The nervous system is an indispensable part of the human body, with the significant function of aiding all the parts of the body to communicate with each other. The Central Nervous System and the Peripheral Nervous System together make a complex network of neurons that is around 600 miles. These neurons can transmit impulses at a speed of 100m per second.
Any significant problem with the nerves could become acute to the extent of loss of functions in certain parts of the body. Neuropathy affects the communication between the brain and body extremities like hands and legs. It causes a lot of pain and discomfort. It might aggravate leading to sensory loss, a problem in immunity, and various other situations.
According to the State Health Departments, every year, around 3000 to 6000 cases of neuropathy conditions are reported. 150,000 Americans are affected by tooth disease as a result of peripheral nerves disorder.
Instead of relying on painkillers or electric stimulation, you can opt for effective alternative and home remedies for curing it. Some natural herbs for Neuropathy are proved to be quite beneficial for its treatment. Read on to know more
Herbs For Neuropathy
1. Turmeric
Turmeric has been in use as traditional medicine for thousands of years. Its main constituent curcumin has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. Turmeric(1) helps to protect nerves and blood vessels against damage from inflammation. It also helps to regulate blood sugar and high triglyceride levels.
You should try turmeric for Neuropathy because apart from relieving pain, it also supports nerve cell growth. A study conducted on rats concluded curcumin’s beneficial effects on antinociceptive properties, which ultimately helps reduce pain in neuropathy patients.
Turmeric is one of the most natural herbs for Neuropathy. It is a natural ingredient in many Asian dishes. You can safely include turmeric for Neuropathy in your meals as part of your regular diet. Alternatively, you could add it to milk and enjoy turmeric latte. There are supplements also that are readily available in the market.
There are no side effects of turmeric when consumed in moderate amounts. When it comes to turmeric or curcumin supplements, you should follow the instructions on the label. Overdose of turmeric for Neuropathy may cause indigestion.
[Read: Natural Remedies for Neuropathy]
2. Colocynth
Colocynth or Citrullus colocynthis is a desert vine herb beneficial for Neuropathy, more commonly known as bitter apple or desert gourd. Research on rats has proved its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Further study on humans concluded that topical application of the fruit extract for three months reduced the pain in diabetics. Thus, it uses one of the beneficial herbs for Diabetic Neuropathy.
You could consume the various colocynth supplements available in the market or opt for a topical application. You should not consume colocynth directly as it may lead to irritation of the mucous membranes causing vomiting, diarrhea, ulcers, and even kidney damage. Sometimes the situation may turn fatal with respiratory arrest. It also has serious side effects on pregnant and lactating women.
Consuming only 3 gm of colocynth can turn fatal. So, use the supplement according to the prescribed dosage and follow the instructions carefully.
[Read: Home Remedies for Neuropathy]
3. Sweet Flag
Sweet Flag or Calamus is a flowering plant quite similar to iris, which can be useful as a herb for Neuropathy. Research on rats has shown success in treating Neuropathy. The study had stated that it is effective due to it’s anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, neuroprotective, and calcium inhibitory properties.
This plant’s root is blessed with many curative properties and has been used traditionally in Egyptian and Indian medicine. Essential oils extracted from the plant is helpful in fever, arthritis pain, epilepsy, boosting memory, and used as a sedative, insect repellent, etc.
It is one of the most effective herbs for Diabetic Neuropathy. You could massage your scalp with diluted sweet flag essential oil to relieve the stress on the cranial nerves. Though there is no proof of the safety of consuming the sweet flag internally, many people still use it to deal with a lot of health issues.
It is safe to use essential oil extracted from the sweet flag plant. If you plan to consume it, consult your doctor before doing so. You should know that consuming more than one mg of rhizome powder of sweet flag may cause vomiting. It is not to be consumed by people suffering from depression, acidity, pregnant or lactating females, heart patients, before or after surgery, or with other sedatives. Also, an overdose may cause serious side effects.
[Read: Essential Oils for Neuropathy]
4. Saffron
Saffron is a food ingredient and a famous traditional home remedy for various diseases. It is considered useful in curing asthma, insomnia, menstrual problems, cardiovascular disorders, bronchospasm, and pain relief. It helps boost immunity and is especially beneficial as a herb for diabetic Neuropathy. According to research conducted on rats, it helped to reduce pain related to Neuropathy. Another study has established that its use with amitriptyline further enhanced the therapeutic effect on neuropathic pain(2).
As saffron is a popular food ingredient, so you could soak saffron in milk or water and add this to food. This natural herb for Neuropathy can be also be taken in the form of supplements.
How much to use?
You should intake it as per the instructions on the label of the supplements. There is no specific dosage of the spice taken with food. However, it is not advised to intake more than 1.2 g of saffron in a day. Overdose may result in diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and bleeding.
[Read: Benefits of Lime Essential Oil]
5. Russian Olive
Russian olive is a beneficial herb for Neuropathy. It was used in traditional Iranian medicine for decreasing pain in rheumatic arthritis due to its analgesic properties. It helps to relax muscles and reduce inflammation. A study conducted on mice concluded that its analgesic effects help reduce neuropathic pain. Another study proved its use for lowering osteoarthritis symptoms with the same effect as ibuprofen.
This natural herb for Neuropathy is safe for consumption. You could opt to consume supplements available in the market.
Follow the suggestions on the label of the supplement. There are no side effects when consumed in appropriate dosages.
These natural herbs for Neuropathy could help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with it. You should go for a thorough check-up to know the root cause of the problem. That could help you deal with the health condition correctly. Further, any home remedy, including herbs for Neuropathy, should be tried only after your doctor’s approval. It is essential to take care of your overall health even after taking herbs, especially for diabetic Neuropathy.
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FAQs
1. What Are Other Home Remedies Useful for Neuropathy?
There are several home remedies apart from herbs for Neuropathy which include:
- Quit smoking
- Avoid alcohol consumption
- Keep your blood sugar level in control
- Take extra care of your feet, especially when you are diabetic
- Eat a well-balanced meal
- Exercise regularly
2. How Is Acupuncture Helpful in Neuropathy?
Acupuncture is an effective alternative treatment done by inserting thin needles at specific points of your body. It helps reduce pain and other symptoms related to peripheral Neuropathy. A certified practitioner should perform it with sterile needles. However, you could also try some natural herbs for Neuropathy.
3. Which Essential Oils Can Is Useful for Neuropathy?
Essential oils can be useful in pain and symptomatic relief due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, sedative, circulatory, and analgesic effects. You could use eucalyptus, peppermint, geranium, rosemary, spruce, frankincense, lavender, rosewood, clove, and many more essential oils to get relief in Neuropathy.
