease Tea and in our Headease Balm.
Another herb that is commonly used as a preventative against migraines is feverfew. Feverfew has not been included in these products because it may interact with some conventional medication prescribed for migraines, which means it is advisable to have a consultation with a medical herbalist before taking it, so that they can carefully consider any potential interactions and contra-indications. Feverfew can be used as a tea, a tincture, or even just by eating the leaves: eating one to two fresh feverfew leaves per day can be a great preventative against migraines. The leaves taste extremely bitter, so you may want to mix them with other foods. Feverfew inhibits the secretion of serotonin from platelet granules — this is thought to be the main way by which it works against migraines.
Another herb that is commonly used as a preventative against migraines is feverfew. Feverfew has not been included in these products because it may interact with some conventional medication prescribed for migraines, which means it is advisable to have a consultation with a medical herbalist before taking it, so that they can carefully consider any potential interactions and contra-indications. Feverfew can be used as a tea, a tincture, or even just by eating the leaves: eating one to two fresh feverfew leaves per day can be a great preventative against migraines. The leaves taste extremely bitter, so you may want to mix them with other foods. Feverfew inhibits the secretion of serotonin from platelet granules — this is thought to be the main way by which it works against migraines.
There are a few great herbs to alleviate headaches, including all of those in our Headease Tea — it’s not easy to choose just one. Perhaps one of our favourites is wood betony, because it allies a strong, ancient tradition of use for headaches which is increasingly confirmed by modern science.
Maud Grieve stated in 1931 that wood betony was “once the sovereign remedy for all maladies of the head”. In 1653, Culpeper described it as being for “those that have continual pains in their heads, although it turn to phrensy”. In 1740, John Hill wrote that “the habitual use of [wood betony] will cure the most inveterate head-achs”.
Much more recently, in 2019 a double-blind randomised clinical trial demonstrated the analgesic effect of wood betony in migraine sufferers: pain intensity decreased significantly more quickly for patients taking wood betony as a tea compared to those taking placebo.
Wood betony is a key ingredient in our Headease Tea and in our Headease Balm.
Maud Grieve stated in 1931 that wood betony was “once the sovereign remedy for all maladies of the head”. In 1653, Culpeper described it as being for “those that have continual pains in their heads, although it turn to phrensy”. In 1740, John Hill wrote that “the habitual use of [wood betony] will cure the most inveterate head-achs”.
Much more recently, in 2019 a double-blind randomised clinical trial demonstrated the analgesic effect of wood betony in migraine sufferers: pain intensity decreased significantly more quickly for patients taking wood betony as a tea compared to those taking placebo.
Wood betony is a key ingredient in our Headease Tea and in our Headease Balm.
Zen Maitri’s Cocktail Recovery Tea is perfect for the morning after an indulgent night. It contains a range of herbs that help gently cleanse and vivify the body and uplift the spirits. This blend gently enhances digestion and circulation, supports detoxification, soothes the digestive tract, eases stress and tension, and supports the nervous system. It contains an array of soothing, healing herbs to pamper you back to health after a night rich in alcohol and/or heavy foods. It's an all-natural hangover blend you can rely on! It contains herbs like chamomile and oat straw, which are gently sedative and nourishing to the nervous system, and which can help ease any headaches, tension and stress associated with hangovers.
To get rid of hangovers, it is important to have plenty of rest, plenty of water (or coconut water if you can find some, for some natural electrolytes), light foods (fresh fruit for example) — and drink some carefully chosen herbal tea! We have concocted a Cocktail Recovery Tea which brings together a range of herbs that are perfect to ease the symptoms of a hangover. It contains chamomile (a classic remedy for upset stomachs and irritated guts and a gentle soother and restorer to the nervous system), ginger (to relieve indigestion, nausea and bloating and to improve tissue oxygenation), meadowsweet (to ease acid reflux and soothe the gut lining and to relieve any pain, as it contains salicylic acid, a natural compound from which aspirin was synthesised), oat straw (which is nutritive, relaxing and strengthening to the nervous system and healing to the digestive tract), liquorice root (to ease digestion, relieve nausea and to support the adrenal glands and the liver’s detoxification work), and much more.
Drinking a few cups of our Cocktail Recovery Tea can certainly help soothe a hangover, as it:
Drinking a few cups of our Cocktail Recovery Tea can certainly help soothe a hangover, as it:
- Eases acidity and nausea, supports digestion, soothes the digestive tract
- Supports the body’s natural detoxification processes
- Gently stimulates circulation, supporting tissue oxygenation
- Helps to nourish and strengthen the nervous system, helping to alleviate stress and tension
- Promotes energy, endurance and resilience to stress.
All of the herbs contained in our Cocktail Recovery Tea work in different, complementary ways to help cure hangovers:
- Chamomile: Chamomile is a classic remedy for upset stomachs and irritated guts. It contains bitter components which promote digestive function, relieves bloating and aid liver detoxification. As a mild sedative, the herb is also soothing and restorative to the nervous system.
- Ginger: A deliciously warming digestive stimulant, ginger enhances the secretion of digestive enzymes and addresses indigestion. It is excellent to relieve nausea and bloating. It is also a great circulatory tonic, which improves oxygenation of the tissues, warms up cold hands and feet and enhances vitality and clarity of mind.
