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Natural Treatment for Neuropathy

Neuropathy, sometimes identified as peripheral neuropathy, is a condition that involves a problem with the nerves being able to transmit information to and from the brain and your spinal cord appropriately. Neuropathy can be caused by diabetes, poisonings and other diseases. When you have neuropathy your muscular control and coordination are affected and you experience numbness and pain, particularly in your lower extremities. Thankfully, there are several herbal remedies that can be used to alleviate the symptoms associated with neuropathy.

  1. Cayenne

    • Cayenne is an herb that contains capsaicin: an ingredient known for powerful pain relieving properties. Peripheral neuropathy involves the experience of numbness and pain in your legs and feet and is often caused by diabetes. The capsaicin in cayenne can offer some quality pain relief from such symptoms. If, however, the peripheral neuropathy you have is due to HIV conditions, cayenne will not serve to remedy pain effectively. You can use capsaicin cream on the areas where you experience pain as often as 4 times daily to diminish painful neuropathy conditions. The cream should be used for 3 to 7 days in order to derive the full benefit from the treatment. You may first notice an increase in your pain before experiencing any relief: this is normal with capsaicin cream usage.

    St. John's Wort

    • St. John's Wort is an effective herbal remedy for neuropathy. This herb can be consumed orally to alleviate painful conditions; the herb contains hypericin which has tremendous anti-inflammatory agents. St. John's Wort can also be applied to the skin topically to treat nerve pain as well as diminish symptoms associated with neuropathy. A tincture or oil of St. John's Wort can be applied to the affected area to minimize pain and to help heal damaged nerves. It should be noted that this herb should not be used if you are currently using and MAO-inhibitor, as it may interact with the medication. You should also avoid direct exposure to sunlight for extended periods to avoid the onset of photodermatitis.

    Evening Primrose

    • Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that involves symptoms that include tingling sensations, burning sensations, a loss of feeling in certain areas of the body, numbness and pain. You might particularly experience symptoms in your legs and feet. Evening primrose can be used to diminish such symptoms. You can consume evening primrose at a dosage of 2 to 8 g a day; make sure the herb contains 8 percent Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA). GLA, a substance typically derived from Omega-6 fatty acid supplements as well as from evening primrose oil, will improve nerve functioning and further prevents diseases of the nerves.

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