DIY Headache Salve with Peppermint (Herbal Recipe & Instructions)

This DIY headache salve with peppermint, coconut oil, and beeswax is all natural and a wonderful herbal home remedy for headaches.

If you suffer from headaches or migraines, you know just how much they can interfere with your life. I’m blessed to not be cursed with recurring headaches, but my husband does, and he usually gets a severe migraine at least once or twice a year.

It used to be worse! If there’s one thing we’ve noticed, it’s that diet, getting adequate sleep, and staying hydrated make a huge difference in keeping headaches and migraines away. It’s also important to act fast before they really start to set in.

When you feel a headache coming on, nip it in the bud! Apply this DIY headache salve and drink a tall glass of water immediately. My salve will still help even after a headache or migraine has set in, but I know how debilitating they can be.

Homemade salves are fairly easy to make. I’ve made a ton, from all purpose healing salves, to belly butters for pregnancy and postpartum.

Most of my recipes start with an herbal infused oil. In this case, I infused some sweet almond oil with dried peppermint leaves. One day I’ll use fresh, homegrown peppermint leaves, but my garden was a huge fail this past year.

I allowed the oil to infuse in my window for five months. Yes, you read that right! Five whole months!

It was an accident, but a happy one! It made for a super potent oil that gave my headache salve a beautiful green color!

Alternatively, you can infuse your oil over the stove or in a crockpot if you don’t feel like waiting weeks or months for your oil to infuse. Both ways work just fine. The longer you allow it to infuse, the more potent it will be.

Peppermint, especially the aroma, is great for naturally easing headaches and migraines. Of all the herbal remedies I’ve tried out on my husband, peppermint has been his favorite, by far.

Up until now, I’ve simply made him herbal teas with loose peppermint leaves tied up in a cheesecloth. I’ve also wrapped a few peppermint leaves in a cool, wet rag and placed it on his forehead for headache relief.

Both have worked quite well, but I was excited to make a convenient salve that would provide relief for tension and headaches.

Now, instead of digging out my dried peppermint leaves, I can simply whip out this handy little salve!

Apply a small amount to your forehead and temples for relief! You don’t have to use a ton, so one batch of this lasts a long time. You can adjust the fit your preference. For a creamy, smooth salve, follow my instructions exactly, or use a little less beeswax.

To make it more like a balm, add more beeswax and cut down on the coconut oil.

How To Make DIY Headache Salve

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Ingredients For DIY Headache Salve:

2/3 cup Peppermint Infused Oil
1/3 cup Beeswax
1/4 cup Coconut Oil
4 drops Vitamin E Oil
2 4-ounce Mason Jars
Optional: 3 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil or Rosemary Essential Oil

Directions For DIY Headache Salve:

1. Add Ingredients To Double Boiler

In a double boiler, add peppermint infused oil, beeswax and coconut oil.

2. Heat Until Melted

Heat the ingredients until everything is melted.

3. Take The Mixture Off of Heat

Take the mixture off of the heat and allow to cool for a minute or two.

4. Add Rest of The Ingredients

Add the vitamin e oil and essential oils (if you’re using those).

5. Stir Until Thoroughly Mixed

Stir the mixture until the oils are all mixed in.

6. Pour Into Small Mason Jars

Pour the salve mixture into 4 oz mason jars and allow to cool.

If sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, this homemade salve can last up to a year. Because there is coconut oil, it can become more solidified in cold temperatures. Alternatively, hotter temps will make it smoother and creamier.

I didn’t add essential oils to my recipe, because I’ve found peppermint to be the most effective scent for headache relief. However, lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus have been known to ease headaches and migraines as well.

Remember to go easy on the essential oils, as overpowering scents can have the opposite effect.