Neuropathy is injury to one or more of your nerves--the structures that transmit impulses between your body and brain and vice versa. PubMed Health states that neuropathy often causes reduced sensation, abnormal sensations in various parts of your body, weakness and even paralysis. Botanical medicines, or herbs, are sometimes used in treating this condition. However, herbs should be used judiciously, and you should meet with your doctor to discuss herbs before using them to treat your neuropathy.
Neuropathy Information
Neuropathy--which is sometimes called peripheral neuropathy because it often affects nerves in your peripheral nervous system--is usually caused by nerve damage associated with trauma, infections and metabolic problems. If you experience peripheral nerve damage, notes MayoClinic.com, you may develop numbness or tingling in your hands and feet. You may also experience burning pain along the distribution of your affected nerve, reduced coordination, sensitivity to touch and changes in your bowel and bladder function.
Botanical Medicines
Naturopathic physician and herbalist Sharol Tilgner states that certain herbs, such as St. John's wort and oats, may support your nervous system, while other herbs--including valerian, skullcap, pasque flower and cramp bark--are nerve relaxants, or substances that help quiet your nervous system. These herbs may be helpful in treating your neuropathy-related symptoms. Other beneficial herbs may include passionflower, kava kava, henbane and Jamaican dogwood, which treat nerve pain, or neuralgia.
A Commonly Used Remedy
Oats, or Avena sativa, is a commonly used remedy in the treatment of neuropathy. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant, nutrition researcher and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," oats, or oat straw, is a restorative nerve tonic and is used in treating depression, an inability to sleep and various skin disorders. Oat straw helps treat your nervous system agitation and stress and possesses sedative and nervine action, or the capacity to calm your nerves.
Warning
Botanical medicines may act like prescription drugs and cause significant changes within your body. Exercise caution when using herbs to treat your health problems, including neuropathy. It is wise to consult your family physician or another trusted health care provider before using herbs. A qualified health care professional can counsel you on the appropriate herbs to take, the best dosage and the proper duration of treatment. Some herbs may cause health side effects if they are not taken according to your doctor's instructions.
References
- PubMed Health: Mononeuropathy
- MayoClinic.com: Peripheral neuropathy
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
