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Cluster Headache Relief: Causes, Treatments, and Natural Remedies

| Modified on Jun 28, 2026
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Cluster headaches are among the most painful types of headaches a person can experience. Often described as a sharp, burning, or piercing pain centered around one eye, these attacks can strike suddenly, recur several times a day, and continue for weeks or even months before disappearing into remission. Because the pain is so severe, cluster headaches are sometimes called "suicide headaches"—a reflection of their intensity rather than a description of how everyone experiences them.

Although cluster headaches are relatively uncommon compared with migraines or tension headaches, they can have a profound impact on daily life. Sleep disruption, anxiety about the next attack, missed work, and social limitations are common. Many people spend years searching for an accurate diagnosis because cluster headaches are often mistaken for migraines, sinus infections, dental problems, or eye disorders.

Earth Clinic readers frequently seek natural ways to complement conventional treatment. While no natural remedy has been proven to stop every cluster headache, some people report meaningful improvements with lifestyle changes, nutritional support, and carefully selected supplements. The best approach is often one that combines evidence-based medical care with practical self-care strategies tailored to the individual.

This guide explores what cluster headaches are, how they differ from other headache disorders, conventional medical treatments, and the natural remedies that may help reduce the frequency, severity, or impact of attacks.

At a Glance

Most Helpful Medical Treatments

  • High-flow oxygen
  • Injectable or nasal triptans
  • Verapamil (prevention)

Natural Remedies Readers Explore

  • Melatonin
  • Magnesium
  • Vitamin D3 regimens
  • Hydration
  • Trigger avoidance

Common Triggers

  • Alcohol during a cluster cycle
  • Sleep disruption
  • Strong odors
  • High altitude (some people)
  • Certain medications

Important Reminder

Cluster headaches deserve medical evaluation. Sudden severe headaches, changes in vision, weakness, fever, confusion, or a "worst headache of your life" require immediate medical attention.

Quick Navigation

What Are Cluster Headaches?

Cluster headaches are a neurological headache disorder characterized by repeated attacks of intense pain that occur in clusters—hence the name. An individual may experience one to eight attacks each day for several weeks or months, followed by months or even years without symptoms.

The pain is usually centered behind or around one eye and almost always affects the same side of the head during a cluster period. Unlike migraines, people with cluster headaches are often restless during an attack. Many pace the floor, rock back and forth, or feel unable to lie still because of the intensity of the pain.

Researchers believe the disorder involves the hypothalamus, the area of the brain that regulates circadian rhythms and many automatic body functions. This may help explain why attacks frequently occur at the same time each day or awaken people from sleep.

Symptoms of Cluster Headaches

A cluster headache attack typically begins suddenly and reaches maximum intensity within minutes.

Common Symptoms

  • Severe stabbing, burning, or piercing pain around one eye
  • Tearing from the affected eye
  • Redness of the eye
  • Drooping eyelid
  • Nasal congestion or runny nose on one side
  • Facial sweating
  • Restlessness or agitation
  • Attacks lasting about 15–180 minutes
  • Several attacks per day during an active cluster period

Unlike migraines, nausea and sensitivity to light or sound are usually less prominent, although some people experience overlapping symptoms.

Cluster Headaches vs. Migraine

Cluster Headaches

  • Usually one-sided around one eye
  • Very rapid onset
  • 15–180 minutes
  • People tend to pace or move around
  • Occurs in clusters over weeks or months

Migraine

  • Often throbbing pain
  • May last 4–72 hours
  • Movement often worsens symptoms
  • People usually prefer a dark, quiet room
  • More likely to include nausea and sensitivity to light

Because treatments differ, obtaining the correct diagnosis is important. A medication that works well for migraine may not adequately treat cluster headaches.

What Causes Cluster Headaches?

The exact cause remains unknown, but several factors appear to contribute.

  • Hypothalamic dysfunction: Brain imaging studies consistently implicate the hypothalamus.
  • Circadian rhythm disturbances: Attacks often occur at the same time each day or night.
  • Trigeminal nerve activation: This major facial pain pathway becomes activated during attacks.
  • Blood vessel and neuropeptide changes: Substances such as CGRP are involved in the pain process.
  • Genetics: A family history increases risk in some individuals.

Importantly, cluster headaches are not caused by stress alone, although stress may influence overall health and recovery.

What Often Gets Overlooked?

Commonly Missed Factors

  • Alcohol: Even small amounts may trigger attacks during an active cluster cycle.
  • Sleep disruption: Irregular sleep schedules frequently worsen symptoms.
  • Misdiagnosis: Many people are initially treated for sinus infections or migraines.
  • Medication overuse: Frequent use of common pain relievers rarely helps and may complicate headache disorders.
  • Delayed oxygen therapy: Many patients are unaware that high-flow oxygen is considered one of the most effective treatments for stopping an attack.

Conventional Treatment

Because cluster headaches escalate rapidly, treatment is generally divided into two categories: abortive therapies, which stop an attack already in progress, and preventive therapies, which reduce the number of attacks during a cluster cycle.

Evidence-Based Medical Treatments

High-Flow Oxygen
Breathing 100% oxygen through a non-rebreather mask at high flow rates is considered one of the most effective ways to abort a cluster headache. Many people experience significant relief within 15–20 minutes.

Triptans
Injectable sumatriptan and certain nasal triptans work much faster than oral tablets and are commonly prescribed because attacks reach peak intensity quickly.

Verapamil
This calcium channel blocker is often the first-choice preventive medication. Because higher doses may affect heart rhythm, periodic ECG monitoring is commonly recommended.

Other Options
Depending on the individual, a neurologist may recommend corticosteroids, lithium, CGRP-targeted medications, occipital nerve blocks, or other therapies.

Natural remedies should be viewed as complementary strategies rather than replacements for evidence-based treatment, especially for people experiencing frequent or severe attacks.

Natural Remedies That May Help Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are among the most challenging headache disorders to treat, and natural remedies should generally be viewed as complementary approaches rather than replacements for evidence-based medical care. Many people find that combining prescribed treatments with healthy lifestyle habits and carefully selected supplements helps reduce the overall burden of the condition.

Because cluster headaches vary considerably from person to person, no single remedy works for everyone. Some approaches have encouraging clinical evidence, while others are supported primarily by patient experiences and traditional use. The goal is to work with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan that addresses both acute attacks and long-term prevention.

1. Melatonin

Melatonin is one of the most promising natural supplements for cluster headaches and has received more scientific attention than most complementary therapies for this condition. Researchers have found that many people with cluster headaches produce lower levels of melatonin during active cluster periods, particularly at night. Because cluster headaches are closely linked to the body's internal clock, restoring healthy melatonin levels may help reduce nighttime attacks in some individuals.

Research Snapshot

★★★☆☆ Moderate Evidence

Several small clinical studies suggest that melatonin may reduce the frequency of cluster headache attacks, particularly in people with episodic cluster headaches. While the results are encouraging, larger studies are needed before melatonin can be considered an established treatment.

Melatonin is best known for regulating sleep, but it also influences circadian rhythms, hormone production, inflammation, and nervous system signaling. Since cluster headaches often occur at nearly the same time each night, improving circadian regulation may be one reason melatonin benefits some people.

Clinical studies have commonly evaluated doses of approximately 10 mg taken 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime, although lower doses may be appropriate for people who are sensitive to melatonin or experience excessive morning drowsiness.

What to Know

Best for: Nighttime cluster headaches, sleep disruption, and people whose attacks occur at predictable overnight hours.

Typical use: Usually taken before bedtime during an active cluster period or as recommended by a healthcare provider.

Possible benefits:

  • May reduce attack frequency in some individuals.
  • May improve sleep quality.
  • Supports healthy circadian rhythms.

Important cautions: Melatonin may cause morning drowsiness or vivid dreams and can interact with blood thinners, sedatives, certain blood pressure medications, and immune-modulating drugs.

2. Magnesium

Magnesium plays an essential role in normal nerve function, muscle contraction, energy production, and blood vessel regulation. Although magnesium has been studied much more extensively in migraine than cluster headaches, correcting a magnesium deficiency may support overall neurological health and is often discussed as part of a comprehensive headache-management strategy.

