Nerves, also called peripheral nerves, may carry either motor or sensory information, notes the Spine Health website. Motor nerves run from your spine to your muscles and help you execute voluntary movements, while sensory nerves provide feedback regarding pain, temperature, pressure and other stimuli. Your peripheral nerves may be damaged by injuries or certain medical conditions. Before using herbal remedies to support the health and function of your nerves, review the potential merits and drawbacks of herbs with your family doctor.
Nerve Problems
There are many possible nerve-related ailments or disorders. Examples of nerve-related conditions include Bell's palsy, peripheral neuropathy, vitamin B12 deficiency, diabetes mellitus, sciatica and intervertebral disk herniations. The Better Health Channel website states that common nerve irritants include bacterial and viral infections, and that nerve damage may be caused by numerous factors, including infection, trauma, tumors and vitamin deficiencies. Natural treatment methods, including herbal remedies, may help treat your nerve problems or support the healthy functioning of your peripheral nerves.
Useful Botanical Remedies
Herbal remedies have long been used to support the health and function of your body's peripheral nerves, although not all herbs used for this purpose have been rigorously studied using contemporary scientific testing methods. Naturalist and master herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," lists numerous herbs that may help support your nerves and nervous system, including cactus, celery, chamomile, hops, kava kava, lavender, lemon balm, oat seeds, passionflower, skullcap and wild yam.
Featured Herb
Passionflower, or Passiflora incarnata, may be one of the most helpful herbal remedies in supporting the health and function of your nerves and nervous system. Passionflower, notes herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," possesses both sedative and calmative action and has traditionally been used in treating nerve pain, nervousness and worry, and muscular twitching. Smith recommends 30 to 40 drops of passionflower liquid extract, two to five times per day, although you should always discuss herb dosage with your doctor before ingesting herbs.
Considerations
Nerve-related problems may cause changes in your ability to perform motor tasks or your ability to sense various stimuli. Because of the many possible underlying causes of nerve disorders or conditions, you should always consult a qualified health care professional to determine the true cause of your nerve-related problem. Both conventional and complementary alternative treatments may be beneficial in treating your nerve-related ailments, though you should always discuss the risks and benefits with your physician before pursuing any treatment measure.
References
- Spine Health: Anatomy of Nerve Pain
- Better Health Channel: Headache and Nerve Problems
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
