Cluster headaches are characterized by severe pain and occur in cycles, or clusters. The pain may be localized to one side of the head but are most often around or behind the eyes. Conventional medical treatment includes over-the-counter or prescription medication. Fortunately, there are a few herbal remedies that may combat symptoms of cluster headaches without the side effects common with synthetic drugs.
Feverfew
One common herb used to treat severe headaches is feverfew. It is a small flowering perennial in the daisy and chysanthemum family. The leaves have been used by herbalists throughout Europe and North America for centuries to treat a number of painful conditions. According to the Clayton College of Natural Health herb guide, feverfew inhibits the inflammatory process much like cortisone. It also promotes the secretion of serotonin, also known as the "feel good" hormone, which helps regulate sleep cycles and moods. It is used by herbalists to treat migraines, fevers, inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis. The leaves may be used in herbal tea or taken in capsule form.
Cayenne
Cayenne is a well-known pain reliever that is used for a variety of painful conditions. It can be taken internally or applied topically with lotions or creams. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that capsaicin, the active ingredient in cayenne, has powerful pain-relieving properties. Under doctor supervision plant oils can be applied to the inside of the nose to relieve cluster headaches. Topically herbalists also use cayenne to treat shingles, psoriasis and sore muscles. Taken internally it is used to treat headaches, arthritis, nerve pain, back and neck pain, and postoperative pain.
Willow Bark
The bark of the willow tree contains a natural pain reliever called salicin, which is similar to the pain relieving chemical in aspirin. The University of Maryland notes that while willow bark extract has been shown to relieve headaches, it does not appear to cause gastrointestinal upset as with some over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition to headaches, herbalists use willow bark to treat low back pain, osteoarthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, fevers, the flu and menstrual cramps. It can be taken as an herbal tea or in capsule form.