Research Snapshot

★★☆☆☆ Limited Evidence

Direct research on magnesium for cluster headaches is limited. However, magnesium has demonstrated benefits in some migraine studies, supports healthy nervous system function, and has a favorable safety profile when used appropriately.

Some clinicians believe magnesium may be most helpful for individuals who are actually deficient, rather than for everyone with cluster headaches. Because modern diets are often low in magnesium-rich foods, correcting an underlying deficiency may improve overall health even if it does not directly reduce headache frequency.

Magnesium is available in many forms. Magnesium glycinate is often preferred because it is well absorbed and tends to be gentler on the digestive system. Magnesium citrate is also well absorbed but may cause loose stools in some people, while magnesium oxide is inexpensive but generally less bioavailable.

What to Know

Best for: People with low dietary magnesium intake, suspected magnesium deficiency, muscle tension, or poor sleep.

Typical use: Often taken daily as part of an overall wellness routine rather than only during headache attacks.

Possible benefits:

  • Supports normal nerve signaling.
  • May promote muscle relaxation.
  • May improve sleep quality.
  • Helps correct magnesium deficiency.

Important cautions: High doses may cause diarrhea, especially with magnesium citrate or oxide. Magnesium can interfere with the absorption of certain antibiotics, thyroid medications, and osteoporosis medications if taken at the same time. People with significant kidney disease should only supplement under medical supervision.

Even though magnesium has not been proven to prevent cluster headaches, many healthcare providers consider it a reasonable complementary supplement because of its broad role in neurological function and its relatively low risk when used appropriately.

3. Vitamin D3 and the Vitamin D Regimen

Vitamin D3 has become one of the most widely discussed nutritional approaches for cluster headaches. Interest grew after many people in the cluster headache community reported fewer attacks while following a high-dose vitamin D3 protocol developed by fellow sufferers. Although these reports have generated considerable interest, they should be viewed as encouraging community experiences rather than definitive proof of effectiveness.

Vitamin D influences much more than bone health. It plays important roles in immune regulation, inflammation, nervous system function, and numerous cellular processes throughout the body. Because cluster headaches involve complex interactions between the nervous system, inflammatory signaling molecules, and the hypothalamus, researchers continue to investigate whether vitamin D status may influence headache activity in some individuals.

Research Snapshot

Evidence: ★★★☆☆ Moderate

Vitamin D3 has generated substantial interest because of thousands of positive patient reports and encouraging observational research. However, large randomized clinical trials are still limited, so more research is needed to determine which people are most likely to benefit and what dosing strategies are safest.

One of the best-known approaches is the Vitamin D3 Regimen, which combines vitamin D3 with several nutritional cofactors that support vitamin D metabolism and calcium balance. Rather than relying on vitamin D3 alone, these protocols commonly include:

Common Components

  • Vitamin D3
  • Magnesium
  • Vitamin K2
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Zinc
  • Boron
  • Occasionally vitamin A and selected B vitamins

These nutrients are thought to support healthy vitamin D metabolism, although no single combination has been established as the standard approach for cluster headaches.

Many people who follow vitamin D3 regimens report shorter cluster cycles, fewer daily attacks, or reduced headache intensity. Others notice little change, illustrating that cluster headaches remain highly individualized and that no supplement works for everyone.

Even if vitamin D supplementation does not directly improve headaches, identifying and correcting a true vitamin D deficiency may provide important benefits for bone health, muscle function, immune health, and overall well-being.

What to Know

Best for: People with documented vitamin D deficiency or those interested in discussing vitamin D3 regimens with their healthcare provider.

Typical use: Daily supplementation with individualized dosing based on blood testing and medical guidance.

Possible benefits:

  • May reduce headache frequency in some individuals.
  • May shorten cluster periods.
  • Supports healthy immune and nervous system function.
  • Corrects vitamin D deficiency.

Important cautions: High-dose vitamin D should ideally be supervised by a healthcare provider. Periodic monitoring of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], blood calcium, and kidney function helps reduce the risk of excessive supplementation.

Important Safety

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that can accumulate in the body. People with kidney disease, recurrent kidney stones, sarcoidosis, primary hyperparathyroidism, or other disorders affecting calcium metabolism should use high-dose vitamin D only under medical supervision.

4. Staying Well Hydrated

Although dehydration is not considered a direct cause of cluster headaches, maintaining good hydration supports normal circulation, nervous system function, and overall health. Becoming dehydrated can place additional physical stress on the body and may make recovery from attacks more difficult.

Research Snapshot

Evidence: ★★☆☆☆ Limited

There is little direct evidence that hydration prevents cluster headaches. However, maintaining proper hydration supports overall health and may reduce one potential source of physical stress.

What to Know

Best for: Everyone, particularly during active cluster periods, exercise, or hot weather.

Typical use: Drink fluids consistently throughout the day rather than waiting until you feel thirsty.

Possible benefits:

  • Supports circulation.
  • Helps replace fluids lost through sweating.
  • Supports overall neurological health.

Important cautions: If you perspire heavily, replacing electrolytes along with water may be helpful. Excessive water intake without electrolytes can also create problems in rare cases.

5. Capsaicin

Capsaicin, the natural compound that gives chili peppers their heat, has been investigated as an intranasal treatment for cluster headaches. Researchers believe it may temporarily reduce pain signaling in branches of the trigeminal nerve by decreasing the release of certain neuropeptides involved in headache pain.

Research Snapshot

Evidence: ★★☆☆☆ Limited

Several small studies suggest intranasal capsaicin may reduce attack frequency in some people, but burning and nasal irritation often limit its usefulness.

What to Know

Best for: People exploring complementary therapies with guidance from a knowledgeable healthcare provider.

Typical use: Specialized intranasal preparations—not ordinary hot peppers or homemade products.

Possible benefits:

  • May decrease attack frequency.
  • May reduce nerve sensitivity in some individuals.

Important cautions: Capsaicin commonly causes temporary burning and irritation inside the nose. It should never be improvised using household pepper products.

6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids support cardiovascular health, help regulate inflammation, and contribute to healthy nervous system function. While they have not been well studied specifically for cluster headaches, many people include them as part of an overall wellness program.

Research Snapshot

Evidence: ★★☆☆☆ Limited

Direct evidence for cluster headaches is limited, although omega-3 fatty acids have demonstrated broader health benefits and anti-inflammatory effects.

What to Know

Best for: Supporting overall cardiovascular and neurological health.

Typical use: Fatty fish several times weekly or a quality fish oil supplement.

Possible benefits:

  • Supports healthy inflammatory balance.
  • May complement an overall headache-management plan.

Important cautions: High doses may increase bleeding risk in people taking blood thinners.

7. Ginger

Ginger has been used traditionally for centuries and has demonstrated benefits in migraine research, particularly for nausea and inflammatory pathways. Although direct evidence for cluster headaches is minimal, some people include ginger as part of a broader natural approach to headache management.

Research Snapshot

Evidence: ★☆☆☆☆ Primarily Anecdotal

Research specifically evaluating ginger for cluster headaches is lacking. Its use is based largely on traditional use, migraine research, and individual reports.

What to Know

Best for: General wellness and people who also experience nausea with headaches.

Typical use: Fresh ginger, ginger tea, or standardized supplements.

Possible benefits:

  • Supports healthy inflammatory responses.
  • May reduce nausea.
  • Generally well tolerated.

Important cautions: Large amounts may increase bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulant medications.

Long-Term Prevention Strategies

Although no natural remedy can guarantee prevention of cluster headaches, many people find that a combination of appropriate medical care, healthy routines, and careful trigger management reduces the overall burden of the condition. Because cluster headaches often follow predictable daily and seasonal patterns, paying attention to early warning signs can help you prepare before a cluster period becomes severe.

Healthy Habits That May Support Prevention

Consistent Sleep

Cluster headaches are closely linked with circadian rhythms. A steady sleep-wake schedule may help reduce disruption to the body's internal clock.

Trigger Awareness

Alcohol, sleep changes, strong odors, overheating, and certain medications may trigger attacks in susceptible individuals during active cycles.

Medical Planning

Work with a neurologist or headache specialist so oxygen, rescue medication, and preventive treatment are available before attacks escalate.

Headache Diary

Track attack times, sleep, food, alcohol, supplements, weather changes, medications, and possible triggers to identify patterns over time.

