One eye waters and droops

One eye starts to stream for no clear reason. The lid on that same side sags or feels heavy. The other eye looks and feels normal.

This one-sided pattern is common in cluster headache. During an attack, nerves near the eye and face fire in a way they should not. That can bring tears, a droopy lid, a red eye, and a stuffy or running nostril on one side.

The eye signs often come with pain, then fade as the attack passes. Some people also see a smaller pupil on that side. Other causes can look much the same, so this sign alone does not name the problem.

When to see someone

Call for emergency help if the droop comes with slurred speech, a weak arm, or a drooping mouth. Get same-day care for sudden double vision, blurred sight, or pupils of two sizes. Neck pain after a jolt or crash, plus a droopy lid, also needs care that day.

See a doctor soon if the lid stays down between attacks, or if the droop is new for you. A red, hard, very painful eye with vomiting needs urgent care as well.

Below is a list of traditional and home remedies linked to cluster headache. Each one carries an evidence grade. The grade tells you how much research exists, and how strong it is.

It is not a promise about you. Read the grades before you try anything, and talk with your doctor first.

Cluster Headaches: natural remedies and the evidence behind them

8 options · 1 graded B · 7 traditional or ungraded

Where are you in your cluster headache pattern, and what kind of help fits you best?

I'm between cycles — I want to lower the odds the next bout shows up

  1. Melatonin

    Supported by smaller clinical studies· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Small controlled trial supports it for prevention in some people

    Why this matches
    Cluster headaches tend to run on a clock — attacks and whole cycles often track the time of day and season. Between bouts, supporting your circadian rhythm is a natural place to focus.
    Why try it
    Melatonin is the hormone that governs your sleep-wake rhythm, the same internal clock that is disrupted in cluster headache. In a small double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, a nightly evening dose reduced attack frequency for some people during their cluster period, though not everyone responded and people with chronic cluster headache did not. It is a reasonable, low-risk option to discuss with your practitioner for prevention.
    Dose or use
    Commonly taken as a nightly dose shortly before bed; ask your practitioner about an appropriate amount for you.
    Time to results
    Give it a few weeks of consistent nightly use
    Key study
    Randomized Controlled Trial (1996, PMID 8933994): 'Melatonin versus placebo in the prophylaxis of cluster headache: a double-blind pilot study with parallel groups.' In 20 patients, a single nightly 10 mg evening dose significantly reduced attack frequency versus placebo (p<0.03), with about half of treated patients responding within days; patients with chronic cluster headache did not respond. Evidence comes from one small pilot trial, so the benefit is promising but not guaranteed.
    Caution
    Can cause drowsiness or grogginess; do not take before driving, and check with your practitioner if you take sedatives or blood thinners.

  2. Magnesium

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Well-tolerated mineral used in headache prevention

    Why this matches
    If you are working on heading off the next cycle, magnesium is an easy, well-tolerated mineral to add while you build up your prevention routine.
    Why try it
    Low magnesium has been reported in people prone to headache disorders, and magnesium is widely used as a general headache-prevention support. Correcting a shortfall is low-risk and easy to try.
    Dose or use
    Taken daily as an oral supplement; forms like magnesium glycinate are gentler on digestion. Ask your practitioner about the right amount.
    Time to results
    Typically a few weeks of daily use
    Key study
    Traditionally used in headache and migraine prevention; its specific benefit for cluster headache has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials in our records.
    Caution
    Higher doses can cause loose stools or stomach upset; check with your practitioner if you have kidney problems.

  3. Vitamin D

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Worth checking, but not a proven attack preventer

    Why this matches
    Between cycles is a good time to correct a low vitamin D level if you have one, but treat this as basic housekeeping rather than a proven way to stop the next bout.
    Why try it
    Researchers have looked at whether vitamin D receptor biology is linked to cluster headache, and keeping your level in a healthy range is sensible general care. Supplementation has not been shown in controlled trials to prevent attacks.
    Dose or use
    Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
    Time to results
    Typically several weeks to months
    Key study
    Researchers have investigated whether vitamin D receptor genetics are associated with cluster headache, but supplementation has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials to prevent attacks. Best viewed as correcting a shortfall, not a treatment.
    Caution
    High-dose vitamin D can accumulate; check levels with a practitioner before supplementing.

