The treatment for peripheral nerve damage varies. Some people can get relief from regular exercise and remedies like warm bath soaks. Others may need meds and supplements.
Peripheral neuropathy is associated with pain, weakness, and numbness in the extremities, usually the hands and feet.
The peripheral nerves send messages from the brain to the spinal cord to the remaining parts of the body. When these nerves are damaged, these messages are interrupted and the body’s response to temperature, pain, and other reflexes is affected.
Damage to the peripheral nerves can happen due to various things, including traumatic injuries, alcoholism, infection, diabetes mellitus, etc.
The treatment options usually depend on what’s the cause of the condition. The good news is that plenty of natural remedies can help relieve the unpleasant symptoms.
Top 6 Neuropathy Remedies
- Vitamins & minerals
Some peripheral neuropathy cases happen due to a lack of some vitamins and minerals. The most common deficiencies linked with peripheral neuropathy are copper, vitamin B12, vitamin B1, vitamin E, and vitamin B6 deficiencies.
This is because each plays a major role in preserving nerve health. And, research has found that lack of calcium and magnesium may contribute to peripheral neuropathy.
Before you take any vitamins and minerals, consult your doctor to see if there’s a need for testing to ensure whether you need a supplement.
- Herbs
Several herbs possess anti-inflammatory properties that may promote pain reduction in some peripheral neuropathy cases.
These are cayenne pepper, tarragon, turmeric, black cumin, holy basil, rosemary, sage, and cannabis.
If you want to give these herbs a go, consult your doctor to learn more.
This is to ensure these herbs are effective for you and don’t interact with other meds you may be taking or any health conditions you may have.
- Essential oils
Some essential oils help alleviate neuropathy by boosting the blood flow. They also have anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties.
Although more research is necessary to determine which oils help with neuropathy and to what extent, some essential oils can provide specific benefits. These are eucalyptus, bergamot, lavender, and nutmeg.
Always dilute several drops in an ounce of carrier oil like olive oil. Topical application to the area may help reduce stinging and tingling associated with neuropathy.
- Warm baths
Warm baths have soothing and pain-relieving properties, especially if you suffer from neuropathy. This is because warm water boosts the blood flow and lowers pain associated with numbness.
A warm salt water bath is particularly recommendable, according to research. If your sensory nerves are affected and you’re not as sensitive to temperature, be careful not to make the water too hot.
- Meditation
Specific techniques of meditation may help individuals cope and manage neuropathy.
Meditation decreases stress, betters your coping skills, and lowers pain intensity.
- Regular exercise
Exercising regularly may help in the fight against pain and other neuropathy symptoms.
Being physically active lowers blood sugar levels which may slow down nerve damage.
Exercise betters the blood flow to the extremities and reduces stress. All of these factors contribute to less discomfort and pain.
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