Go Ad-Free
logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine

Looking for Natural Relief from Head Pain

Q. My husband has suffered unbearable headaches for over 40 years. The doctors have not found a cause.
The headaches can come in cycles that last for weeks. A few are so severe he cannot stand any noise or light and goes to bed.
The prescriptions give him too many side effects. Are there any natural treatments that might help?

A. When doctors hear the word “natural,” they often shudder because they think it connotes unscientific. In this case, two natural remedies–oxygen and melatonin–have been shown to provide pain relief for migraine and cluster headache (American Journal of Emergency Medicine, Nov. 2012; Current Neuropharmacology, June 2012).
One reader shared his story: “I am 30 years old and have suffered with cluster headaches for nine years. I would get them every day for a month straight. I tried pills but they never worked.
“My doctor told me to try oxygen and it has worked miracles for me. The pain is gone within minutes instead of the usual hours.”

We discuss melatonin, oxygen and many other treatments in our Guide to Headaches & Migraines.

Rate this article
star-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-empty
0- 0 ratings
About the Author
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist who has dedicated his career to making drug information understandable to consumers. His best-selling book, The People’s Pharmacy, was published in 1976 and led to a syndicated newspaper column, syndicated public radio show and web site. In 2006, Long Island University awarded him an honorary doctorate as “one of the country's leading drug experts for the consumer.”.
Tired of the ads on our website?

Now you can browse our website completely ad-free for just $5 / month. Stay up to date on breaking health news and support our work without the distraction of advertisements.

Browse our website ad-free
Join over 150,000 Subscribers at The People's Pharmacy

We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.