I'm in an active cycle — I want things I can actually do right now, between attacks

  1. Melatonin

    Supported by smaller clinical studies· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Small controlled trial supports it for prevention in some people

    Why this matches
    Cluster headaches tend to run on a clock — attacks and whole cycles often track the time of day and season. Between bouts, supporting your circadian rhythm is a natural place to focus.
    Why try it
    Melatonin is the hormone that governs your sleep-wake rhythm, the same internal clock that is disrupted in cluster headache. In a small double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, a nightly evening dose reduced attack frequency for some people during their cluster period, though not everyone responded and people with chronic cluster headache did not. It is a reasonable, low-risk option to discuss with your practitioner for prevention.
    Dose or use
    Commonly taken as a nightly dose shortly before bed; ask your practitioner about an appropriate amount for you.
    Time to results
    Give it a few weeks of consistent nightly use
    Key study
    Randomized Controlled Trial (1996, PMID 8933994): 'Melatonin versus placebo in the prophylaxis of cluster headache: a double-blind pilot study with parallel groups.' In 20 patients, a single nightly 10 mg evening dose significantly reduced attack frequency versus placebo (p<0.03), with about half of treated patients responding within days; patients with chronic cluster headache did not respond. Evidence comes from one small pilot trial, so the benefit is promising but not guaranteed.
    Caution
    Can cause drowsiness or grogginess; do not take before driving, and check with your practitioner if you take sedatives or blood thinners.

  2. GB20 (Fengchi) - Gallbladder 20

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Classic acupressure point for one-sided head pain

    Why this matches
    Since you are open to complementary approaches, this is a self-applied acupressure point you can use at home alongside anything else you are trying.
    Why try it
    GB20 sits in the hollows at the base of the skull and is a classic point in Traditional Chinese Medicine for tension headaches, migraines, and one-sided head and neck pain.
    Dose or use
    Use your thumbs to apply firm, steady pressure to the hollows at the base of the skull on either side of the neck for one to two minutes, breathing slowly.
    Time to results
    May bring some relief within minutes; effects vary
    Key study
    Traditionally used for head and neck pain; this specific use for cluster headache has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials in our records.
    Caution
    Use gentle pressure and stop if it causes pain or dizziness; acupressure is a comfort measure, not a substitute for medical care for cluster headache.

  3. LI4 (Hegu) - Large Intestine 4

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Hand point long used to ease headache pain

    Why this matches
    If you want simple things you can do yourself, this hand point is easy to reach and press whenever you have a spare moment.
    Why try it
    LI4, in the webbing between thumb and index finger, is one of the most-used acupressure points for headache and facial pain in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
    Dose or use
    Squeeze the fleshy webbing between the thumb and index finger of one hand with the thumb and finger of the other, applying firm pressure for about one minute, then switch hands.
    Time to results
    May ease discomfort within minutes; effects vary
    Key study
    Traditionally used for headache and facial pain; this specific use for cluster headache has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials in our records.
    Caution
    Avoid strong stimulation of this point during pregnancy. Acupressure is a comfort measure, not a substitute for medical care.

  4. Magnesium Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Another correctable factor worth testing

    Why this matches
    While you are in the thick of an active cycle, it is worth checking for simple, correctable factors — low magnesium is one that has been reported in people prone to headaches.
    Why try it
    If a blood test shows you are low in magnesium, correcting that shortfall is low-risk and may support the body's normal nerve and muscle regulation. This is a root-cause check, not a treatment claim.
    Dose or use
    Ask your healthcare practitioner for a blood test to check your magnesium status before supplementing.
    Time to results
    Correcting a deficiency typically takes weeks
    Key study
    Correcting a documented shortfall can support overall health; this is a root-cause check, not a treatment claim — ask your provider to test your levels.
    Caution
    Confirm a deficiency with testing before supplementing at higher doses, especially if you have kidney problems.

