Essential oils have been used as natural remedies for treating various diseases for hundreds of years. They are well known for the many therapeutic properties they contain.
Essential oils (EOs) are used in perfumes, food flavorings, medicine, and aromatherapy.
This article will show how you can make use of essential oils to manage nerve, inflammatory and neuropathic pain.
EOs are the best natural remedies that treat the symptoms of neuropathy or spared nerve injury.
Many essential oils can help treat PN and nerve pain because they are anti-inflammatory, analgesic, nervine, and antispasmodic.
Of course, you may need more scientific backing to prove the medical effectiveness of these oils. Ancient medicine, on the other hand, relied heavily on natural remedies like essential oils (EOs) to treat nerve pain, nerve damage, and other similar diseases.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a generic name given to different types of nerve disorders. It includes nerve pain, weakness, tingling, and numbness. It happens when nerves are damaged.
The basic signs of neuropathy are numbness and pain in the affected parts of the body.
It is usually grouped based on the disease that causes it or where the affected nerves are.
It can affect the central nervous system (spinal cord and brain) or the peripheral nervous system, which covers the rest of the body.
Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is the damage to any nerves that link the rest of the body with the brain and spinal cord. It usually happens to nerves in a particular body area, like the feet, legs, hands, etc.
People with severe diabetes often experience PN on their feet, legs, or hands.
Peripheral neuropathy may impair sensation, movement, gland or organ function, or other aspects of health, depending on the type of nerves affected.
Medical history has identified over 100 types of NPs, each with its prognosis and symptoms.
PN is generally classified according to the number of damaged nerves and the type of damage to the nerves.
This disorder can affect all three types of nerves in our body, such as sensory nerves, motor nerves, and autonomic nerves.
Causes Of Neuropathy
The most commonly found neuropathy is polyneuropathy, a type of peripheral neuropathy. It is caused by high glucose levels in your blood, which damage the tiny blood vessels that supply your nerves.
Studies estimate that 50% of people with diabetes will develop PN.
Here are a few common reasons that give rise to different types of neuropathy:
- Diabetes
- HIV
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Alcohol and substance abuse
- Hereditary nerve disorders
- Autoimmune diseases
- Side effects of medications
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Severe infectious diseases
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Physical injuries
- Tumors
Neuropathy Treatment And Reversal
Can neuropathy be reversed? No, it cannot be. Medical science has not found a proven medication that can reverse it.
Unfortunately, there are no proven cures for the total elimination of PN. The only consolation is its management through medication, physiotherapy, and natural remedies.
The existing treatments intend to slow the progress and treat the causes and symptoms. Most prescription medicines for it fall into the categories of painkillers and antidepressants.
Self-Care for Relieving Neuropathic Pain
There aren’t many natural treatments and ways to avoid nerve damage and pain that work well.
The basic preventive treatments for nerve pain should start with making changes in the food and lifestyle habits of the patient. Such as:
- engaging in regular exercises;
- stop the consumption of alcohol;
- quit smoking;
- eating diets that have B-12 vitamins, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and potassium;
- getting 8 hours of daily sleep;
- prevent dehydration;
- managing diabetes and high blood pressure.
Neuropathy makes it easy to get rid of pain and numbness. Acupuncture, yoga, aromatherapy, hypnosis, and chiropractic massage are all good ways to do this.
Several herbal remedies are popularly used to relieve nerve-related issues like numbness, pain, and weakness.
Some of the best herbal remedies for treating PN are St. John’s wort and cayenne pepper, and the use of supplements containing capsaicin, L-carnitine, ALA (alpha-lipoic acid), GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), and omega-3 fatty acids.
Another best option is employing essential oils for alleviating nerve pain and sciatica; we will discuss them in the rest of this article.
11 Best Essential Oils For Neuropathic Pain Relief
There are no proven remedies for Neuropathy. Most prescription pills for damaged nerves are painkillers or vitamin and nutrient supplements.
Other treatments are meant to remove the causes of Neuropathy, such as diabetes, infections, and kidney or liver diseases.
If you prefer natural remedies, then essential oils may help with managing neuropathy. They are natural, non-invasive, and without any side effects. They can effectively reduce the pain symptoms of neuropathy and give a fresh lease on a comfortable life to patients suffering from nerve impairment.
Each essential oil contains one or more therapeutic properties that can effectively treat some of the issues associated with nerve disorders. EOs can treat issues like pain, weakness, numbness, stress, anxiety, depression, poor blood circulation, high blood pressure, and infectious diseases connected to PN.
The biggest benefits of essential oils for sciatica and other nerve impairment come from their effectiveness in reducing pain and numbness.
According to one of the studies that examined ‘Neuragen PN, ’ patients could find significant relief from neuropathic pain after using this essential oil blend therapy. The five essential oils used in Neuragen PN are a proprietary blend of geranium oil, lavender oil, bergamot oil, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil, which act as transdermal carriers.
Here are a few of the most effective EOs for peripheral and central Neuropathy.
1. Eucalyptus oil
“Eucalyptus oil is effective in treating pain, swelling, and inflammation.”
Eucalyptus oil contains anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which are great for reducing chronic pain and numbness arising from nerves. Massaging this oil on affected areas also helps improve blood circulation and stimulate nerves.
2. Lavender oil
According to one of the research reports published by the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicines, Lavender oil may be an effective medication in treating several neurological disorders.
Lavender essential oil is traditionally used as a pain reliever solution. It contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe jittery nerves. It is very beneficial for relieving stress and anxiety, which otherwise aggravates nervous stress.
