Natural alternative to painkillers: headache patches
14.4.2025
Translation: Elicia Payne
The Ricare headache patches with menthol, basil and rosemary oil promise quick relief from headaches and mild fever. I tested the patches to see if they could be an alternative to painkillers.
By the time I reach for tablets when I have a headache, I’m pretty much out of action. Before that, I do my best to try home remedies: drink water, take a cool shower and – if possible – rest. That’s why I was interested in the headache patches from Ricare with their promising menthol, basil and rosemary oils. According to the manufacturer, the «innovative hydrogel technology» should cool you down instantly and ensure fast relief from headaches and mild fever. Ricare state that the patches are suitable for adults and children, are vegan, dermatologically tested and paraben-free. So far, so good. Still, I wanted to find out for myself whether the patches are true to their words.
Application: nice and easy
The application is very simple: remove the film, apply the patch, done! The protective film is easy to remove and the material of the plaster feels pleasantly soft on the skin. The fragrance of the essential oils is subtle. I was particularly happy about this because I react strongly to smells when I have a headache, so an intense fragrance would be counterproductive.
The plaster adheres well to the skin – without pulling or slipping. Nevertheless, it’s easy to remove and even holds when you reapply it. For me, it continued to work until my fourth peel-and-stick attempt. Plus, it doesn’t leave a residue or sticky skin behind.
Source: Anna Sandner
Effect: pleasant cooling and relief from mild pain
A few moments after applying the patch, I feel a pleasant cooling effect on my forehead. I had a slight pain in the back of my head that day. So I was initially sceptical as to whether the patch, which is at the front of my head, could provide relief at the back of my head. Yet, after a few minutes, the pain relief does indeed set in. My headaches haven’t completely disappeared, but they’re much more bearable. Thanks to the patch, I can avoid taking painkillers for the day.
However, it doesn’t have the same effect if the pain’s severe. When I was struggling with more intense pain after a tooth operation, the patch didn’t help all that much. The cooling effect is pleasant, the oils have a calming effect – but in this case the gentle remedy can’t do much to relieve the pain. I have to reach for tablets after all.
Suitable for everyday use: yes, but more for at home
In my opinion, there’s one issue with the everyday solution. Although you can hardly feel it and it doesn’t get in the way, the blue patch on your forehead is very obvious. I wouldn’t go out in public with a patch on my head. It’s therefore more suitable for use at home.
In a nutshell
Gentle cooling for light relief
Ricare headache patches release a pleasant cooling effect and can provide noticeable relief for mild headaches. If you’re in more severe pain, the effects are limited unfortunately. They’re comfortable to wear and also suitable for children. However, because the forehead patch is very noticeable, they’re only really suitable for home use.
Pro
- Effective cooling
- Subtle, pleasant fragrance
- No active ingredients
- Pain relief for mild pain
- Suitable for children
Contra
- Noticeable, visible patch
- Limited relief from severe pain
Header image: Anna Sandner
Science editor and biologist. I love animals and am fascinated by plants, their abilities and everything you can do with them. That's why my favourite place is always outside - somewhere in nature, preferably in my wild garden.
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