Bell's palsy is a condition that causes swelling and inflammation of the nerves that control your facial muscles. When you have this condition, your face develops rigidity on one side, affecting the symmetry of your face. Additionally, facial movements such as smiles become one sided and you may no longer have the ability to close your eyes. According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," in most cases, this disorder will go away within a few weeks. However, during Bell's palsy episodes, you can take several herbal remedies to help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with the condition's symptoms. Always discuss any herbal remedies with your doctor first.
Glycyrrhiza Glabara
Glycyrrhiza glabara, commonly know as licorice root, can help relieve some of the discomfort associated with Bell's palsy. Licorice root acts as a strong anti-inflammatory and slows down the breakdown of cortisol in your body. Licorice root also has anti viral properties and contains flavonoids that have antioxidant properties. According to the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," licorice root's anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-oxidant properties can loosen and even relax your facial muscles affected by Bell's palsy. Currently available scientific studies, however, do not support the use of licorice root to treat Bell's palsy.
Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil contains Omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids. According to "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs With All Their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments," recommends taking 1 tbsp. cod liver oil daily as an herbal remedy to treat Bell's palsy. The vitamins and high antioxidant properties of cod liver oil allow the oil's fatty acids to protect your body at the cellular level and, therefore, make cod liver oil an effective treatment for Bell's palsy. Clinical studies, however, do not support the use of cod liver oil as an herbal treatment for Bell's palsy.
Turmeric and Ginger
Turmeric and ginger both have anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate the symptoms of Bell's palsy. You can find both turmeric and ginger in foods and health supplements. The "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine" recommends preparing foods high in turmeric and ginger or taking turmeric and ginger in supplement form during Bell's palsy episodes. Scientific evidence does not, however, support the use of turmeric or ginger to treat Bell's palsy.
Cayenne
Capsaicin is the active ingredient found in cayenne peppers. The capsaicin produces heat in the pepper, and when you consume the pepper, the heat increases blood flow in your body. According to the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," this heat can help to reduce inflammation in your face caused by Bell's palsy. You can also purchase capsaicin supplements if you do not like to eat cayenne peppers. Again, studies do not support the use of cayenne to treat Bell's palsy.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stoke: Bell's Palsy Fact Sheet; April 2011
- Mayo Clinic: Bell's Palsy; February 2010
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno; 1997
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Dennis Kasper, Eugene Braunwald, Stephen Hauser, Dan Longo, J. Larry Jameson and Anthony Fauci; 2004
- "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs With All Their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments"; Andrew Chevallier; 2000