  5. Vitamin D Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Low levels may be a root cause worth checking

    Why this matches
    If you're in the thick of frequent attacks, getting your vitamin D levels checked could reveal a correctable factor that may be contributing to your cycle.
    Why try it
    If you're low in vitamin D, correcting that deficiency may help support the body's natural headache-regulating processes.
    Dose or use
    Ask your healthcare practitioner for a simple blood test to check your vitamin D status.
    Time to results
    Deficiency correction typically takes weeks to months
    Key study
    Correcting a documented shortfall can support recovery; this is a root-cause check, not a treatment claim — ask your provider to test your levels.
    Caution
    Always confirm deficiency with testing before supplementing at higher doses.

I'd rather start with testing — find out if something in my body is off and fix that first

  1. Magnesium

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Well-tolerated mineral used in headache prevention

    Why this matches
    If you are working on heading off the next cycle, magnesium is an easy, well-tolerated mineral to add while you build up your prevention routine.
    Why try it
    Low magnesium has been reported in people prone to headache disorders, and magnesium is widely used as a general headache-prevention support. Correcting a shortfall is low-risk and easy to try.
    Dose or use
    Taken daily as an oral supplement; forms like magnesium glycinate are gentler on digestion. Ask your practitioner about the right amount.
    Time to results
    Typically a few weeks of daily use
    Key study
    Traditionally used in headache and migraine prevention; its specific benefit for cluster headache has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials in our records.
    Caution
    Higher doses can cause loose stools or stomach upset; check with your practitioner if you have kidney problems.

  2. Magnesium Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Another correctable factor worth testing

    Why this matches
    While you are in the thick of an active cycle, it is worth checking for simple, correctable factors — low magnesium is one that has been reported in people prone to headaches.
    Why try it
    If a blood test shows you are low in magnesium, correcting that shortfall is low-risk and may support the body's normal nerve and muscle regulation. This is a root-cause check, not a treatment claim.
    Dose or use
    Ask your healthcare practitioner for a blood test to check your magnesium status before supplementing.
    Time to results
    Correcting a deficiency typically takes weeks
    Key study
    Correcting a documented shortfall can support overall health; this is a root-cause check, not a treatment claim — ask your provider to test your levels.
    Caution
    Confirm a deficiency with testing before supplementing at higher doses, especially if you have kidney problems.

  3. Vitamin D Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Low levels may be a root cause worth checking

    Why this matches
    If you're in the thick of frequent attacks, getting your vitamin D levels checked could reveal a correctable factor that may be contributing to your cycle.
    Why try it
    If you're low in vitamin D, correcting that deficiency may help support the body's natural headache-regulating processes.
    Dose or use
    Ask your healthcare practitioner for a simple blood test to check your vitamin D status.
    Time to results
    Deficiency correction typically takes weeks to months
    Key study
    Correcting a documented shortfall can support recovery; this is a root-cause check, not a treatment claim — ask your provider to test your levels.
    Caution
    Always confirm deficiency with testing before supplementing at higher doses.

  4. Vitamin D

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Worth checking, but not a proven attack preventer

    Why this matches
    Between cycles is a good time to correct a low vitamin D level if you have one, but treat this as basic housekeeping rather than a proven way to stop the next bout.
    Why try it
    Researchers have looked at whether vitamin D receptor biology is linked to cluster headache, and keeping your level in a healthy range is sensible general care. Supplementation has not been shown in controlled trials to prevent attacks.
    Dose or use
    Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
    Time to results
    Typically several weeks to months
    Key study
    Researchers have investigated whether vitamin D receptor genetics are associated with cluster headache, but supplementation has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials to prevent attacks. Best viewed as correcting a shortfall, not a treatment.
    Caution
    High-dose vitamin D can accumulate; check levels with a practitioner before supplementing.

