Numerous herbs may help relieve your nerve pain. Nerve pain, or neuralgia, is often intermittent. Although it can affect people of all ages, neuralgia usually manifests in middle-aged individuals. Before taking herbs to relieve your nerve pain, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, potential drug complications and proper dosage.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort may be an effective herb for relieving your nerve pain. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, St. John's wort, also known as Hypericum perforatum, is a plant with yellow flowers whose medicinal properties were first noted in ancient Greece. The NCCAM states that St. John's wort has been used for hundreds of years to treat numerous health problems, including mental disorders, nerve pain, skin lesions, depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth," St. John's wort is an anti-inflammatory, sedative and nervine, or substance that affects your nerves. Treating nerve pain is one of the principle uses of St. John's wort. Before administering St. John's wort for your nerve pain, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Valerian
Valerian is an herb that may help relieve your nerve pain. Valerian is a perennial plant that is native to Europe. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, states that valerian, also known as Valeriana officinalis, has been used for hundreds of years to treat numerous health conditions, including insomnia, anxiety, nervous restlessness and nerve pain. The root of the plant is used medicinally and is pressed into fresh juice or freeze-dried to form powder, UMMC states. According to Tilgner, valerian is a relaxing nervine, antispasmodic and anticonvulsant. Valerian may be beneficial for nerve pain, hysteria, emotional stress, nervous palpitations, cardiovascular arrhythmia or irregular heartbeats, shingles and backaches. Before taking valerian to help relieve your nerve pain, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Jamaican Dogwood
Jamaican dogwood is an herb that may be effective for relieving your nerve pain. Jamaican dogwood is native to Central America, Florida and the West Indies. However it now grows in Texas, Mexico and the northern part of South America. According to UMMC, Jamaican dogwood, also known as Piscidia erythrina, has been used as a traditional remedy for treating numerous health problems, including nerve pain, migraine headaches, insomnia, fear, anxiety and nervous tension. The root bark of Jamaican dogwood is used medicinally. Tilgner states that Jamaican dogwood is an antispasmodic and pain reliever. It also induces sleep and decreases your anxiety. The bark of Jamaican dogwood gives off an unpleasant odor and possesses a distinctly acrid and bitter taste. Before taking Jamaican dogwood to help relieve your nerve pain, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