Stress is not considered the root cause of cluster headaches, but chronic stress can worsen sleep, hydration, resilience, and recovery. Gentle stress-management practices such as walking, meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, or time outdoors may support the overall plan.

What Does the Research Say?

Cluster headaches have received less research attention than migraine, but several important treatments are well established. Natural remedies are more variable: some have promising evidence, some are based mainly on patient reports, and others remain largely theoretical.

Strongest Evidence

  • High-flow oxygen for acute attacks
  • Injectable sumatriptan for acute attacks
  • Verapamil for prevention
  • Specialist-guided treatment plans

Promising or Emerging

  • Melatonin, especially for nighttime attacks
  • Occipital nerve blocks
  • Neuromodulation devices
  • CGRP-targeted therapies for selected patients

Still Being Studied

  • Vitamin D3 regimens
  • Magnesium
  • Capsaicin
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Ginger and herbal approaches

This does not mean remedies with limited evidence are useless. It means they have not yet been studied enough to know who is most likely to benefit, what dose is ideal, and how they compare with standard treatments.

Research Snapshot

★★☆☆☆ Limited Evidence for Most Natural Remedies

Melatonin has the most direct natural-remedy evidence for cluster headaches, while vitamin D3 regimens have strong community interest but limited controlled clinical research. Magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, ginger, and hydration may support overall health but should not replace proven acute treatments such as oxygen or prescribed rescue medication.

What Does Not Usually Work for Cluster Headaches?

One of the most frustrating parts of cluster headaches is that ordinary headache remedies often fail. Cluster attacks develop quickly, reach severe intensity within minutes, and often resolve before slower-acting medications have time to work.

Common Approaches That Often Disappoint

  • Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin: These usually act too slowly to stop a cluster attack.
  • Oral triptans: Tablets may not work fast enough for many people, though injectable or nasal forms can be effective.
  • Opioids: These are generally not recommended for cluster headaches and may create additional risks.
  • Waiting it out: Because the pain is extreme, having a rapid treatment plan is usually better than enduring attacks without help.
  • Treating it as sinus pain: Tearing, nasal congestion, and facial pressure can mimic sinus problems, but cluster headaches require different treatment.

If common pain relievers have not helped your one-sided eye or temple pain, especially when attacks occur in predictable daily patterns, it may be time to ask about cluster headaches specifically.

Safety Considerations

Natural remedies are often useful as supportive measures, but they are not risk-free. Supplements can interact with medications, worsen certain medical conditions, or become unsafe at high doses.

Use Extra Caution If You:

  • Take blood thinners or blood pressure medication
  • Use sedatives, sleep medication, or anti-anxiety medication
  • Have kidney disease, liver disease, heart rhythm issues, or high calcium levels
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Use high-dose vitamin D, magnesium, or multiple supplements together
  • Have a new or changing headache pattern

Medication and Supplement Interactions

Melatonin

May increase drowsiness when combined with sedatives, alcohol, sleep medications, or anti-anxiety medications. It may also interact with blood thinners and immune-modulating medications.

Magnesium

May interfere with absorption of thyroid medication, certain antibiotics, and osteoporosis medications if taken too close together. High doses may cause diarrhea.

Vitamin D3

High-dose vitamin D should be monitored with blood testing. Excessive intake may raise calcium levels and increase the risk of kidney stones or kidney strain.

Fish Oil

Higher doses may increase bleeding tendency, especially when combined with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Cluster headaches are less common in women than men, but they can occur during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Treatment decisions should be made with an obstetric provider and a neurologist because some medications, supplements, and herbs may not be appropriate during pregnancy.

Do not assume that a natural remedy is automatically safe during pregnancy simply because it is available without a prescription. This is especially important with high-dose supplements, herbs, essential oils, and products that affect blood pressure, sleep, or blood clotting.

When to Seek Medical Care

Cluster headaches should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, especially if the diagnosis is new or uncertain. A neurologist or headache specialist can help confirm the diagnosis, rule out other causes, and create a treatment plan for both acute attacks and prevention.

Seek Immediate Medical Care If You Experience:

  • The worst headache of your life
  • A sudden thunderclap headache
  • Weakness, numbness, facial drooping, or difficulty speaking
  • Confusion, fainting, seizure, or loss of consciousness
  • Vision loss, double vision, or severe eye pain with vision changes
  • Fever with neck stiffness
  • A headache after head trauma
  • A new headache pattern after age 50
  • A major change in a known headache pattern

You should also schedule medical care if attacks become more frequent, your current treatment stops working, headaches disrupt sleep repeatedly, or you are relying on over-the-counter pain relievers without relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can natural remedies cure cluster headaches?

No. Natural remedies may support overall health or reduce symptoms in some people, but they are not considered cures for cluster headaches.

What is the fastest treatment for a cluster headache?

High-flow oxygen and injectable sumatriptan are among the fastest evidence-based treatments for stopping an acute attack.

Can vitamin D stop cluster headaches?

Some people report major improvement with vitamin D3 regimens, but controlled clinical evidence remains limited. High-dose vitamin D should be monitored by a healthcare provider.

Does melatonin help cluster headaches?

Melatonin has some clinical evidence and may be especially relevant for nighttime attacks. It works best as part of a broader treatment plan.

Does caffeine help?

Some people find that caffeine taken very early in an attack helps, but responses vary. Too much caffeine may worsen sleep and complicate headache patterns.

Why do attacks happen at the same time every day?

Cluster headaches appear closely tied to the hypothalamus and circadian rhythms, which may explain their predictable timing.

Can alcohol trigger cluster headaches?

Yes. Alcohol is one of the most consistent triggers during an active cluster period. Many people avoid it completely until the cycle ends.

Are cluster headaches hereditary?

Most people do not have a strong family history, but genetics may increase risk in some families.

Should I see a neurologist?

Yes. Cluster headaches often require specialized treatment, and many people benefit from a neurologist or headache specialist.

How long does a cluster period last?

A cluster period may last weeks to months, followed by remission that can last months or years. Some people have chronic cluster headaches with little remission.

Can stress cause cluster headaches?

Stress is not considered the main cause, but good stress management may support sleep, resilience, and overall headache care.

Can oxygen be used at home?

Yes. Many people with cluster headaches are prescribed home oxygen specifically for acute attacks. The setup and flow rate should be prescribed by a clinician.

Should I avoid exercise?

Regular exercise is generally beneficial between attacks. During an active attack, intense exercise may be difficult or aggravating for some people.

Are cluster headaches the same as sinus headaches?

No. Cluster headaches can cause tearing, nasal congestion, and facial pressure, which may mimic sinus pain, but they are a distinct neurological headache disorder.

Do cluster headaches go away permanently?

Some people experience long remissions, while others have recurring cycles or chronic cluster headaches. A treatment plan can greatly improve quality of life.

Final Thoughts

Cluster headaches are one of the most severe pain conditions recognized in medicine, but effective treatment is available. A prompt diagnosis, access to rapid abortive therapy such as high-flow oxygen, and preventive treatment when needed can dramatically improve quality of life.

Key Takeaways

  • Do not rely only on ordinary pain relievers. They usually act too slowly for cluster attacks.
  • Ask about high-flow oxygen. Many people are not told early enough that oxygen can be a highly effective acute treatment.
  • Consider complementary support carefully. Melatonin, magnesium, hydration, sleep regularity, and supervised vitamin D3 may help some people.
  • Avoid alcohol during active cycles. It is one of the most consistent triggers.
  • Track your pattern. A headache diary can help you and your clinician identify timing, triggers, and response to treatment.

Natural remedies such as melatonin, magnesium, hydration, healthy sleep habits, and carefully supervised vitamin D supplementation may offer additional support for some individuals. These approaches are best viewed as complementary strategies rather than replacements for proven medical treatment.

If you have been told your headaches are "just migraines" or "sinus headaches," but your symptoms include severe one-sided eye pain, tearing, nasal congestion, restlessness, and attacks that occur at the same time each day, ask your healthcare provider whether cluster headaches could be the cause.

Although living with cluster headaches can be frightening and exhausting, many people achieve substantial improvement through a combination of accurate diagnosis, medical care, healthy routines, and carefully selected complementary therapies.

Continue reading Earth Clinic reader experiences below and share your own observations, remedies, and recovery tips to help others.

