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Since left side episodic started in Oct 2013 I’ve tried most of the known treatments/meds and non-prescribed trials, and not much helped but time. Was hopeful with Emgality as I thought it worked but likely end of cycle, and so expensive even with decent fought for coverage. Lithium seemed better than Verapamil as the bridge etc but Niece with migraines busted out her peppermint oil last Aug ‘22. Dabbed and rubbed in to both temples and back of neck, and seemed 99% of time quelled the attacks. I let my Neurologist know and he’d never heard of it being helpful with Clusters. I’ve replaced the D3 regimen, Lithium, Verapamil, Gabapentin, and triptans for this. Have had cycles but this oddly seems to help. Still pissed off and exhausted after but it’s rare now for the pain to go to even a 4. Anybody try this stuff? All the best, Scott

It's been mentioned here before, from time to time. Glad it's helping you!!! (Though I'm not sure I'd abandon the D3 regimen.) Do you not have oxygen (you don't mention it)? I think if you click here you'll see the "search results" page showing times when peppermint oil has been mentioned. You can tell just from the overview that it has been used in several ways. https://clusterbusters.org/forums/search/?q="peppermint oil"&quick=1

I have peppermint oil and a couple other 'pain relief' mixes with peppermint and cleary sage etc, it does nothing for the pain per se, but the scent and the warming feeling helps me tolerate attacks better.

I have not used the peppermint oil but I do use frankincense oil on a little piece of tissue and press it to the roof of my mouth to help reduce the ramp up time and aid the oxygen. I will use it as an alternative to a 5hr drink and it seems to have just about the same effect for me. Frankincense and oxygen combo and I can kill off an attack in 5 minutes most of the time.

Yes, the Vit D3 did wonder to the cluster headache. Thank you to CHfather for sharing this. In addition to Vit D3, I also find this help, eat watermelons and drink coconut water (from real coconut if possible), eat more nearing and during cluster period. Also go for massage to relax and rest more. To abort the headache, put peppermint oil (from young living) in forehead and behind the ear and if the headache still there, use oxygen (inhale deeply and hold for 1-2 second before exhale)

Thanks for the tips CHfather, As soon as one hits (which is always when I'm sleeping) I make myself a cup of high octane coffee. I do take 2 benadryls before bed, and I do dose up with CBD 2x/day (sublingual oil). I also use Colloidal Silver nasal spray. I've found that if I can keep my left nostril clear, the severity is not as bad. I also dab peppermint oil just inside the nostril. I will try and breathe cold air next! Thank you too Moxie! I hope all is well with you on the other side of the pond! CH's were something I learned in school and continuing ed. but never treated. I've had great success treating migrainers. I'm pretty much dictating my treatment with my PCP. Once I finish this round of prednisone, I'll wait 5 days and try dosing with MM. I don't think I've hit a 10, but I average a 7-9 when hit hard. The shadow follows me all day! Thank you all for your input

what I have learned Monoterpene Ketone Umbellulone Monoterpene - something found in tree bark. it doesn't change from season to season (per one study I found). its found in pines and other trees. found in tree resin. Monoterpene Ketone - can be added to food in the form of Menthone - peppermint oil ( added to chewing gum, gelatin, baked goods). other monoterpene ketones are Thujone which produces a camphor-like smell. excessive consumption of Thujone leads to confulsions with brain and liver damage. found in the plant Tansy ( I wanna say what I was smelling was a camphor smell) fenchone ( a tree oil) - also camphor like smell. bitter tasting can be found in fennel oil. and of course the Umbellulone - or ketone from the laural or "headache" tree what if it has nothing to so with sunlight but everything to do with trees ?? we all know what trees do in spring and fall ,, maybe they give off something each season to bring this on ? or when these ketones are used in food or other applications .. more research and does anyone on here live in the desert ,, you know where there aren't any trees at all ??

Hi Mark, My husband suffers from CHA's, and has the same symptoms, though the pain around his right eye radiates into his jaw and neck, even sometimes to the top of his head. He has used Bella Donna ear drops with some success, and uses peppermint oil for temporary pain relief to his jaw and neck. By temporary I mean several times a day. He also uses Magnesium for the CH, and was told to by a Neurologist about 5 yrs ago. He takes Calcium/Magnesium and zinc sold together as 1 tablet. The calcium helps the body absorb the Magnesium. This really had the headaches backing off, but you should research it and ask your doctor also. Keep posting your progress.

Hello All, I've started the D3 regimen (10,000 U + cofactors) for about three days now. I have been up every 2 hours at night with shadows for about a week. I am exhausted! I have been fighting with the O2 company to get it delivered to my house. Hopefully, that will happen next week. I had my D3 tested in January and it was 25.2 ng/ml so my Dr. told me to take D3 supplements and I was taking 2,000 a day. I doubt if my D3 levels are up to standard now. My CH remission cycle is about every 18-24 months and when in effect I have CH's for about 2-3 months. How long does it generally take for the regiment to start working? I just want to get some consistent sleep at night. In combination to the D3 regimen, I have been drinking ginger tea, using ice packs, and lavendar and peppermint oil, caffeine, and Gatorade to try to alleviate the symptoms, but sometimes they are effective and others they are not. When the pain becomes too bad, I just use a small dose of an Imitrex shot. I used to be on Verapermil, but my headaches because worse while on it so my Dr took me off of it. Also, I just finished taking a batch of prednisone last week and I was able to get a couple nights of sleep, but towards the end I had two severe headaches that lasted for hours. I don't know what that was all about. Any suggestions you all may be able to provide will be appreciated. Thanks, BrainFreeze