Intense Pain, pinpricks, sudden shocks or burning sensation, whatever it may be; nerve pain is not at all a pleasant experience. It can have a devastating effect on the life of a person. The powerful shot of pain without any particular reason is what nerve pain is. It can hit you anywhere, anytime. As there is no identifiable cause of such a condition, it is not possible to cure it. However, you can treat it effectively to lead a healthy life. Essential oils for nerve pain are one such remedy that can curb the pain and lower the anxiety, depression and other disorders common in people suffering from such a condition.
Types of Nerve Pain
- Toxic nerve pain which is usually caused by treatments like chemotherapy
- Metabolic nerve pain most common of which is the diabetic nerve pain that occurs due to persistent high sugar levels
- Traumatic nerve pain caused majorly by an injury
- Autoimmune nerve pain caused due to autoimmune disorders. A common type of it is Vasculitis wherein inflammation in blood vessels causes nerves to swell
- Nerve pain due to infection. A typical example of it is Shingles nerve pain which is caused by shingles virus that damages the nerves of the skin causing lingering pain
- Pinched nerve pain also called Compressive nerve pain occurs due to pressure on a specific nerve. Sciatica nerve pain is a type of compressive nerve pain wherein there is intense pressure on the sciatic nerve
Symptoms
Some of the signs indicating nerve pain are:
- Numbness
- Tingling or burning sensation
- Difficulty in moving a body part
- Brief but intense headaches
- You go to the restroom often
Causes
Nerve Pain(1) usually occurs due to damage to nerves. While some people may have no reason for nerve damage, other suffer from it due to the following causes-
- Diabetes
- Physical injuries
- HIV
- Cancer
- Shingles
Essential Oils For Nerve Pain
Chronic Nerve pain can completely derail your life affecting significant parts of your life. One may feel too anxious about everything and can suffer from depression. Little sleep, fear of going out and socializing are other such conditions that can affect you.
Nerve pain medications are available that can help treat the pain along with these you can always go for natural remedies like essential oils that help curb the frequent shots of pain.
There is no cure for nerve pain, and you have to live by it. But fortunately, some alternatives can help treat the issue. Essential oils for nerve pain give your relief from the symptoms of nerve pain and also address the psychological problems like anxiety and depression.
The essential oils extracted from plants help soothe your pain, and their aromatic fragrance has a pleasant effect on your mood. These are widely being incorporated in aromatherapy to treat nerve pain. Below mentioned are some of the best essential oils for nerve pain:
1. CBD Oil
CBD oil or Cannabidiol(2) does influence the chronic nerve pain and helps divert you from the intense throbbing. It limits the inflammation in the body part and controls autoimmune responses giving you relief from the pain. The oil is also quite useful in treating insomnia caused due to nerve pain. One can use it in the following ways:
How to use?
- Massage the oil topically on the area where you experience pain
- You can also consume CBD tincture or capsules. CBD oil is ingestible
2. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil with its strong minty aroma can be beneficial for those with intense nerve pain. It counts among the most effective essential oils for nerve pain relief. The menthol present in the oil improves blood circulation, easing the area suffering from discomfort.
How to use?
- You can massage the oils directly on the affected region
- Or mix peppermint oil with coconut oil, and apply the mixture on the bottom of your feet
- The healing effect of the oil relieves you from the pain
[Also Read: Benefits of Peppermint Oil ]
3. Clove Oil
Clove oil(3) with its numerous benefits can significantly ease the nerve pain. Its anti-neuralgic, analgesic, anti-spasmodic and anti-rheumatic properties make it an excellent remedy for treating several conditions including nerve pain.
How to use?
- Take few drops of the oil mix it with a teaspoon grapeseed or other oil
- Apply the concoction on the area where you feel the pain
- Alternatively, you can mix the oil with bergamot and make a lotion
The warming effect of the oil eases the pain. Similar to the impact of benzocaine, the oil removes the sensation of pain by blocking the nerve signals to the brain.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil works as an excellent natural treatment for reducing nerve pain.
How to use?
