Numerous herbs may help treat your nerve-related neck pain. According to the MedlinePlus website, neck pain may be caused by any neck structure, including your nerves. Nerve-related neck pain often also involves numbness, tingling or weakness in your arm, hand or elsewhere. Before taking herbs to treat your nerve-related neck pain, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, the proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
American skullcap
American skullcap is an herb that may help reduce nerve-related neck pain. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this type of skullcap, also known as Sculletaria lateriflora, is native to North America but is now widely cultivated in Europe and other parts of the world. It has been used for more than 200 years as a mild relaxant and as a therapy for numerous health problems, including nervous tension, anxiety and convulsions. The leaves of the plant are used medicinally. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that skullcap is a sedative, antispasmodic and hypotensive herb. American akullcap is used to treat nervous irritation of your cerebrospinal nervous system. It may also be beneficial for nerve-related neck pain. Before taking this herb, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and the proper dosage.
Blue Cohosh
Blue cohosh is an herb that may be beneficial for treating your nerve-related neck pain. Botanical.com states that blue cohosh, also known as Caulophyllum thalictroides, is a perennial plant that grows in rich, moist soil in swamps and near running streams. Blue cohosh, a member of the Barberry family, has a bitter, slightly acrid taste with a sweet aftertaste. The root of the plant is used medicinally. According to Tilgner, blue cohosh is a diuretic, diaphoretic, nervine and expectorant. Blue cohosh, states Tilgner, is beneficial for chronic inflammation such as arthritis. Because blue cohosh is a nervine, or a substance that helps calm irritated nerves, it may help reduce ongoing nerve-related neck pain. Before taking blue cohosh, discuss possible side effects, the proper dosage and potential drug interactions with your doctor.
Valerian
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, valerian, also known as Valeriana officinalis, is native to Europe and Asia, although it now also grows in North America. Valerian has been used for medicinal purposes since the time of ancient Greece and Rome, reports the NCCAM. The root and underground stems, or rhizomes, of the plant are used medicinally. Tilgner states that valerian is a sedative, relaxing nervine, antispasmodic, anticonvulsant and hypotensive herb. Valerian has been used to treat numerous health problems, including nervous palpitations, nervous irritation, shingles, backaches and nerve-related neck pain. Before taking valerian to help reduce your nerve-related neck pain, ask your doctor about possible side effects and the proper dosage.
References
- MedlinePlus: Neck Pain
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Skullcap
- Botanical.com: Cohosh, Blue
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Valerian
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner; 1999
