Trigeminal neuralgia -- a nerve disorder -- causes intense pain in certain parts of your face. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that the pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia originates from the trigeminal nerve -- a cranial nerve that carries several sensations, including pain, from your brain to your face. Certain herbal medicines may help arrest the pain associated with this condition and improve your quality of life. Ask your health care provider about dosage and side effects before using herbs.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Although trigeminal neuralgia may be caused by multiple sclerosis and compression of your trigeminal nerve, in most cases, the exact cause of trigeminal neuralgia is unknown. MayoClinic.com states that trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by short bouts of face pain followed by a progressive worsening in the frequency and duration of your symptoms. Trigeminal neuralgia, which more commonly affects women than men, usually develops in people under the age of 50. The pain of trigeminal neuralgia may be triggered by both touch and sounds.
Helpful Herbal Medicines
There are many herbal medicines that may effectively treat trigeminal neuralgia. Some herbs possess analgesic, or pain-reducing, properties that reduce neuralgia, or nerve pain. Helpful herbal medicines for nerve pain, including trigeminal neuralgia, include kava kava, valerian and meadowsweet. In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," naturopathic physician and herbalist Sharol Tilgner also recommends passionflower, lemon balm, chamomile, lavender and California poppy.
A Commonly Used Herb
A commonly used herb in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia is meadowsweet. According to nutrition researcher Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," meadowsweet is a powerful anti-inflammatory herbal medicine that is used to treat many conditions. Meadowsweet, notes Tilgner, has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and nerve inflammation. The flowers and leaves of the plant are used in herbal medicines. Balch notes that, because meadowsweet contains aspirin-like compounds, it should be avoided by pregnant women.
Disclaimer
Herbal medicines are best used under the care of a trained health care professional with advanced training in botanical medicine. Some herbs can cause health complications if they interact with other drugs you are taking. It is always wise to discuss herbal medicine -- proper dosage, treatment length, potential side effects -- with your doctor before pursuing this complementary alternative treatment method. Herbal medicines should always be taken according to the instructions provided by your health care practitioner.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Trigeminal Neuralgia
- MayoClinic.com: Trigeminal Neuralgia
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
