Bell's Palsy, also known as peripheral facial paralysis, is an inflammation of the cranial nerve on one side of the face. The inflammation may be caused by a virus, such as herpes simplex or herpes zoster. Symptoms may include weakness, paralysis and drooping on one side of the face, pain and headache. Conventional treatment includes corticosteroids and antiviral drugs, and most cases clears up the ailment within weeks or months. Herbs for Bell's palsy may reduce inflammation and prevent paralysis. It is important to consult a professional before beginning herbal therapy and to be aware of potential herb-drug interactions.
Yellow Mountain Laurel
Yellow mountain laurel, or Sophora flavescens, is a perennial herb with pale yellow, bell-shaped flowers native to Korea, Japan, China and Siberia. Chinese medicine considers Bell's palsy to be a "wind" attack in the facial area, and yellow mountain laurel, also known as ku shen, is an herb that clears wind. The root contains the potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory alkaloids matrine and oxymatrine. A study published in the March 2010 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Plants Research" found that 61 out of 68 test patients with Bell's palsy were either cured or experienced improvement after treatment with an herbal formula containing yellow mountain laurel.
Licorice
Licorice, or Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a perennial herb with pale purple flowers native to southern Europe and Asia. In traditional Chinese medicine, licorice root is known as gan cao and is used as an antispasmodic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. Western herbal medicine also uses licorice to treat inflammatory and spastic conditions. In her book "Prescription for Herbal Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch recommends licorice to prevent the progression of paralysis in Bell's palsy. Balch also states that licorice may stop the involuntary tearing that often occurs with this disorder.
Bai Fu Zi
Bai fu zi, or Typhonium giganteum, is a perennial herb with large, arrow-shaped leaves and deep maroon tube-like flowers. Bai fu zi is used in traditional Chinese medicine to expel wind. The plant is also part of a formula known as Qian Zheng San, or Lead the Symmetry Powder, used to treat facial paralysis and spasms from Bell's palsy and stroke. The other ingredients in the formula are scorpion and silkworm. The root of Typhonium giganteum contains chemicals known as cerebrosides, which are found normally in muscle and nerve cell membranes. A study published in the February 2005 issue of "The Journal of Chinese Medicine" found that Lead the Symmetry Powder enhanced the effect of acupuncture in patients with Bell's palsy. The researcher states that this treatment increased nerve sensitivity and recovery of nerve and facial muscle function.
References
- "Journal of Medicinal Plants Research"; Chinese medicinal herb therapy for the rehabilitation of
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2002
- "The Journal of Chinese Medicine"; Facial Paralysis Treatment by Chinese Medicine; Zhenbo Li; February 2005
