Neuropathy Herbal Remedies

Neuropathy, also known as mononeuropathy, is damage to one of your nerves or nerve groups. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that neuropathy usually causes the loss of sensation, movement or other functions in the part of your body that the injured nerve innervates, or enlivens. Certain herbal remedies may be beneficial in treating your neuropathy, but you should always discuss the possible health ramifications of herbal remedies with your doctor before using herbs.

Neuropathy

The National Health Service of the U.K. states that neuropathy usually occurs in your peripheral nerves, or the parts of your nervous system that exist outside of your brain and spinal cord. Peripheral neuropathy is a relatively common condition, and it occurs more often in diabetics. If left unchecked, elevated blood sugar levels -- a defining feature of diabetes -- can damage your nerves. Although your symptoms depend on the nerve affected, common symptoms of neuropathy include sensation loss; paralysis; and numbness, tingling and weakness.

Useful Herbal Remedies

The University of Maryland Medical Center lists cayenne and evening primrose as two of the most effective herbal remedies in treating neuropathy. Sharol Tilgner, an herbalist, naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," says that certain herbs may be helpful in treating pain associated with your neuropathy, including meadowsweet, valerian and kava kava. Other useful herbs in treating this condition include St. John's wort, Jamaican dogwood and Hyoscyamus niger.

Featured Herb

Hyoscyamus niger, also known as henbane, is an herbal remedy that is used to treat neuropathy. In his book "Plant Medicine in Practice," naturopathic physician and herbalist William A. Mitchell Jr. says that the leaves, flowering parts and seeds of this plant are used in making herbal medicines. Henbane is used to treat neuralgia, or nerve pain; chronic mania; spasms; and restless agitation. The principal active ingredient in henbane is a substance called hyoscyamine.

Considerations

Neuropathy is a serious health problem, and it can lead to further health problems if it is not treated in an appropriate and timely fashion. Possible complications associated with this condition include deformity and reduced tissue mass, unnoticed injury due to lack of sensation, and side effects associated with medications used for this condition. If you are considering using herbal remedies to treat your neuropathy, first talk with your health care provider about the effectiveness of herbs in managing your condition.