- Meadowsweet: With a pleasant almond-like aroma, meadowsweet is traditionally used to soothe acid reflux. It is a rich source of vitamin C and of a wide range of important minerals including iron, calcium, magnesium and silica, which may need to be replenished after heavy alcohol consumption. It protects and heals the gut lining from irritation and inflammation. Meadowsweet is also a source of salicylic acid (a natural compound from which aspirin was synthesised), which is an effective remedy against headaches and other aches and pains.
- Oat straw: Nutritive, relaxing and strengthening to the nervous system, oat straw helps dissolve tension, fatigue or stress associated with the excesses of the night before. A mild sedative, oat straw also provides the nerves with essential nutrients and helps repair any damage. Oat straw also contains mucilage, which is soothing and healing to the digestive tract.
- Liquorice root: Liquorice gently supports digestion and soothes the stomach and digestive tract. It helps to relieve any nausea and indigestion and lowers acidity. It also supports the liver’s natural detoxification work and protects it from damage from toxins including alcohol. Liquorice is a strengthening tonic – by supporting the adrenal glands, it improves resistance to physical and mental stress and helps address fatigue.
- Schisandra berry: Also called “five flavour berry” due to its taste (salty, sour, bitter. sweet and umami), schisandra berry is an adaptogen – meaning it increases energy, endurance and resilience to stress. It helps bring balance where needed, soothing both body and mind. It is also an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and contains significant amounts of vitamins C and E. Schisandra berry reduces stress levels and increases vitality and energy.
- Cinnamon: In addition to its sweet and warming taste, cinnamon is an invigorating circulatory stimulant, with natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. It relieves tense and aching muscles and gently lifts fatigue.
- Siberian ginseng: Siberian ginseng is a famous natural energy booster. It improves mental and physical performance and helps to protect against the effects of stress. It has been used to increase energy and vitality for millenia. It improves digestion and absorption of nutrients, reduces LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, enhances immunity, protects the liver and regulates blood sugar levels. It increases blood flow to the brain and improves memory, concentration and mental stamina. With its powerful anti-fatigue effect, Siberian ginseng increases endurance and the ability of the mitochondria in the cells to produce energy.
- Marshmallow leaf: Marshmallow leaf is rich in a moistening substance called mucilage, which makes it incredibly soothing and very effective to cool irritation and inflammation. It is ideal to nourish and protect mucous membranes along the digestive, respiratory or urinary systems. It is great to soothe any acidity and heartburn.
Herbs can certainly help you get rid of a hangover! Those contained in our Zen Maitri Cocktail Recovery Tea help gently cleanse and vivify the body and uplift the spirits. This herbal blend eases acidity and nausea and soothes the digestive tract, thanks to marshmallow leaf and meadowsweet. Additions like chamomile and liquorice make it very supportive to the body’s natural detoxification processes. Ginger and cinnamon also gently stimulate circulation, supporting tissue oxygenation – including in the brain, therefore helping to alleviate any headaches. Because it also contains oat straw, Schisandra berry and Siberian ginseng, this herbal tea helps to nourish and strengthen the nervous system, alleviating stress and tension. Finally, the adaptogenic action of Siberian ginseng and Schisandra berry and the uplifting qualities of ginger and cinnamon mean that it promotes energy, endurance and resilience to stress. Chamomile and oat straw are gently sedative and nourishing to the nervous system, and which can help ease any headaches, tension and stress associated with hangovers.
If you are experiencing headaches associated with a hangover, you can also use our Headease Balm. It is made with a powerful blend of plants that are scientifically proven to provide effective relief from headaches and migraines. Peppermint and menthol crystals are deeply cooling. They alleviate pain, soothe congestion, and ease tension and inflammation in the forehead. Wood betony, lavender and chamomile bring additional circulation-boosting, anti-inflammatory, painkilling and uplifting properties. The botanicals included in this balm are easily absorbed by your skin and provide effective relief from headaches. The balm can simply be applied to the temples, forehead and neck.
If you are experiencing headaches associated with a hangover, you can also use our Headease Balm. It is made with a powerful blend of plants that are scientifically proven to provide effective relief from headaches and migraines. Peppermint and menthol crystals are deeply cooling. They alleviate pain, soothe congestion, and ease tension and inflammation in the forehead. Wood betony, lavender and chamomile bring additional circulation-boosting, anti-inflammatory, painkilling and uplifting properties. The botanicals included in this balm are easily absorbed by your skin and provide effective relief from headaches. The balm can simply be applied to the temples, forehead and neck.
Our cooling Headease Balm as been especially designed to soothe headaches and migraines. It is made with a powerful blend of plants that are scientifically proven to provide effective relief from headaches and migraines. Peppermint and menthol crystals are deeply cooling. They alleviate pain, soothe congestion, and ease tension and inflammation in the forehead. Wood betony, lavender and chamomile bring additional circulation-boosting, anti-inflammatory, painkilling and uplifting properties. The botanicals included in this balm are easily absorbed by your skin and provide effective relief from headaches. The balm can simply be applied to the temples, forehead and neck.