In the absence of any damage to the nerve itself, neuralgia is an acute pounding, stabbing or tearing pain of nerve origin. Neuralgia is usually a local phenomenon confined to the path of the nerve involved. The pains either occur like an attack several times daily, or they last continually and are described as shooting pain that radiates up and down along the path of the nerve. The cause of the pain can be a stress or pressure on the nerve or an irritation of the nerve. Metabolic disorders, heavy metal poisonings, infections or hormonal changes, as well as emotional stress, can also lead to neuralgia. Among the most common types is neuralgia of the trigeminal nerve, also known as Bell's palsy. In this type, the nerve that passes through the front side of the scalp, eyes, gums, teeth and tongue is affected. Other types have different sites and causes. What causes neuralgia can be complex; therefore, see a doctor for any nerve pains. Supplement treatment with teas, warmth and liniments.
Vitamin B
Neuralgia can be triggered by vitamin B, deficiency, since this vitamin develops its effect in nerve cells and cardiac musculature. The daily allowance is estimated at about 2mg. Unhusked rice, grains, yeast, legumes, potatoes, green vegetables and liver are rich in vitamin B1. Two factors, a poorly balanced diet and frequent alcohol consumption, are thought to trigger these deficiency symptoms.
What you can do?
External administrations, such as lotions with essential oils and warm compresses, act to alleviate pain and spasms. Administered internally, medicinal herbs such as St. John's wort and lemon balm have an anti-inflammatory effect on the nerve.
Embrocation with essential oils
Eucalyptus, lavender or chamomile oil calms the nerves and has some antispasmodic effects. Put a few drops in the palms of your hands. Using circular movements, massage the oil into the painful skin areas along the nerves.
Note: do not store homeopathics near essential oils, since the effect of homeopathic remedies can be reduced. If using both types of medicine, take the dosages at different times from one another.
Acupuncture
Neuralgia can be alleviated successfully with the help of acupuncture. An experienced therapist determines which meridians are blocked. He needles are placed on these points, whereby energy blockades are lifted.
Thermotherapy
Thermotherapy is the use of heat as an aid in the treatment of disease. The skin surface is warmed to expand the blood vessels. The circulation is then raised, alleviating pain.
Baths for strengthening the nerves
Lavender blossoms, spruce or pine needles in bathwater promote circulation and have an antispasmodic effect. Put 3 ounces in 1 quart of water. Boil and strain, add to bathwater.
Extra tip : At times, neuralgia can accompany some herpes viruses, including cold sores, genital herpes and shingles. The amino acid L-lysine is known to deter the herpes virus and to effectively treat herpetic neuralgia.
Homeopathic remedies
For general nerve pains
- Aconitine 3-6X for stabbing pains with numbness and tingling in the face
- Colocynth 1-6X for cramplike pains along the major nerve tracts, which often begin on the left side.
- Hypericum for electriclike sharp pains
- Staphysagria for sharp, stabbing pains
For diagnosed facial neuralgia
- Spigelia 12X for pains on the left side which are usually around the eye
- Magnesium phosphorus 6X for cramplike pains on the right side
- Arsenic trioxide 12X for burning pains that worsen after midnight
For sciatica
- Potassium iodate 6x for tearing pains in the leg that are noticeably worse in the evening or at night.
- Bryony 6x for leg pains that worsen with movement and coldness
Gentle techniques
Cayenne for pain relief
Topical applications of cayenne can relieve pain. The cayenne stops pain via the depletion of pain transmitting compounds from the nerve endings. The nerves stop sending a pain signal to the brain until they can build up more of the appropriate chemicals. They are available in health food stores and pharmacies.
Medicinal Teas
- Valerian for alleviating pain
Prepare 2 tsp. of the dried root in 1 cup of cold water and let it steep for 12-24 hrs/. drink 2 cups of the tea daily.
- St. John's wort for nerves
Steep 1 tsp. of dried leaves per cup of boiling water for 10-15 min. drink 3-6 cups of this tea daily for acute neuralgia. You can combine this with licorice, an anti-inflammatory that improves flavor.
