Neuropathic pain can occur in a nerve or group of nerves in either your central or peripheral nervous systems. It can result from an injury, or from a disease, such as multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, diabetes, shingles and cancer. Herbs may be helpful, since they have a long history of relieving nerve pain and nourishing the nervous system. Consult your health care provider about the cause of your neuropathic pain before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for neuropathic pain fall into several categories. Analgesic herbs relieve pain temporarily, similar to NSAIDs. Antidepressant and nervine herbs work over a longer period and may help relieve chronic neuropathy. These herbs may be used as teas or extracts, or in creams and lotions. Seek advice from a knowledgeable practitioner regarding the dosage and preparation of herbs for neuropathic pain.
Cayenne
Cayenne, or Capsicum annuum, is a perennial herb native to North and South America. Herbalists use the red fruit in teas, extracts and topical creams to treat nerve and muscle pain. The main ingredient is a chemical called capsaicin. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink explain that when you apply capsaicin to your skin, it desensitizes the nerve endings for a few hours or even weeks, reducing neuropathic pain. Cayenne is especially useful in cases of shingles and diabetic neuropathy. This herb may irritate your skin at first, so consult a medical practitioner before using.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort, or Hypericum perforatum, is a European perennial shrub used for centuries to heal wounds. Contemporary herbalists also use it to treat mild depression and low back pain. In their 2000 book, "The Herbal Drugstore," Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster state that the herb helps calm your nervous system and reduce pain sensations. It may also ease muscle tension that can accompany nerve pain. Do not combine St. John's wort with other antidepressants.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh, or Cimicifuga racemosa, is a Canadian perennial and herbal remedy for menstrual and menopausal conditions. Traditional healers use it as a relaxing nervine, but it also has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic actions. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann notes that black cohosh is useful for nerve pain, especially sciatica and neuralgia. This herb has estrogen-like properties, so do not use it during pregnancy.
References
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
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