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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B1 (Thiamine)

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Posted by Art (California ) on 10/05/2018 2891 posts
 ★★★★★

I have been following an Italian neurologist for several years and one of his findings in his practice is that he has been able to help some of his patients with cluster headaches by treating them with high oral dose Vitamin B-1 / thiamine hcl. There are not a lot of effective natural treatments for cluster headaches so any help is a very good thing!

Here is a link to a paper that this doctor has done on the subject about one of his patients who had excellent results within 10 days in this case report!

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/crinm/2018/3901619/

Art

Cayenne

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Posted by Stacy (Accra, Ghana) on 05/03/2016
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Hello and much thanks to all at Earth Clinic for all of the information and postings. I have been reading this site for a few years, and have used many remedies from here for several health issues for myself, dear hubby, dogs, relatives and friends. I am female, almost 50, in relatively good health but since childhood I suffer from cluster headaches (episodic) and usually the only thing offered by doctors and which helped somewhat, was prescribed Triptans. ( Imitrex, Sumitriptan) but they also had their problems, such as rebound headaches, built up tolerance to meds, i.e. needing more and more to find relief and sometimes during the last weeks of a 4-6 week cycle, not even working at all. During my period of cluster headaches, they slowly build up from one early in the am, till 3-4 headaches a day. Plus, the doctors say don't use no more than 2 Triptan pills in a 24 hour period!

I saw where cayenne pepper, or rather the capsaicin in peppers worked to relieve headaches. There are some commercial formulations you can buy without a prescription but since I am overseas for a year, and my meds are of limited supply, I decided to make my own intranasal pepper spray. Yes, I was that desperate. I took just 1/2 tsp of dried red peppers, ground them in a fine paste, mixed with a little warm water, let sit for few minutes ( the longer the hotter it is) strained it and put the strained liquid into a old emptied nasal spray bottle. Do not inhale! Spray a shot, in the nostril on same side of headache, just spray and blow your nose afterwards, but more likely your nostril will start running and your eye will tear up too. Wow, I felt the burning over the headache, but the burning sensation was gone in a few minutes, and the headache was reduced. I went on to do this every 15 mins for the next 1 hour and all I can say is that it gets less burning as you continue to use it, and the headache continued to reduce and I could get back to sleep. The next morning, I was not headachy, dopey or as brain fogged as usual when I take the meds. This gives me so much hope that my cluster headaches will not render me as useless and hopeless as it usually does. Many praises to all who suffer! This is what I tried as I had awakened with a full blown cluster headache and I knew meds would take 15 mins to even begin to lower the pain, before I could get back to sleep, so what did I have to lose, either way I would have to endure the pain for 15 mins. Maybe if I had been awake and felt it coming and started right away, it would have taken less shots of spray over less time.

Chiropractic Treatment

Posted by Sue M. (Worden, Il, Usa) on 11/29/2012

My husband has been suffering for 3 to 4 months now with severe sinus headaches. They really don't start on him until after he goes to bed. He has taken a Benadryl before bed and that helps for 3 or 4 hrs. , but after it wears off, the pain wakes him up and he has to get up and take another Benadryl. He's tried a heating pad, elevating his head with a couple of pillows, drinking hot liquids, ACV, eating spicy foods and they help temporarily, but the worse is at night. He wakes up with bags under his eyes and sometimes he's so congested.... Sometimes not. My daughter thought that he possibly had allergies and once we got into cold weather and had several good "frosts" on the ground, his headaches would go away. That's not the case.

I have read all the posts here on EC about sinus issues, but mostly it's contributions about congestion and not the headaches at bedtime. I think he's to the place with hurting that he might listen to me about anything "natural". Lol Any suggestions would be appreciated. "))

Replied by Greg
(Enterprise, Al)
03/28/2013

He might be having cluster headaches. I have suffered with them for over 30 days with no relief from meds. I finally found that taking magnesium and potassium has helped. The best thing though has been finding a chiropractor that does Atlas Orthogonal Technique. If they are cluster, I feel for him, they are horribly painful, feel like sinus headaches until you realize what they are.

Replied by Kay
(Destin, Fl)
05/17/2013

My boyfriend had those same issues, until I bought him all new bed pillows. I told him we needed to throw away his old 'favorite' bed pillows... He protested vehemently until I showed him a video about dust mites! He nearly freaked out. After doing a few rounds of pillow "tests", his pillows proved without a doubt to be his problem. With his new pillows he's breathing great with no more sinus problems!

Cluster Headaches and Geographical Locations

Posted by Karateguy96 (Joliet, Illinois) on 11/06/2015

For me, it seems that my cluster headaches are related to geographical location (not exclusive though I'm sure). I've lived in Iowa, South Dakota, Missouri, and now Illinois. I had my first cluster headache in the summer while living in Iowa. Then I moved to SD and they went away. Moving to Missouri brought them back with a vengeance, and they changed to seasonal in late fall/early winter until Spring. I've been on a slew of prescriptions. Oxygen treatment helps cut down the time IF I catch it in time. But it's hard to do that when you wake up at 3am due to one. Hopefully being here in Illinois will resolve them.

Replied by Timh
(Ky)
11/07/2015
2041 posts

K: Do consider the possibility of Electromagnetic Radiation from devices like microwave ovens, wifi internet, and particularly cell-phones held close to the brain and even living or working nearby cell-phone towers. Many electric supply companies have installed electromagnetic ping devices that send meter usage data to a local receiver to be collected for estimating your electric bill.

Reducing exposures, Earthing, and Magnet Therapy should help.

Replied by Denise
(Waucoma, Iowa)
10/21/2022

How have your headphones been? I'm from Iowa and my children get these but not me. I'm trying to figure this out.

Dietary Changes, Water, Massage

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Posted by Rachel (Bloomington, In) on 10/24/2016
 ★★★★☆

I have never written suggestions on a website online before, but I feel excited to share what I have learned in the hope that it might help others. All I can give is my own anecdotal experience. I recognize that some of these remedies may not have the same effect on you that they have had on me, but it's worth a try! Here are my favorite remedies for cluster headaches beginning with the most effective on down.

1. Avoid gluten, sugar, and dairy. I've taken an allergy test and I'm not allergic to these things. However, I have noticed that if I eliminate these foods when I feel the first hint of a cluster headache come along in October or May (the times of year I am prone to beginning a headache cycle), the headaches never materialize. I can feel them softly knocking in the background but they never come on strong unless I falter in my diet. If after several days of a good diet, I have a bagel with cream cheese or something similar, a headache will likely hit soon after. After the cycle passes completely, I eat things with gluten, sugar, and dairy again.

2. Drink as much water as possible. I read a suggestion online to drink a cup of water every half hour when you have cluster headaches. It's inconvenient, but it can hold the headaches at bay for me for days.

3. Massage your head and cranium. I recently met with a craniosacral therapist who brought to my attention that I have serious tension in my face and head. I think much of this comes from grinding my teeth at night, and this tension seems to trigger my cluster headaches. Every day, especially when a cycle begins, I take as much down time as I can (while I'm watching a movie, waiting at a stoplight, etc.) to massage my face and skull. I've found many knots I had no idea were possible, like just above my ears, in the joint of my jaw, my temples, above my temples, etc. Look especially for pressure points, but it works just to carefully explore the head for places of tension and pain and rub them in a motion perpendicular to the knot.

4. Take 1/2 tsp cayenne at the onset of a headache, and once every hour if the headache starts coming back. Often works for me.

5. Music/meditation. If I'm home as soon as I feel a headache coming on, I can stop what I'm doing immediately, turn on Jeffrey Thompson's Delta sleep music on YouTube (he has music especially formulated to relax the brain), rub my head a little, and then lie down relaxed without moving. I listen to the music and consciously relax each muscle in my head as much as possible, gently dismissing any thoughts that come to my mind. Then I enter into a state of meditation, that if I do it long enough even feels like a mildly hypnotic state. I know that melatonin is effective for the headaches and that this practice has a similar effect, almost like putting the brain to sleep while you are awake. If I fall asleep in this way at night, I am less likely to be woken up later by a headache because I was so relaxed when I went to sleep. If I do wake up in the night, I take a little melatonin and turn the music back on to relax my brain again.

