Bell's palsy is a facial paralysis of acute and sudden onset. The condition often resolves itself after a period of 3 to 8 months, but there are situations in which its resolution may be prolonged. Bell's palsy is believed to occur due to a reactivation of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) associated with cold sores and fever blisters. Alternative remedies for this condition may be helpful in hastening its resolve and should be discussed with your doctor before use.
Herbs
Bell's palsy is often treated conventionally with the use of antiviral agents. The HSV-1 virus is believed to cycle through periods of activity and states of dormancy but never truly goes away. Antiviral medications are used to try to force the HSV-1 virus back into its dormant state. Just as antiviral herbs may be useful in the treatment of cold sores, the Herbs2000 database notes that several herbs may provide antiviral effects in the treatment of HSV associated palsy.
Licorice, in particular, is noted as an anti-inflammatory and antiviral herb. The herb is also purported to prevent the progression of palsy to full paralysis. Herbs2000 suggest that pure licorice and not the DGL form be taken in doses of 200 to 800 mg daily for six weeks, followed by a 2-week break. Five to ten drops of clove essential oil, taken in a quarter cup of water 3 times per day was also suggested as a therapy to enhance the effectiveness of antiviral agents. All herbs should be discussed with your doctor before use.
Natural Anti-inflammatory Support
The inflammation of the facial nerve is often treated with the use of corticosteroids in the practice of conventional medicine. Corticosteroids are associated with many side effects, so the need for an effective and low risk anti-inflammatory substance is indicated. Omega-3 fish oils are widely used in both conventional and natural medicine. The Bells Palsy Association has identified omega-3 fish oils as a natural intervention to relieving nerve inflammation. Life Extension suggests an omega-3 supplement that provides 1,400 mg of EPA and 1,000 mg of DHA per day.
Natural Spasm Relief
The palsy affects some muscles and leads to their flaccid, or limp, nature, thus characterizing the drooping of one side of the face. Other muscles may pick up the tension, and slack in these limp muscles and become tight and even spastic. The herb kudzu at a dose of 10 mg 3 times per day was noted by Herbs2000 as helpful in preventing spasms of these face and neck muscles. The use of alternative therapies should be discussed with your doctor before use.
B Viramins
B vitamins are a widely accepted natural supplement for Bell's palsy. Chronic, unrelenting forms of Bell's palsy are believed to occur as a result of a B12 deficiency. The National Institutes of Health note that vitamin therapy, including B12, B6 and the mineral zinc, may be helpful in restoring nerve function. Additionally, B12 was trialed with and against corticosteroids, according to the Life Extension database, and was found to improve the anti-inflammatory effects of the corticosteroids. Life Extension suggests a dose of 40 to 80 mg per day in the form of sublingual lozenges. The addition of B vitamins to your diet should be discussed with a certified healthcare practitioner before use.
Acupuncture
The qualities associated with Bell's palsy, including numbness, tingling and paralysis, are symptoms of chi or blood deficiency in Chinese medical theory, according to a 2005 Acupuncture.com article. An acupuncturist will discern this state via an intake and other traditional Chinese medical diagnostics and create a treatment to eliminate the wind and regulate the deficiency. This article notes that both local and distal acupuncture points can be effectively used to treat Bell's palsy. Acupuncture should be performed by a credentialed and licensed acupuncturist.
