Herbal Remedies for Bell's Palsy

Bell's palsy is a nerve disorder that affects the nerves in your face, causing facial nerve paralysis, most often only affecting one side of the face. These episodes can come about gradually or they can be very sudden. For many sufferers, there is pain that comes with the disorder that needs to be treated. Because of the fact that the symptoms in Bell's palsy vary greatly between sufferers, there are few definitive treatments for the condition. However, you may choose to treat your palsy with herbs rather than conventional western medicine.

Herbal Remedies for Bell's Palsy

• Licorice root, also known as glycyrrhiza glabra, should be taken daily to help keep your Bell's palsy symptoms to a minimum. This root is an anti-inflammatory agent and therefore helps ease the nerve damage found in those with Bell's palsy. It is recommended that you consume 5 to 15 g of licorice root a day for results. It is most often found in capsule form at local health food and wellness stores. However, taking licorice root is not advised if you have high blood pressure or are pregnant.

  Turmeric and ginger work as anti-inflammatory agents as well. Incorporate both herbs into your daily diet and you should see an improvement in your Bell's palsy. A few grams of ginger and turmeric should be adequate. For pregnant women, keep your ginger consumption to 2 g a day or less. Additionally, eating a cup of blueberries a day will help with inflammation as well.

  Take a teaspoon of cod liver oil daily and you'll notice an improvement with your condition. Make sure to take the cod liver oil before your largest meal. If you are pregnant, however, do not take cod liver oil. Flaxseed oil or any non-fish liver oil can be used in place of cod liver oil if you are pregnant, as it works in a similar fashion.

  Angelica root has curative powers for Bell's palsy. Take the angelica root, mix it with body of sick silkworm, also known as jiang can, then grind the mixture into powder. Mix the power into ginger juice until you have a paste consistency. Take this paste and apply it to the affected area where paralysis is occurring. Use cellophane to hold the paste in place and let the paste soak into your skin. Continue this application daily until your symptoms subside.

  Hypercurium can aid in treatment and should be used for topical application. Take hypercurium oil and apply it to your face, applying liberally over the paralyzed area. Your Bell's palsy symptoms should lessen over time with daily application.