Homeopathic Remedies for Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves in the body's extremities---usually hands and feet---fail to send proper signals to the brain. The body interprets the failure as tingling, numbness or a prickling sensation in the areas affected by the neuropathy. While there are no true methods---medical, homeopathic or otherwise---that will cure neuropathy, there are homeopathic treatments that can help alleviate the symptoms of the condition.

Treat the Root Cause

• Peripheral neuropathy usually is caused by an underlying condition. According to the National Institute of Spine and Neurological Disorders, this can include physical injuries to the affected areas, diseases such as cancer, kidney disease and diabetes, infections and autoimmune disorders, or inherited genetic anomalies. If the neuropathy is a result of disease, seek to treat the disease to lessen pain and numbness before or in addition to using homeopathic remedies.

Single Homeopathic Remedies

• Determine your symptoms to decide which homeopathic remedy will work for your neuropathy experience. For shooting pain, try Aconite for pain in all areas or Belladonna if the pain is centered on the hips, back and thighs. Burning pain can be treated with Aconite for general pain, Cantharsis for soles of the feet, Fer phos for shoulder pain and Hypericum for feet. Muscle cramps and spasms can be eased by taking Mag phos and tingling in the extremities can be treated with Hypericum.

Mixed Topical Treatments

• Several homeopathic products are on the market now that provide treatment for peripheral neuropathy. Topical gels and solutions, such as Neuragen, offer relief from neuropathy symptoms, including tingling, burning and pain in hands and feet. According to a double blind trial conducted by Louisiana State University, 80 percent of patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy saw improvement after using a topical product.