3. Bergamot oil
The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of bergamot essential oil are truly beneficial for reducing all kinds of pain that torments the nerves and muscles. It is effective for relieving the symptoms of nerve issues, like numbness and pain, by stimulating the nerves and increasing the blood flow in the affected areas.
4. Geranium oil
Geranium oil has a soft power that is beneficial for relieving pain. This oil also contains adaptogenic, stimulating, and astringent elements that are beneficial for damaged nerves.
Geranium oil is proven to trigger microglial cells, which release pro-inflammatory agents that combat inflammation in neural pathways. Because of this, the use of this oil can help in preventing and healing all types of neurodegenerative diseases.
5. Tea tree oil
There are several positive reports from patient reviews by individuals who suffer from peripheral Neuropathy and take tea tree oil as part of their daily diet or as a treatment method. Many have reported a reduction in pain and numbness after using tea tree essential oil for Neuropathy. Tea tree oil contains potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that are beneficial for containing nerve pain.
6. Peppermint oil
According to a study published by the Cephalalgia Society (the International Headache Society), a significant analgesic effect with a reduction in sensitivity to headaches was produced by a combination of peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and ethanol. The study found that peppermint oil has analgesic properties that can help relieve pain.
Besides the analgesic elements, this oil also contains anti-inflammatory properties, which make it an excellent essential oil for nerve pain relief.
Peppermint essential oil is also effective in improving the blood circulation needed to ease the pain and numbness from nerves.
7. Holy basil oil
Holy basil is considered a sacred plant in the Hindu tradition of India; it is a widely used major ingredient in several Ayurvedic recipes for treating various illnesses, including nerve impairment.
According to one of the research studies published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, the holy basil oil extract was tested on rats with sciatic nerves severed. After 10 days of the treatment, the holy basil extract was found to help reduce nerve damage symptoms and make the nerves more receptive to stimuli.
Holy basil oil has pain-relieving, antidepressant, and muscle-relaxing substances that can help relieve nerve pain and wake up the nerves.
8. Clove bud oil
Medline Plus published a report that said, “Early research suggests that putting on a gel with ground cloves for 5 minutes before getting stuck with a needle can reduce needle stick pain in the same way that benzocaine does.”
Clove oil is traditionally used as a remedy to numb the pain of a toothache. If that is so, there is no reason why this oil would not work to suppress nerve pain.
The eugenol compound found in clove essential oil successfully improved the nerve functions of rats with diabetic neuropathy in one of the rat studies conducted by the Journal of Planta Medica.
The anti-inflammatory property of the essential oil is also beneficial for reducing nerve pain.
9. Rosemary oil
Rosemary essential oil for treating neuropathy is effective because of the analgesic, antidepressant, digestive, and nervine properties present in this oil.
This oil helps to improve blood circulation, remove lactic acid, and relax muscle fibers.
Massaging the damaged nerves with essential rosemary oil can quickly relieve the pain.
10. Clary sage oil
Clary sage oil has antispasmodic, sedative, and nervine properties that are useful for treating damaged nerves.
This oil has been used for a long time to treat headaches, back pain, stiff muscles, and cramps.
11. Nutmeg oil
Nutmeg oil is beneficial for relieving nerve and muscle pain and inflammation. This oil has been shown to improve blood circulation. In folklore medicine, nutmeg oil is used as a painkiller and for treating menstrual discomfort. It is also known for its calming effects.
How To Use Essential Oils For Nerve Pain
You can use EOs for hurt nerves treatment in several ways. Here are a few effective ways to use them:
Compress
Adding essential oils in a hot or cold compress effectively manages neuropathy symptoms.
A hot compress with essential oils helps boost blood circulation, while a cold compress reduces pain and inflammation.
You can add a few drops of your preferred essential oil or oil blend to the hot or cold water you will use for the compress. Alternatively, you can massage the desired essential oil on the affected areas and follow it with a cold or hot compress.
Creams and Lotions
You can either buy or make your creams or lotions with desirable essential oils and apply them to areas of the body that have damaged nerves. To make the essential oil cream, add a few drops of suitable essential oils to any of the good cold creams you use. You can make the lotion by adding essential oils to shea butter or carrier oils.
Massage
Use essential oils or oil blends to massage the numb and painful areas of the body. It is important to dilute the essential oils in a carrier oil before you use them directly on the skin.
Aromatherapy
Relaxing aromatherapy with essential oils helps relieve stress and tension. This has sedative effects that can give you a good sleep and reduce pain. Aromatherapy stimulates the nerves and reduces the numbness and weakness that are the usual symptoms of neuropathy.
You can either inhale them directly or use a diffuser.
Oil bath
Add a few drops of the desired essential oils to the warm water in the bathtub or the water you use for bathing. It relaxes the body and calms the nerves.
Soaking yourself in warm water treated with essential oils reduces the pain and numbness caused by neuropathy. Let the essential oil bath last for at least 15 minutes to get the fullest benefit of the treatment.
Tips on Using Essential Oil for Nerve Damage
You need to follow a few important steps while carrying out essential oil treatments for neuropathy:
Essential oils mostly give temporary relief from the symptoms of Neuropathy, and you need to continue with oil therapy regularly.
Essential oils are powerful, concentrated plant extracts that should not be used on the skin without diluting in a carrier oil.
A blend of oils produces better neuropathy treatment results than a single essential oil because one may help relieve pain, and the other may stimulate nerves, improve blood circulation, or heal damaged nerves.
Use pure and therapeutic-grade oils for the treatment.
Make the necessary changes in your diet and lifestyle to alleviate neuropathy symptoms.
EOs are not a substitute for regular medication; they are more of an addition to regular treatment.
Try more than one essential oil blend to find which essential oils for easing nerve pain suits you best.
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