Replied by Timh
(Ky)
10/24/2016
2041 posts

Welcome Rachal and a very good response to your Headache. One item I always think about for this condition is the likelihood of heavy metals like Mercury, Aluminum, Lead, Cadmium, and Arcenic. As one ages small amounts of these accumulate in the body and the organ most affected is the brain which can be the cause of degenerative mental conditions like Alzheimers & Parkinsons. There are Heavy Metal Cleansing remedies here on E.C. which should be done periodically for everyone in the industrial society. Another possible underlying issue is infection in the gut which causes leaky gut which always causes headaches. Oil Of Oregano Softgels is a good start for possible gut infection, but you may wish to take a Candida questionnaire to identify your likelihood.

But for immediate brain health I will list several nutrients or herbs which are very good. Taurine and Acetyl L-Carnitine help detoxify; The herbs Chinese Skullcap, Ginkgo Biloba, and Hemp Oil/CBD are excellent; Coconut Oil and Fish/Krill, Flax, Borage, and Evening Primrose Oil are all good for total body/brain.

Replied by James
(Fl)
10/05/2018

HELLO, I am a real cluster headache sufferer. Twenty-two years, actually.

First of all during an attack you cannot lay down. It will only make it worse. You cannot concentrate on listening to music because you cannot sit still enough to hear it. The pain is so intense there is nothing else in the universe besides you and your pain. Once an attack starts up there are only three things that will help abort it, only two are on the market. One is pure oxygen with full facial mask at 15 LPM. This may take anywhere from three to fifteen minutes to kill the pain, depending on the severity, but you will get rebounds within 90 minutes and will have to use it again putting you at risk for O2 poisoning. Works only 95% of the time.

Second is sumatriptan injections. These will abort the attack within three minutes and may last a few hours before you are hit again. At $175.00 USD per shot good luck finding an insurance company that will pay for more than one injection. The third thing is something that is way underground but not only stops the attacks it also kills the whole cycle. One maybe two doses and no more headaches. If you are a true cluster head this is the way to go. YOU WILL SAVE YOURSELF A LOT OF UNGODLY PAINFUL HELL AND INCONVENIENCE. Hint, I am not talking about marijuana as that triggers attacks. It goes deeper underground than that. It is a natural substance so there are no worries about toxicity. Worst case you will throw it up if you eat too much. Once you've decided you had enough of this pain do your research.

There are web sites you can visit for help. Good Luck and may you have pain free days and nights.

Replied by R.Clancy
(Victoria B.C.)
01/16/2022

Magic Mushroom tea

2-4 grams in 10 oz. of boiling water, let steep for two hours.

Eat a heavy meal as soon as you start steeping the tea.

Strain out mushrooms, drink 1/4 of tea every 15 min.

Note: what ever you are thinking about prior to drinking the tea is what you will bring forth.

Note: depending on body weight the experience will last 6-12 hours.

Eye Patch

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Posted by Samira (Switzerland) on 05/05/2024
 ★★★★★

Eye Patch for Cluster Headache

An episode of cluster headache was gone after two days of wearing an eye patch on the hurting eye. And the pain was lessened after only a short time.

There is an optometrist in Germany who found out that people who do the "eye patch test" of wearing an eye patch for at least 2 days straight and who have a significant pain relief from that are actually suffering cluster headaches because of a light angular ametropia and he helps those people by creating some sort of prism glasses that actually helps them living a pain free life. He is conducting a study at the moment where he manufactures these glasses for people with chronic cluster headaches. And he is making the glasses for free. He wants to prove and spread the word about his findings of the conection of specific angular ametropia and cluster headaches. His Name is Jürgen Peschlow, located in Berlin.

I would strongly recommend everyone with cluster headache to try the eye patch for one or two days and see what happens. It's easy to do and costs no money.

Additionally, I found that (intense! ) running can help a lot as well (or other exercise that really bring the heart rate up) and oxygen. Warm foot baths and cold wet towels on the neck can ease some pain as well, but only if it's right in the beginning stage of an episode.

Replied by Samira
(Switzerland)
05/16/2024

I want to add that not all prism glasses will work. The whole topic is not well researched yet, and I learned that most optometrists, manufacture way too strong prism glasses that can actually have damaging side effects over time. So if you go down that rout, please take some time to research!

Himalayan Salt, Water

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Posted by Denisha (CA) on 04/17/2023
 ★★★★★

Cluster headaches are a symptom of accidental dehydration! I cured my cluster headaches by taking 1/8 teaspoon of Pink Himalayan salt with 16 0z of water. Every time I drank water, I would take a pinch of sea salt or pink salt with it. DO NOT USE TABLE SALT!! I learned how to rehydrate myself by going to watercures.org. It literally saved my life, and the doctors didn't know squat. I wanted to jump off the bridge. I realized that our bodies need electrolytes and I was determined to heal myself, and I didn't stop until I did. I hope this helps someone.

Replied by Yazmin
(Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
05/12/2023
★★★★★

I wasn't sure I was having migraine or cluster headache for more than a week now, I tried EC's suggestion on magnesium citrate 400gm. It did help but I can't take more than once a day for fear of overdosing it. So I went back to painkillers for d rest of d day and sleep through the pain. I read this post n realised, I may just be accidentally dehydrated. It's very hot in Malaysia now. I tried d Himalayan Salt with water and felt a short relief but my head was still pounding later. So I bought isotonic electrolytes drink 100 plus and felt 50% reduction of pain. I kept on drinking and I'm almost pain free few hours on.

TQ for your post. This EC community has helped me many times.

Oxygen Therapy

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Posted by Josh (Houston, Tx) on 04/21/2011
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Just to let you guys know, oxygen therapy works. It will take a cluster headache away in 10 minutes. I suffered for 7 years untill I found this. There are too many dangerous maint. drugs to take. So if you can abort them with oxygen its a win win.

J. Thibodeaux

Oxygen Therapy
Posted by Cgoetz435 (Dublin, Ca) on 03/22/2011
 ★★★★☆

I suffer from cluster headaches. My primary symptom began on my right side and felt like someone was trying "to pull my upper and lower teeth out with pliers. " I went to several neurologists who diagnosed trigeminal neuralgia. They stated "cluster headaches are a male disease" and I am female. Eventually got a correct diagnosis of cluster headaches.

Unfortunately, it's several years later, and I still have tremendous problems with pain. Oxygen therapy is helpful. I take daily meds and at this point, I'm using Sumatriptan injections almost daily. It's imperative that you get an accurate diagnosis. I saw a dentist, a endodontist, 3 neurologists, before getting correct diagnosis. I am currently investigating deep tissue laser therapy for relief. Hope this helps.

Replied by Hs
(Fl)
06/10/2017

If you have a root canal, consider extracting it to stop chronic head pain. I had infection in my 3 root canals and they were causing migraine and arthritis. When extracted, the relief was obvious.

Remyelinization

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Posted by Robert Gilberty Frie (USA) on 05/20/2005
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

May 2004: I am now Fifty (50) years old. (Date of Birth: 12-February-1954) My crisis with: Migraine Headache, Pretrigeminal Neuralgia, Cluster Headache, Coughing Headache or Trigeminal Neuralgia depending upon which physician you ask, now seems but an unfortunate memory. I now can't remember when I had my last "Head Pain" and that is not because I have a waning memory. I am now able to take Ballroom Dance lessons up to Fifteen (15) hours a week, and have been doing so for the last Two (2) years. And according to several of my dance instructors, I have exceptional energy and stamina while doing Cha Cha and Salsa dancing. This year (March & April 2004) I have already completed Four (4) foreign military parachute jumps while in Cambodia and in Thailand. Two (2) of the parachute jumps in Thailand were into the ocean. It is my hope and desire that this report helps others as it has helped me to go on to living a happy and productive life. I still continue to practice all the recommendations set forth in this report. Hey! Have a nice day!

May 2003 As of this date, I am gratified to report further progressive improvement in the Remyelinization of my Fifth Cranial Nerve. I have continued to practice all Twelve (12) recommendations listed below. At this juncture in time, I have only occasionally experienced trace residual symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia / Cluster Headache. I have not experienced any facial numbness or abnormalities of any kind, with fully active and normal cutaneous & subcutaneous sensory activity.

