By Desiree Gagne, MA, OTR/L
Essential oils have various uses including benefits for neuropathy and nerve pain. Different disorders, infections, and diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and shingles can lead to nerve damage and pain. Injuries and stress can also lead to developing these symptoms, which can be debilitating and affect everyday activities. Nerve regeneration is a slow process but aromatherapy treatments can help as an alternative way to find relief.
There are natural and non-invasive treatments that can help control pain associated with neuropathy. Research has shown that essential oils are also effective in reducing stress, anxiety, depression, sleep, mood, and stimulating the circulatory system. Some oils that are helpful to neuropathy sufferers include eucalyptus, geranium, helichrysum, lavender, peppermint, rosewood, ylang-ylang, frankincense, and Roman Chamomile.
These are some of the best essential oils for neuropathy treatment:
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus oil is great for neuropathy because of its anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and analgesic properties. It can assist with improving blood circulation in nerve conditions such as neuralgia and sciatica.
Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium oil acts as a sedative and helps with pain relief. Clinical studies have shown that it can greatly reduce neuropathic pain.
Helichrysum Essential Oil
Helichrysum is known for its fast-acting pain relief. Like most other essential oils that are good for treating neuropathy, it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is well known for its ability to help with pain relief. It has a soothing, relaxing scent and also anti-inflammatory properties. Its wonderful attributes can assist with reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Lavender can be used for conditions such as neuralgia, sciatica, muscle aches and muscle spasms.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil has both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. These make it an excellent essential oil for neuropathy. Peppermint is also a stimulant and should not be used before sleeping. When blended with other oils, this healing oil has boosted therapeutic value.
Rosewood Essential Oil
Rosewood oil can help with stress reduction and relaxation, in addition to being a nerve tonic with analgesic properties.
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Ylang Ylang oil helps to strengthen and nourish your nervous system. It’s also a sedative, helping to release stress and reduce anxiety.
Frankincense
Frankincense has sedative and anti-inflammatory properties and is helpful for conditions such as arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Research by Cardiff University scientists found that frankincense can aid in inhibiting the production of key inflammatory molecules, helping prevent the breakdown of the cartilage tissue that causes these conditions.
Roman Chamomile
Roman Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and is helpful for conditions such as neuralgia, neuritis, and rheumatic pain.
How To Administer Oils:
There are various ways to administer essential oils. One method is through creams and lotions. You can also add a few drops of oil directly into the bath water. When using a diffuser not only do you enjoy the benefits but so does everyone else in the room! If applying essential oils directly to the skin, it is best to dilute them with a carrier oil. A carrier oil can be a cold-pressed nut, seed, or vegetable oil. Fractionated oil is also recommended since it is clear, light, and odorless. You can use one essential oil or experiment by blending them together.
Essential oils for nerve pain are an effective way to naturally heal your body using plant extracts derived from mother earth. Read all labels to ensure you are getting pure essential oil. Test on a small area of skin before applying the oil to a larger area. Applying undiluted oils to the skin can cause irritation and inflammation.
Speaking to someone who is skilled in the areas of natural medicine and aromatherapy, such as a certified herbalist, aromatherapist, or doctor can often assist with alleviating painful symptoms and make living with nerve pain more manageable. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition consult your physician before using essential oils.
Article Resources:
Davies, S. J., Harding, L. M., & Baranowski, A. P. (2002, May-June). A novel treatment of postherpetic neuralgia using peppermint oil. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 18(3), 200-202.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12048423
Li, L. (2010, May). The effect of Neuragen PN on neuropathic pain: A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial. BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 10, 22.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2883533
Cardiff University. (2011, August 4). A wise man’s treatment for arthritis: Frankincense?. ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 20, 2017 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621121316.htm
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14599644
DISCLAIMER:
This article is intended to provide general health information and is not intended to provide individual-specific medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
