Nerve pain in your legs can interfere with your daily activities and cause considerable pain or discomfort. Depending on the underlying cause of the nerve pain, there may be medications you can take or modifications to your lifestyle that can alleviate your pain, but some herbal remedies may also be effective. Consult your doctor before using any herbs for your nerve pain, as they can cause adverse effects, despite the fact that they are natural herbs.
Jamaica Dogwood
Jamaica dogwood, also called Jamaican dogwood, is an herb that has traditionally been used for nerve pain, as well as migraines, insomnia and anxiety. It may also have anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties, which can further help alleviate nerve pain. It may have toxic effects, says the University of Maryland Medical Center, and should not be consumed unless your doctor recommends it and is supervising you closely. As a tea, it can be consumed by boiling 1/2 to 1 tsp. of dried Jamaica dogwood bark in water and then straining the mixture. Drink it three times daily. Only use this under strict supervision by a professional.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil may be used as a remedy for nerve pain in the arms and legs. The wildflower evening primrose has been used medicinally to relieve upset stomach and respiratory infections, but the oil in the seeds of this flower have been used as an herbal remedy for a variety of conditions as well, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. This oil has been found to help relieve neuropathy, or nerve pain, in individuals with diabetes. Symptoms that this oil can alleviate include pain, numbness, tingling and burning, all of which can be caused by nerve damage. A standard dose can range from 2 to 8 g of oil, standardized to have 8 percent GLA, a fatty acid found in this oil. This herbal remedy can interact with medications, so talk with your doctor before using this supplement.
Peppermint
While most people think of candy when they think of peppermint, peppermint is actually an herb that has been used for medicinal purposes. Though peppermint supplements can be taken orally, topical preparations are typically used to treat nerve pain. A 2002 study by SJ Davies, et al. published in "The Clinical Journal of Pain," found that in a patient suffering from postherpetic neuralgia, or nerve pain, topical application of peppermint oil effectively relieved pain. Peppermint has been found to have an antispasmodic and analgesic effects. Use a topical cream or ointment preparation containing 1 to 16 percent menthol, says the University of Maryland.
Considerations
Nerve pain in the leg can be caused by a variety of conditions, including sciatica, diabetic neuropathy and alcoholism. If you are experiencing nerve pain, see your doctor to find out the cause of the pain before you take any herbs to help relieve the symptoms. There may be specific treatments or lifestyle modifications your doctor will recommend. Talk with your doctor about any herbal supplements you want to take and find out whether they are safe for you. Tell her about any other medications you may be taking to avoid adverse interactions.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Jamaica Dogwood; Dr. Steven Ehrlich; 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Evening Primrose Oil; Dr. Steven Ehrlich; 2008
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia; Leg Pain; May 2011
- "The Clinical Journal of Pain"; A Novel Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia Using Peppermint Oil; SJ Davies, et al.; 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Peppermint; Dr. Steven Ehrlich; 2009