September 2002 I am very pleased to report that through extremely painful and relentless experimentation on myself since 1998, I am almost 100% pain free nearly 100% of the time, 365 days a year with infrequent slight momentary dull residual discomfort of my Trigeminal Neuralgia / Cluster Headache ordeal. My Fifth Cranial Nerve damage was extensive but limited to the Right Cranial Hemisphere of the Ophthalmic (V1) and Maxillary (V2) branches of the Trigeminal Nerve, which is well documented in my Daily Report Log. It is very unfortunate that the Health Care Professionals, Seventeen (17) at last count, could never render a diagnosis past telling me that my "Head Pain" was merely "Psychosomatic" or that: "You need to learn how to live with the pain," or that I needed Gamma Knife Surgery. Now the Medical Professionals are saying that I never had Trigeminal Neuralgia/ Cluster Headache or that my long awaited miraculous recovery was merely a case of "Spontaneous Remission," and had nothing to do with my experimental Remyelinization therapy. Read my Daily Report Log and draw your own conclusions.

Below you will read my recommendations on enabling the Trigeminal Nerve to begin the Remyelinization process of regenerating and healing the Myelin Sheath surrounding the branches of the Fifth Cranial Nerve. After years of experimenting on myself, I now feel that at least in my case, this ended up being the best course of action. I describe my own course of self-treatment here for the edification of those who might be interested. A word to the wise"

Recommendations

1. Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Diet: As many raw uncooked and unprocessed natural foods as possible. Sweet Peas (Spit Pea Soup) should be of special interest because when used in conjunction with MSM Crystals, as in my case, somewhere between Four (4) to Six (6) days, I experience rapid/accelerated fingernail growth. The body metabolizes more readily unprocessed foods effectively. Seafood appears not to have any adverse or impeding factors in the Remyelinization process. Refrain from eating meat products since they seem to inhibit the Remyelinization process (Fatty meats especially). Personally, I am an omnivore by nature.

2. Yeast: Any dry, Super Rich yeast will do. One (1) to Two (2) tablespoons per day. The "B" Vitamins in yeast appear to be beneficial in the Remyelinization process. Can be mixed with natural juice in a blender or capsulate your own. Mfg: Twinlab /Twin Laboratories Inc.: Super Rich Yeast Plus. 150 Motor Parkway, Suite 210, Hauppage, NY, 11788, USA Tel: 631-467-3140 Web: www.twinlab.com Available at any Health Food Store. Side Effects: None

3. MSM, (Methylsulfonylmethane): A Non-Steriodal Anti-Inflammatory (NSAIDS). 1000mg to 4000mg capsulated crystals per day. Best method 1000mg Four (4) times a day. Morning (Breakfast), Noon (Dinner/Lunch), Late Afternoon (Supper Time) and before retiring (Bed Time) in the evening. It has been my personal observation that MSM does not stay resident & active in the body for any length of time. Taking MSM Crystals Four (4) a day seems to indicate greater rapid improvement in the Remyelinization process. (Note: MSM tablets are not as effective as gelatin capsulated crystals and not recommended) Source: Health Food Stores, Farm Animal Horse Feed Stores. Purchase empty Number Single "0", Double "00", or Triple "000" Aught gelatin capsules at a Health Food Store and load the capsules on your own. Side Effects: Rapid Hair and Fingernail growth. Sometimes effective in reducing or eradicating Rheumatoid Arthritis inflammation. I have taken 26,000mg per day for over a year with no evidence of any adverse reaction.

4. Glucosamine Sulfate: 1000mg capsulated crystals per day. Capsulated crystals are recommended. Available at Health Food Stores. Crystals alone can be purchased from Farm Animal Horse Feed Stores. Purchase empty Number Single "0", Double "00", or Triple "000" Aught gelatin capsules at a Health Food Store and load the capsules on your own. Side Effects: None. I have taken 3,000mg per day for over a year with no evidence of any adverse reaction.

5. Chondroitin Sulfate: 1000mg capsulated crystals per day. Available at Health Food Stores. Crystals are available at Farm Animal Horse Feed Stores. Purchase empty Number Single "0", Double "00", or Triple "000" Aught gelatin capsules at a Health Food Store and load the capsules on your own. Side Effects: None. I have taken 3,000mg per day for over a year with no evidence of any adverse reaction.

6. Omega 3Flax Oil: 6000mg capsules per day. Mfg: Spectrum Naturals, Inc., Petaluma, CA 94952, USA. Tel: 800-995-2705, Web: www.spectrumnaturals.com Available at Health Food Stores. Side Effects: None

7. Wheat Germ Oil: One (1) tablespoon per day. Rich in Vitamin "E". Mfg: Viobin U.S.A., Monticello, IL 61856, USA. Web: www.researchprod.com Available at Health Food Stores. Side Effects: None

8. Folic Acid Powder: 1000mg-5000mg capsulated per day. Vitamin B-9. Mfg: Life Extension Foundation Buyers Club, Inc., P.O. Box 229120, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33022-9909 USA. Tel: 800-544-4440, Fax: 954-761-9199. Web: www.lef.com Purchase empty Number Single "0", Double "00", or Triple "000" Aught gelatin capsules at a Health Food Store and load the capsules on your own. Side Effects: None.

9. B-1, B-6, B-12 Pharmaceutical Injectables: Using a 3ml syringe. 2.5ml of "B" Complex and .5ml of DMSO. B-12 Injectable alone with DMSO works very well. Allow to stand combined in syringe for Four (4) to Six (6) hours before injecting into different localized fatty tissue / deep subcutaneous locations every other day. (In my case: Rt. Buttock, Rt. Flank, Rt. Side of Stomach, Lt. Side of Stomach, Lt. Flank, Lt. Buttock). Side Effects: When used in conjunction with MSM & DMSO can cause scalp and hair to appear to become oily. There is a question about "B" Complexes causing Hypervitaminosis / Sensory Nerve Impairment if administered in large doses chronically over several years. Cf.

Vitamin B1/6/12 might help This response submitted by Karin, Switzerland on 9/4/96. Author's Email: -

Peripheral neuropathy is sometimes caused by a lack of Vitamin B. Maybe your husband did not care about his intake of Vitamin B for years. Alcohol or some pills (e.g. Tegretol) may be responsible for a Vitamin B neuropathy.

Even if Vitamin B levels are normal in a blood test, this does not mean that a severe lack of Vitamin B could not have caused the neuropathy long before, and the nervous system seems to need enormous amounts of Vitamin B to recover from the damage (Remyelinization, that is filling up the gaps in the sheaths of the nerves).

I successfully treated somebody with a disabling neuropathy with injections (every 2 weeks) of a mixture of Vitamins B1, B6 & B12 (Neurorubin Streuli, Swiss trademark) for a year, and symptoms disappeared almost completely apart from a feeling of stiff ankles in the morning. Naturally one could take vitamin pills, but sometimes even the intestinal absorption of vitamins is disturbed by the lack of Vitamin B, and then one has to start with injections, but TAKE CARE TO AVOID HYPERVITAMINOSIS (pause the treatment from time to time). If the neuropathy of your husband is accompanied by pain, injections of Vitamin B can make them disappear immediately (2-3 injections/week). This is a very common problem, but most doctors rely too much lab-values of Vitamin B and hesitate to start a vitamin therapy even if the symptoms are typical.

http://neuro-www.mgh.harvard.edu/neurowebforum/GeneralFeedbackArticles/VitaminB1.6.12mighthelp.html

Sensory peripheral neuropathy of vitamin B12 deficiency: a primary demyelinating disease? Steiner I, Kidron D, Soffer D, Wirguin I, Abramsky O.

Department of Neurology, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel. J Neurol 1988 Jan;235(3):163-4

In five patients with peripheral neuropathy due to Vitamin B12 deficiency, electrodiagnostic studies demonstrated severe reduction in sensory nerve conduction velocities compatible with a demyelinating disorder affecting sensory nerve fibres. It is suggested that in some patients lack of Vitamin B12 may cause primary sensory demyelinating neuropathy.

Phttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=2835439&dopt=AbstractMID: 2835439 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

10. Hyaluronic Acid, (HA) Hyaluronan: Restores the elasticity / plasticity to the Myelin Sheath. Cf. "Ultimate H.A. Formula" (cockscomb extract tablets) Mfg: Purity Products, 139 Haven Ave., Port Washington, NY 11050, USA. Tel: 800-769-7873, Fax: 516-767-1722. Web: www.purityproducts.com/product.asp?sku=134 Video Tape Mfg: ABC News: 02-Nov-2000 Primetime Live, "Fountain of Youth" Program Number: P001102-03 ABC News Video Services: http://abcnews.go.com/onair/2020/PRIMETIME_japanyouth_001102_feature.html 8000 E. Ronda Drive, Canton, MI 48187, USA. Tel: 800-505-6139 (It is advisable to take a maximum daily dose, short of incurring facial skin acne) In my particular case, I elected to produce my own personal supply of HA by processing poultry connective tissue in the same manner that pharmaceutical manufactures produce commercial grade HA. I accomplished this by washing, rinsing, dehydrating, grinding and the capsulation of the connective tissue. It was my desire to achieve the maximum possible strength of HA to be taken orally. I found that my "Home Processed" method produced very favorable results. Side Effects: If acne starts to occur, reduce daily dosage and use Benzyl Peroxide 5% to clear up condition. Resume use with smaller daily dosages. Cf. (Oil Absorbing) "Acne Mask" Mfg: Neutrogena Corporation, USA.

11. DMSO, (Dimethylsulfoxide): Liquid 99.9% pure. Topical Application: DMSO when directly applied cutaneously will permeate the Ophthalmic (V1) side of the forehead and scalp area. This procedure can be done once every other day. Atomized Application: Using a nasal atomizer (fine mist spray applicator) spray once up both nostrils every other day. This will be painful and only necessary if damage has occurred to the Ophthalmic (V1) and Maxillary (V2) branches of the Trigeminal Nerve. DMSO Injections: Undiluted or Unmixed injections of DMSO is not recommended and should be avoided. The stinging localized pain factor is extremely high. DMSO combined with "B" Complex injectables will allow your body to absorb and metabolize continuous large doses of "B" Complex, far more readily than would be possible with injections of "B" Complex alone. DMSO is available at Health Food Stores and Farm Animal Horse Feed Stores. Side Effects: Rapid Hair and Fingernail growth. Sometimes effective in reducing or eradicating Rheumatoid Arthritis inflammation.

12. Steam & Sauna Bath: Daily, promotes highly increased blood circulation to the head and extremities. If the Steam or Sauna precipitates / triggers a Trigeminal / Cluster Headache, suspend this therapy until a later time when the Remyelinization process has normalized most of the Fifth Cranial Nerve Branch hypersensitivity. As of this report date I have not triggered or experienced a Trigeminal / Cluster Headache taking daily Steam Baths at 135"F / 57"C and Sauna Baths at 235"F / 113"C for well over the last Three (3) years

Prednisone Considerations

Prednisone falls into the family of Corticosteroids known as Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDS) that are used in inflammatory cutaneous & subcutaneous conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome for their anti-inflammatory properties. The chronic use of Prednisone in treating Trigeminal Neuralgia / Cluster Headache depletes the Calcium from the bone marrow and thus increasing the susceptibility to Osteoporosis.

One of the most immediate common side effects of Prednisone use is Heartburn. It is highly advisable that when taking Prednisone in the Remyelinization process, that one ingests at least Two (2) tablets of Calcium at least Four (4) times a day for every Twenty-Four (24) hour period. This is about the only precautionary defense that I am aware of in counteracting progressive Osteoporosis & Heartburn while taking Prednisone.

Prednisone has been used very effectively as a physician prescribed "Symptom Suppressor / Inhibitor" for temporary short-term pain relief in Trigeminal Neuralgia / Cluster Headache. The efficaciousness is highly reliant on the extent of Demyelinization to any of the branches of the Trigeminal Nerve. Physicians have been prescribing between 60-80mg per day, not to exceed Fourteen (14) days in any One-time interval for short-term pain relief only. In my case while taking Prednisone 20mg tablets Four (4) times a day stopped the Ophthalmic (V1) & Maxillary (V2) inflammation / damage pain entirely. As I have previously stated, Prednisone used in this application is to be strictly considered as a SYMPTOM SUPPRESSOR only! My pain relief was short lived and within a few days after terminating the Fourteen (14) day use period, the reoccurrence of my forehead / facial pain relapsed almost in its entirety. Because my pain levels were so high and relentless, I treated myself again with Prednisone on several occasions over a Six (6) month period to afford myself some pain relief and semblance of sanity, well aware that Prednisone is a major contributor of Osteoporosis, and that I was potentially setting myself up for other negative properties associated with Prednisone use.

Empirically speaking, it has been my observation that Prednisone acts as an accelerant in restoring the Myelin Sheath to some form of normalcy when used in conjunction with MSM, B-1, B-6, & B-12 Injectables. The high doses previously physician prescribed do not seem to be required to achieve the rapid & lasting restoration / rejuvenation of the Myelin Sheath. I was able to acquire very favorable results at 20mg per day, not exceeding a Fourteen (14) day period. Most often, I would discontinue usage after Seven (7) days experiencing that I had enough Prednisone in my system, and had met my tolerance level. At this point in the Remyelinization process I would not again go back on Prednisone for Three (3) to Four (4) months before repeating the cycle. My continuous use of MSM has been indefinite. The use of "B" Complex Injectables has been more or less a discretionary "On & Off" approach. It was through this cyclic procedure that I was able to determine if the Prednisone combination was producing any distinguishable lasting efficacy. Again in my case there has been a continual marked improvement, which has not diminished to this date"

Replied by Faranak
(Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
11/15/2009

Hello, I would like to get in touch with Mr. Robert Gilbert Frie the author of the aritcle ' Remylinization in retrospect' and how he has cured his Trigeminal Neurlagia and Cluster Migraine.

I would really appreciate, if you could give me his contact info. I have been diagbosed with Atypical Facial Neuralgia. I have some questions as I would like to try his recommeneded course of treatment.

Best regards

Replied by Christina
(Sammamish, Washington)
05/01/2013

Thank you for the input on prednisone. When you went on 20 for 14 days, did you taper it or just come off it?

Replied by Andrea C
(Cardiff, Wales)
07/12/2013

You have to taper off prednisolone, as it shuts down the brains own steroid production. And its also dangerous to abruptly stop a high dose, depending on how long you've been on them. Love Andrea c xxxxx

Replied by Terry
(Ar)
01/10/2016

At the age of 50 I have just now started experiencing cluster headaches. After several trips to the ER and different doctors with no long standing results I decided to goolge cluster headaches which lead me here. The b12 component of your arrival I found interesting. I have thalasemia which is a genetic blood disorder in which my red blood cells are too small. I also have an inability to absorb b12 and have to take injections weekly.well I'm supposed to but I don't.

After reading your article, I gave myself a b12 injection and took a 5 milligram Valium. Within 30 minutes started feeling some relief. The b12 is a hemoglobin which attaches to my already too small red blood cells to help carry 02 and it also vital for the nerves so that they can form the insulated sheathing over the nerve to protect them and keep them from short circuiting. You may be on to something with the b12. Thanks for the input. I'm anxious to see how this works out in the days to come.

Replied by Timh
(Ky)
01/11/2016
2041 posts

T: I can't speak for any specific facts for your condition with thalassemia, but along with the B-12 I would also advise researching or also supplementing the single most powerful "methyl donor" SAM-e. SAM-e is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions and will combine w/ the B-12 for maximum benefit. You may also consider the coenzymated form of B-12 along with Folic Acid in the event you are not correctly metabolizing these. Read more here on E.C. Bill's post on Methylation or/and internet searches.

Also, as for protecting and increasing the lifespan of red blood cells, Vit-E is very important. And for Vit-E it is important to take a "broad-spectrum" form plus addition Selenium & CoQ10 (for maximum benefit).

Hope this helps.

Running

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Posted by Runner (Ville Platte, La 70586) on 07/13/2017
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I have cluster headaches. They are no fun. The first one I had would not go away and continued to worsen until I was being sick to the stomach. I found myself in a fetal position trying to rock the pain away. Something told me to run. I ran as hard as I could until I physically could not anymore. I collapsed gasping for air. My heart was beating so fast that I had to get up and walk it down which took longer than the run did. Immediately, the pain started fading. I out run them every time since then. It was years later that I learned of cluster headaches and heard there wasn't anything to do for them. I said, "I run until I can't anymore and they go away."