I'd rather try hands-on and traditional approaches — acupuncture and pressure points

  1. GB20 (Fengchi) - Gallbladder 20

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Classic acupressure point for one-sided head pain

    Why this matches
    Since you are open to complementary approaches, this is a self-applied acupressure point you can use at home alongside anything else you are trying.
    Why try it
    GB20 sits in the hollows at the base of the skull and is a classic point in Traditional Chinese Medicine for tension headaches, migraines, and one-sided head and neck pain.
    Dose or use
    Use your thumbs to apply firm, steady pressure to the hollows at the base of the skull on either side of the neck for one to two minutes, breathing slowly.
    Time to results
    May bring some relief within minutes; effects vary
    Key study
    Traditionally used for head and neck pain; this specific use for cluster headache has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials in our records.
    Caution
    Use gentle pressure and stop if it causes pain or dizziness; acupressure is a comfort measure, not a substitute for medical care for cluster headache.

  2. LI4 (Hegu) - Large Intestine 4

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Hand point long used to ease headache pain

    Why this matches
    If you want simple things you can do yourself, this hand point is easy to reach and press whenever you have a spare moment.
    Why try it
    LI4, in the webbing between thumb and index finger, is one of the most-used acupressure points for headache and facial pain in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
    Dose or use
    Squeeze the fleshy webbing between the thumb and index finger of one hand with the thumb and finger of the other, applying firm pressure for about one minute, then switch hands.
    Time to results
    May ease discomfort within minutes; effects vary
    Key study
    Traditionally used for headache and facial pain; this specific use for cluster headache has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials in our records.
    Caution
    Avoid strong stimulation of this point during pregnancy. Acupressure is a comfort measure, not a substitute for medical care.

  3. Acupuncture

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Traditional therapy for head pain relief

    Why this matches
    If you're open to a range of approaches, acupuncture is a well-established complementary practice traditionally used alongside other headache management strategies.
    Why try it
    Traditionally used to help relieve head and facial pain, acupuncture may support relaxation and tension relief around the head and neck area.
    Dose or use
    Seek a course of sessions with a licensed acupuncturist — typically a series of weekly treatments over several weeks.
    Time to results
    Typically 4–8 weeks of regular sessions
    Key study
    Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Seek a licensed acupuncturist; inform them of any blood-thinning medications.

Evidence grades describe the strength of published research for Cluster Headaches, not a promise of results. Nothing here is medical advice — talk to your clinician before starting anything, especially alongside prescription medication.

Other ways people describe this

Same underlying problem, different words.

These suggestions come from our full page on Cluster Headaches, where you can see every option and how it is graded. Evidence grades are explained in our methodology, and every phrasing we cover is listed under health topics.

Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store

Download today our free mobile application for iOS and Android

⭐️ Customer Reviews

(from verified users)

hero_img4.8
coma

This app is so cool! I've always wanted there to be a hub for all NATURAL remedies and preventative options but l've always had to do loads of digging to find the info I wanted for different natural products. HealisticMD has all the info I need in one place. It gave me various natural supplemental options for a condition I looked up, including what each remedy does and how much is usually recommended to take. It also gave me exact products I could buy for the problem I had looked up. It makes my process SO MUCH easier when I need to find non-pharmaceutical solutions to my needs.

user1

Olivia J.

tick

Verified User

rating_starts

5.0

coma

The tremendous value we have seen in this app and a lot of information and accessibility to the product that is natural and helped us finding a new ways to heal. I have came from a family filled with doctors. And we all prevented using pills as well all the pharmaceutical path and tried healing naturally The only thing we lacked of was information and research so when I saw this app, I definitely know it has a values we were looking for as well as my children enhance their immune system!!

user2

Audrey Mae.

tick

Verified User

rating_starts

5.0

coma

There is a wealth of information on the app! I recently had bloodwork done and found I was deficient in a handful of vitamins and minerals (Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Iron, etc.) HealisticMD made it simple for me to find out what foods to eat/ supplements I needed to improve these deficiencies. It gives you so many ideas on prevention, natural health tips, where to buy the vitamins, when to take them, why, etc. I love how easy the app is to use too. I am currently working on getting pregnant. I was pleasantly surprised to find compelling data along with supplement suggestions to aid in the process, some of which my fertility doctor wasn’t even aware of. Highly recommend downloading, after all health is one our greatest gifts!

user3

Rachel

tick

Verified User

rating_starts

5.0