6 Natural Remedies for Cluster Headaches

Ask someone with a headache, “Do you think natural cluster headache remedies could help you?” They’ll almost certainly say no.

Oh, if only they knew…

What do we know about cluster headaches?

A cluster headache is a severe, painful, and nearly nonexistent headache. They start immediately, and within 5 minutes you’ll feel severe pain and pressure on one side of your eye or temple. A brief attack can wear off in as little as 15 minutes. The duration is up to 3 hours. The pain can occur at any time, but usually begins a few hours after falling asleep.

If you are one of the 1 in 1,000 people who suffers from a cluster headache, you probably already know that headaches are one of the most common ailments in the world.

Studies show that the disease is five times more common in men than in women. Some patients report experiencing frequent attacks that recur for weeks or months. Then suddenly they recover for a week or two. These people suffer from “episodic” cluster headaches. Others suffer from “recurrent” attacks that often last a year or longer and without any recovery period.

Of course, a headache is a specific symptom of a headache. But an attack can also cause red, watery eyes, swollen and droopy eyelids, a runny nose, and even sweaty facial skin.

Is there any modern medical cluster remedy?

Yes, yes. However, since most attacks only last a few minutes and occur at random intervals, doctors do not like medications that must be taken every day. Therefore, most treatments today focus less on treating attacks and more on preventing them. For example:

Some doctors recommend external surgery to numb the main nerve that is causing the headache. The result is significant pain relief.
Other doctors prefer to use electrodes that stimulate the brain. The goal is the same: to reduce pain.
Finally, there is surgery to disable the main nervous system. But new research suggests that these interventions may be effective for less than half the population.

6 Natural Treatment for Cluster Headaches

The number of treatments for headaches is increasing. Some will provide sufficient relief on their own. Most are used in conjunction with prescription medications. However, when looking at the list below, remember that herbs are still medications. Always use them under the supervision of a qualified physician.

• Oxygen – Breathing oxygen through a mask can usually relieve symptoms within 15 minutes. You will need your doctor’s advice on how much oxygen to use.
• Essential oil therapy – Essential oils, especially peppermint, lavender and rose oil, have been used for centuries to treat headaches. It can be inhaled using a home diffuser or absorbed through the skin.
• Capsaicin – In one study, patients experienced a reduction in headaches after injecting capsaicin into the nostril on the same side as the headache. Scientists believe this works by stimulating inflammation in the nervous system and destroying the chemicals it uses to send pain signals to the brain.
• Melatonin – Headaches are associated with low melatonin, especially during headaches. One study found that taking melatonin before bed for 14 days reduced the intensity and frequency of headaches.
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) – Vitamin B2 has also been shown to reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches. But plan on taking the drug for 3 months before you feel the results.
• Sex – Sound crazy? German researchers found that 37 percent of headache sufferers said sex helped reduce their pain. 90 percent of them reported some relief on average!