Pharmaceutical interventions for neuropathy often come with a series of side effects. But why should anyone put up with them when there are risk-free herbs and supplements?
When treating nerve pain, it’s common for doctors to prescribe depression and epilepsy medications as they have the ability to correct the faulty signals relayed to the nerves. However, these drugs come with serious side effects that may include:
-
Dizziness
-
Nausea
-
Problems with urinating
-
Blurred vision
-
Bleeding
-
Increased pain
With such a lengthy list of potential side effects, taking these medications can add to the problem instead of bringing you relief. What’s worse, synthetic drugs usually don’t eliminate nerve pain altogether.
By contrast, a number of supplements and herbs, such as capsaicin, cloves, rosemary, turmeric, and feverfew, can significantly reduce the pain without any side effects or contraindications.
If you want to try dealing with your nerve pain the risk-free way, check out 10 of the most potent herbs and supplements to this effect. Also, learn the mechanisms that make them a great option for treating nerve pain.
The Herbs/Supplements
-
Capsaicin
The compound that gives chili peppers their spiciness, capsaicin, has the power to relieve nerve pain. That’s why it is an active ingredient found in topicals like creams and ointments that you’re supposed to apply to the affected area.
But how does capsaicin work?
It targets substance P, which is responsible for sending pain signals within the nervous system. And by reducing substance P, capsaicin effectively reduces nerve pain.
Capsaicin is relatively fast-acting and you can get the remedial effects after a few days. In fact, according to a professor of clinical medicine at the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, it could actually be as fast as two days.
Keep in mind that the treated area may develop some redness after the first application. But it’s a small price to pay for the promised relief, given that there shouldn’t be any discomfort.
-
Rosemary
Full of terpenes and polyphenols, which are both powerful antioxidants, rosemary should definitely be at the forefront of your defense against inflammation.
Rosemary can reduce stiffness, pain, swelling, and other neuropathic symptoms courtesy of its anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, this herb can improve your circulation and the condition of your blood vessels, making it much easier for nutrients to reach the nerves and restore or optimize their function.
Furthermore, rosemary extract contains substances that can act like insulin in regulating glucose levels. Although more research is necessary to fully understand this property, there are absolutely no adverse side effects to consuming rosemary.
-
Cloves
Eugenia caryophyllata (or cloves) has been used as a traditional toothache remedy for centuries. In fact, a 2006 study found that clove gel has the same effect as benzocaine gel. Benzocaine, of course, is the substance that dentists use as a local anesthetic.
Additionally, researchers found that cloves have antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. This, in turn, makes it another good option when it comes to dealing with nerve pain.
Most of the available clove-based remedies are usually in the form of an oil or gel. It can also be found as an active ingredient in certain pain relief supplements.
-
Ginger
This is another herb that has had therapeutic use for centuries. And it’s because ginger is rich in phytochemicals, substances known to stop or at least reduce inflammation.
It is also highly versatile and can be taken in different forms. In fact, there are various pain relief supplements that contain ginger as an active ingredient. Not to mention you can always add raw ginger root to meals as a spice.
With no known side effects, ginger is among the safest and tastiest plants that can help reduce pain. According to a 2015 study, taking 2g of ginger daily successfully reduced the participants’ muscle pains. The same research also found that this spice has anti-inflammatory properties.
-
Turmeric
It wouldn’t be off target to say that turmeric is a super-spice. After all, it’s long been used to treat heartburn, arthritis pain, and inflammation.
More studies are necessary to uncover all of the mechanisms that make turmeric such a powerful remedy. But so far, all things point to curcumin, one of the chemicals in turmeric that’s known for reducing inflammation.
Even though there are no negative effects and pretty much anybody can take turmeric, those with gallbladder problems should be careful with it because of their compromised metabolism. Prolonged use of turmeric could also lead to indigestion in some people.
-
Feverfew
For centuries, feverfew has been a popular remedy for toothaches, headaches, and stomachaches. And yes, it can also help with nerve pain, migraines, and rheumatoid arthritis.
While there are not yet too many studies in this area, it’s safe to assume that the herb contains substances that affect pain signals. It’s also been postulated to improve the metabolic processes between the blood and neurons.
Speculations aside, feverfew is worth a try as there are no serious side effects, save for some reports of mild irritations in the mouth. It’s also worth noting that its use and effects are unproven among pregnant women.
-
Corydalis Yanhusuo
This is a plant that grows in Japan, Northern China, and Siberia that’s traditionally used to treat abdominal and chest pain and menstrual cramps.
Recent research found Corydalis yanhusuo has an active ingredient that could be the answer to nerve pain. That’s because researchers in UC Irvine and China managed to isolate DHCB (dehydrocorybulbine) from Corydalis yanhusuo roots and found that it has pain-reducing and anti-inflammatory properties.
DHCB is particularly effective against pain associated with tissue or nervous system damage. Because of that, Corydalis yanhusuo and DHCB are among the most promising candidates for natural neuropathic pain relief.
Even better, the researchers concluded that participants didn’t build up a tolerance to DHCP after continuous use, unlike common prescription painkillers like oxycodone or morphine.
-
Devil’s Claw
Devil’s claw is especially effective in treating lower back and arthritic pain. But again, more studies are necessary to explain the remedial effects of this herb.
With this in mind, you should stick to the therapeutic dose and not take it for too long. Side effects are very rare, but those who have intestinal problems or gallstones should avoid taking this herb.
If you’re healthy and neuropathy is your only affliction, there is no reason not to give devil’s claw a try. Start with a smaller dose to see how your body reacts to this natural remedy.
-
Basil
Basil contains eugenol, an oil that reduces inflammation by targeting the inflammatory enzymes in the body. It’s also rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene that protect you from nerve and blood vessel damage. There are also plenty of flavanols in basil that act as potent antioxidants to offer additional protection to nerves.
A recent study showed that basil limits the growth of bad bacteria. As a result, it could be a promising remedy for chronic inflammation, which is one of the main causes of nerve damage. On top of it all, basil is packed with minerals and vitamins like manganese, iron, calcium, and vitamin C.
All these make it one of the best herbs for treating nerve pain.
-
Dill
When you take a look at all the substances found in dill, it’s not hard to understand why it’s on this list.
Dill contains riboflavin, calcium, and vitamins B6 and A and C. Furthermore, 1 tbsp of the seed has more calcium than ⅓ cup of milk that’s equivalent to 40% of the daily recommended value of calcium.
All of these nutrients simply make dill a powerful antioxidant herb. It has even been known to remove air pollution toxins from the body.
Like ginger, dill is very versatile and works great with a wide range of foods, as you can add it to seafood, chicken, soups, dips, and a whole lot more.
In Nature We Trust
All of these natural herbs that help alleviate pain are readily available. You can consume some in their raw form and also add any of them to your meals or drinks.
The side effects are almost nonexistent, though some of them are not recommended for people with intestinal, stomach, and gallbladder conditions.
Now, despite their positive traits, these herbs are not exactly miracle workers. Fortunately, there’s a far more potent natural supplement that is great at reducing pain without interfering with your health.
That supplement is Nervitalize. It’s chock-full of vitamins, antioxidants, and other anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Check out how Nervitalize can help you with nerve pain at this link.
Resources:
https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/pain-management/medications-neuropathic-pain
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140102133635.htm
https://www.everydayhealth.com/pain-management/natural-pain-remedies.aspx
https://www.healthline.com/health/peripheral-neuropathy-natural-treatments#treatment
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324572#mindfulness-meditation
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140102133635.htm
https://modernneuropathy.com/6-powerhouse-herbs-for-nerve-damage/