Numbness in your feet may be caused by poor circulation, in which case herbs that promote the flow of blood to your extremities will prove to be good allies. The lack of circulation may be due to being seated in the same position for a long period of time or to cold weather that prompts your body to blood to your main organs to keep them warm. Other more severe causes for numbness in feet can include a pinched nerve, a lack of blood supply due to artherosclerosis, diabetes and heart related illnesses, as well as a lack of vitamin B12, according to MedlinePlus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health.
Ginger Root
Ginger root, also known botanically as Zingiber officinale, is a warming herb that is praised for its ability to boost the circulation of blood to your extremities and entire body, says herbalist David Hoffmann in his book "The New Holistic Herbal." As it warms your body, your blood vessels expand, allowing for an increased blood flow to your feet, helping relieve numbness. Make a ginger tea by grating 2 tbsp. of fresh ginger root in a cup of hot water. Drink it as needed. You can also add fresh grated ginger root to a foot bath to stimulate circulation locally.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil, known botanically as Oenothera biennis L., is used to promote good communication between the brain and your nerve cells, as it provides your body with essential fatty acids. This property in evening primrose oil makes it ideal for treating numbness in the feet due to diabetes, suggests the website Herbs2000.com. You can find evening primrose oil at your local health food store.
Borage
Borage, botanically known as Borago officinalis, is used in a similar way as evening primrose oil when its oil is extracted from the seeds. Also available in health food stores, you can apply it topically to your feet and then wrap your feet in a towel soaked in hot water to assist the absorption of the oil and also warm your skin and promote circulation.
Cayenne Pepper
Capsicum annuum or cayenne pepper is warming to your entire system and increases blood circulation to your feet. It works effectively when ingested and you only need a pinch of the powder in your tea for it to work quickly and efficiently. You can also infuse a carrier oil, such as olive, jojoba or almond oil with cayenne pepper powder and then apply it topically to your feet for fast relief.
References
- MedlinePlus: Numbness
- "The New Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1990
- Herbs2000.com: Numbness And Tingling
- Healing Daily: Cayenne Pepper
- MayoClinic.com: Evening Primrose Oil