I asked a doctor in passing about that. He agreed there was nothing that could be done. But when I told him about my running he said I was raising my heart rate to the point that a chemical reaction was producing the equivalent of Morphine and the gasping for air was saturating my oxygen level. He said doing that would surely work. Still today, when I have a cluster headache, I RUN, AND RUN, AND RUN. It still works for me.

But I must say, there is no stopping short of nearing a heart attack from the running. I had a cluster headache last month and attempted to run it out. I thought I had run hard enough, but hadn't. It continued to worsen and I could no longer drive. So I found myself running laps around the KMART parking lot in the town I was passing through. I don't know what I will do when I get too old to run that hard but dying of a heart attack is almost more inviting than dealing with cluster headaches. That's my story and self cure.

Replied by Paracelsus
(Orlando, Fl)
07/14/2017
46 posts

Have you tried magnesium supplementation and epsom salt baths? Magnesium is a vasodilator.

Replied by Charity
(Faithville, Usa)
07/13/2017

I don't have headaches but brain issues I have battled. magtein is a new magnesium with 27 patents on it and different companies put it in their product. It is the only magnesium that penetrates the blood brain barrier and many headache sufferers post they get results on the product reviews for these products. I buy the low cost NOW brand and my memory is improving .

Water Enemas, Dietary Changes

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Posted by Pete A. (St Paul, Mn) on 09/21/2014
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Editor's Choice

I have suffered from trigeminal pain attacks for almost nine years now. At first they were diagnosed as trigeminal neuralgia and did follow the symptoms pretty closely. Later they changed and became more like cluster headaches, with the drooping eyelid, red eye, nasal discharge, tearing, worsening when lying down, etc. A neurologist at that point diagnosed me with "trigeminal autonomic cephalgia, " which if you read through all the symptoms sounds awfully close to cluster headaches.

I am convinced these three maladies are all closely related. Maybe diff. versions of the same thing. At least, all are triggering off crazy levels of pain in the trigeminal nerves.

I am VERY surprised that I haven't seen others with these problems noticing that they may be intimately and profoundly connected to the condition of the gut. When searching for studies on TAC (my acronym for trigeminal autonomic cephalgia), I found one study showing a link between vaso-intestinal peptide and TAC attacks.

As a result, I tried taking a plain (filtered) water enema at the onset of TAC attacks (not easy to do when you are shaking badly with agony) and found that it frequently works like magic to completely halt the attacks. I have found that the water temperature has to be just right in order for most of it to go in easily. If it is too cold the body seems to repel it more, and if too hot it is probably bad for the gut tissue.

Also, I have found that while 1 bag usually does the trick, sometimes it can actually make the pain even worse at first and I have to use a 2nd, sometimes even a 3rd bag. When the bulk of the water coming out is clear or nearly clear, it seems to inevitably bring the pain to a halt. This makes me think the enema may be helpful more because it is actually clearing out toxins in the gut that may be entering the bloodstream through a too-permeable "leaky gut" or aggravating diverticulae or whatever--if the vaso-intestinal peptide is being provoked by this, it would make sense that ushering the offending toxins out would remove the need for the VIP increase.

I previously speculated the enemas might be somehow stopping the attacks in that they somehow sent a signal that subdued whatever was sending the trigeminal nerves into that insane attack mode, much like I have found that sometimes submerging my head into moderately warm water in the bath tub or standing in a shower with the same temperature of water over the entire head would magically stop the attack. But after a number of years of trying it, I am now leaning toward thinking it is the actual removal of toxic sludge from the gut. The stuff that comes out during an attack is invariably brown muddy water rather than mostly half-healthy looking material.

There were some writings online by TN sufferers about a diet in which eating very "clean, " mainly vegan in my experience and limiting saturated fat intake to no more than 10 grams per day, put a stop to TN as long as the diet was adhered to. I have found that if I walk a tightrope with my diet, keeping sugar and saturated and bad fats (trans-fats, etc) to a minimum, and avoiding all chemical additives (fake colors, preservatives, flavor enchancers, etc), eating just the right amount of total calories and bulk (not too much, not too little either), and sticking to a very regular routine, not eating too close to bedtime, sleeping at the same time every day, ... I can completely avoid attacks. But wow, this is difficult for me as I have a long history of eating whatever I wanted whenever I wanted! Maybe that is how I got into this predicament.

I would be interested in hearing from anyone else who has found the gut to be a key factor in these problems, TN, cluster headaches and TAC. I should note that bowel conditions, frequency of bowel movements, composition of the chyme (ratio of soft to hard fiber, % of moisture, etc.) seem to have to be just right for me to completely avoid TAC attacks--most of the time. But other times of the year, I can get back into AWFUL eating habits, eating way too much sugar, bad fats, junk, too much volume...and yet have no attacks! Usually in winter. Some have observed that these conditions worsen when the days are changing from long to short or vice versa, in spring and fall. I have found this, too, and that is when I need to cool it on the wrong eating and get tough with myself to curb or control or stop the attacks. At times, easing into a 1- to 4- day total fast where I empty the gut first with the help of enemas and then take a total rest from all food (ZERO calories, use Dr. Joel Fuhrman's "Fasting and Eating for Health" book as a guide), has longer lasting benefits.

Finally, there were a number of times over the years that I suspected this condition was related to some kind of yeast or fungus. It has a number of times been set off initially by a sinus infection or head cold or simply spending too much time in a preschool where the germs felt like they were thick in the air and after which a spot under the left eye became super inflamed and set off the whole trigeminal pathway, attacks and long periods of just incredible pain. Recently I found an article online mentioning that some doctors treated these conditions with antifungals.

I found a number of times that when I did an antifungal regimen I got good results cutting down the attacks and pain. Fasting worked best of all for this. But it is again like a balancing act. Yeasts are a natural part of the human ecosystem. So when you go overboard clobbering them, things get out of whack and either they return with a vengeance or you keep teeter tottering trying to keep them in check. I tried diflucan at one point but found it was too harsh for me, made me so sick the cure was worse than the disease. Herbs like olive leaf extract and pau d'arco and thyme capsules are more friendly and work better long term for me. Oil of oregano was much too harsh by itself. Whole oregano in large amounts was okay.

Replied by S Hall
(North Carolina)
01/20/2015
★★★★★

I am with Pete A. St Paul, Mn on the GUT and toxins! I just noticed this a year ago. I would use the bathroom and magic it would ease up really quickly!

I have had Chronic Cluster Headaches for 22 years. I've been a human pincushion. They had a time with diagnosis of my Clusters. Even the Headache Center not naming any names but they are in the top 5 in the country tried to treat it like a migraine they had no idea what they were doing. They thought it was a tumor, allergies, foods..etc. I went through 10 years and 9 neurologists. I've tried everything. from regualar meds to herbal, oxygen and things like Acupuncture & Chiropractors. Nothing has helped.

I've found that a facial steamer, or warm vapor mist (cover the vaporizer and your head with a towel to hold in the steam helps quick.) Hot wet towels a hot shower beating on the pressure point also helps. Heating pads are ok but the moisture helps more.

Lay in the fetal position head down on the floor with your knees on the floor. Like you are praying. I think it is because it make the blood run to your head. I think if you just get your legs above your head slightly it works but it has to be face down. Lying on your back makes it worse!

Everything usually ends when you hit the right pressure point, get comfortable and you may break into a sweat and it will break and go away or you pass out for a bit and wake up ok.

Pete A.
09/21/2014 - your post was great!

Replied by Ankit
(India)
07/21/2017

Splashing your forehead with warm water also helps.

Wrapping Scarf or Small Blanket Around Head

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Posted by Suzette (Dallas, Texas) on 04/06/2016
 ★★★★☆

It may be more a remedy than a cure, but this is what I do for my cluster headaches at night. I have found that if I wrap my head, neck and eye with a small blanket or a knitted scarf when I go to bed I don't get wakened at night with the excruciating pain. I am not saying that I don't get neck or head pain, but it isn't that terrible sharp pain that makes you get up out of bed. I feel sure that the natural heat dilates or relaxes the nerves or muscles. I know that there is no money in this and it has actually been taken off of websites because of that, but it works and that is all that matters to people that are suffering.


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