Ugh, headaches. I used to get them a lot when I was in school. They went away for years but now, for some reason, by the end of the day, sometimes, I get them again.
In the past, I tried everything: pills, hydration, caffeine (sometimes helps, sometimes hurts!), and even those weird pressure point clips. So, when I stumbled across the Migrastil Migraine Stick Roll-On online, I was definitely intrigued, but also a little skeptical. Could a simple roll-on really make a difference?
Let's rewind.
What is Migrastil?
Basically, it's a blend of essential oils – peppermint, lavender and chamomile – in a roll-on applicator. The idea is that you apply it to your temples, forehead and the back of your neck when you feel a headache coming on, or when you're already in the throes of one. The aromatherapy is supposed to help ease tension and provide some relief.
First Impressions:
The first thing I noticed was the scent. It's strong, definitely peppermint-forward, but also soothing thanks to the lavender and chamomile. It's a pleasant smell, not at all medicinal or overpowering (though if you're super sensitive to scents, this might not be for you). The roll-on applicator is easy to use and distributes the oil evenly.
Recently, when I was in San Francisco, a national hotel chain had little roll-on lavender applicators in the rooms. It was noted to be for a good sleep and, perhaps it really did work or it was my mind believing it had special powers, but I did find myself getting a good sleep when historically I don't in hotel rooms. There was no mention about that particular item being for headaches. The housekeeping left a card saying it was a sleep aid.
Does It Actually Work?
For me, the answer is… mostly yes! It's not a miracle cure that makes headaches disappear instantly, but it definitely takes the edge off. I've found it to be most effective when I apply it as soon as I feel a headache starting. The cooling sensation from the peppermint is really nice, and the aromatherapy helps me relax and focus on something other than the pounding in my head.
I've noticed that it seems to work best for tension headaches or those mild to moderate headaches that are brought on by stress or fatigue. For really intense migraines, it offers some relief, but I still need to take medication.
Pros:
Convenient and portable: Easy to carry around and apply on the go.
Pleasant scent: The blend of essential oils is calming and not overpowering.
Provides noticeable relief: Helps to ease tension and reduce the intensity of headaches, especially tension headaches.
Natural alternative: A good option for those looking to avoid or reduce their reliance on medication.
Affordable: It's relatively inexpensive compared to other headache remedies.
Cons:
Strong scent: Might not be suitable for people with sensitive noses.
Not a cure-all: Won't completely eliminate severe migraines.
Temporary relief: The effects are not long-lasting, so you might need to reapply.
Overall, I'm a fan of the Migrastil Migraine Stick Roll-On. It's a handy, natural way to help manage headaches, especially those pesky tension headaches. While it's not a replacement for medication for severe migraines, it's a great tool to have in your arsenal for everyday headache relief. I recommend giving it a try if you're looking for a natural and convenient way to ease your headache pain.