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.