- Consume virgin coconut oil to alleviate pain from the pelvic nerves by reducing inflammations
- Topically massage the oil on the muscles of the affected region
- In case of vaginal nerve pain, use the oil in a douche; its antifungal and antibacterial properties help fight the infection that causes nerve pain
5. Hypericum Oil
Hypericum oil(4) is an elixir for those suffering from nerve pain. It can help treat any possible pain due to injury, or nerve damage and is in use since the ancient times. It is an anti-depressant and also nerve restorative.
How to use?
- It can be used internally as well as externally to relieve the pain
However, if ingesting it, you need to consult your doctor as it may have a counter effect in case you are taking other medications.
6. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is one of the most significant essential oils for nerve pain. Its soothing aroma helps to calm the body and regulates normal breathing while the antispasmodic nature relaxes the stressed muscles. It further helps soothe irritation caused by inflammation of nerves.
How to use?
- Add few drops of the oil in an unscented lotion
- Rub it on your hands, toes, and feet for a calming effect
7. Frankincense Oil
Another excellent oil for treating nerve pain and other troubles related to it is Frankincense Essential oil. The aroma of the oil stimulates the immune system. It also helps relax the muscles and boosts the limbic system.
How to use?
- Take few drops of Frankincense Essential oil and mix it with a few drops of jojoba oil or any other carrier oil
- Massage the mixture on the area that hurts
[Also Read: Frankincense Oil Benefits]
8. Cayenne Pepper Oil
Cayenne Pepper Essential Oil makes it to the list of essential oils for nerve pain for its warming effect on the muscles that help improve blood circulation. Further, Capsaicin present in it effectively removes the chemicals that cause pain.
How to use?
- Dilute the oil with a carrier oil
- Massage the diluted mixture on your skin
[Recommended Read: Cayenne Pepper Benefits]
9. Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil
The healing properties of the Ylang Ylang essential oil(5) make it an excellent remedy for easing nerve pain. Its sweet aroma can help repair nerve damage.
How to use?
- Add few drops of the oil in your warm, relaxing bath (or)
- You can also massage the mixture of Ylang Ylang and almond oil on the areas where you feel the pain
- You can also make a lotion by mixing it with other fragrant oils like lavender, sandalwood or citrus
[ Read: Treat Pinched Nerve in Hip ]
10. Marjoram Essential Oil
You can entirely rely on Marjoram essential oil(6) for treating nerve pain. It has a stimulating effect on the entire nervous system. It also helps in strengthening the area of nerve damage.
How to use?
- Add few drops of Marjoram oil in a carrier oil
- And massage the mixture on the affected area
- The healing properties of the oil will relieve you of the excessive pain
Side-Effects
Essential oils are quite potent in their concentrated form. You should always use them in diluted form even for topical application. They can
- Cause allergic reactions
- The intense fragrance may lead to a severe headache
- Some oils may cause rashes on sensitive skin
Other Home Remedies to Treat Nerve Pain
Other home treatments that can be quite useful in treating nerve pain are:
-
Application of Heat
Applying heat helps to reduce the pain caused in the nerves. Keep a heat bag on the area where you experience pain in the nerves. For an overall relaxation, you can also opt for a hot water bath.
-
Regular Exercise
Pain in the nerves has an association with the blood circulation. A regular exercise helps to enhance the blood circulation hence relieving the nerve pain.
-
Avoid the Consumption of Tobacco and Alcohol
Tobacco and alcohol have a devastating effect on the body. It affects the blood circulation level of the body hence creating issues in the nerves. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid alcohol and tobacco.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Why are essential oils diluted?
Response: The essential oils in their pure form are highly concentrated and can harm you. Thus, dilute it before application.
-
How to store Essential Oils?
Response: Essential oils should be stored in a calm and dry place away from direct sunlight. You can store them in your refrigerator.
Nerve pain may seem very regular and familiar but, if it is left unattended may lead to issues that affect the life of an individual. Hence, always be very attentive towards matters related to the nerves and effectively cure them with these wondrous essential oils for nerve pain.
