Korean J Fam Med.  2024 Jan;45(1):18-26. 10.4082/kjfm.23.0106.

Essential Oils as an Alternative Treatment for Migraine Headache: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

• Murtey P
• Noor NM
• Ishak A
• Idris NS

• KMID: 2550816
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.23.0106

Abstract

Background
Alternative and complementary medicines are widely used to treat migraine headaches. This review aimed to determine the effectiveness of essential oils as an alternative treatment approach.
Methods
A structured search was conducted to identify randomized trials comparing essential oils with a placebo for migraine headaches, using databases (MEDLINE and CENTRAL) to search for articles published between 1966 and 2021. We included trials involving adult males and females diagnosed with migraine headaches according to the International Headache Society. The outcomes included number of attacks, headache severity, associated symptoms, number of days of limited activity, headache duration, use of analgesics, and adverse effects. Seven trials were included with a total of 558 participants.
Results
No difference was observed in the number of migraine headache attacks compared to placebo (mean difference [MD], -1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.31 to 0.64; I2=94%; P=0.190; four trials, 242 participants; moderate- quality evidence). There was no difference in this outcome between the essential oils treated group and the placebo (MD, -0.38; 95% CI, -1.76 to 0.99; I2 statistics=86%; P=0.580; five trials, 240 participants; moderate-quality evidence).
Conclusion
We found no significant difference between the use of essential oils and placebo in managing migraine headaches.

Keyword

Complementary Therapy; Essential Oils; Headache, Migraine Headache; Aromatherapy