Neuropathy occurs when nerves outside the brain stem and spinal cord are damaged. It can result from injury, infections, exposure to toxins or diabetes. Those with neuropathy may experience numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, or pain in the muscles. The conventional medical treatment includes prescription medications and exercise. Holistic treatments include yoga, massage and nutritional supplements, as well as herbs.
Cayenne
Cayenne, or red pepper, is a popular culinary spice that's also commonly used in herbal medicine. Its main chemical constituent, capsaicin, is a natural pain reliever. Herbalists have used this spice for centuries to treat digestive problems, poor appetite and poor circulation. Capsaicin oil or lotion may be used topically to relieve arthritis and muscle pain. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM) lists several uses for cayenne, including: relief of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis pain, post-surgical pain, nerve pain and peripheral neuropathy. Cayenne pepper can be taken internally, added to food or applied topically to affected areas.
Evening Primrose
Evening primrose is a wildflower native to North America. The Native American Indians used evening primrose leaves and roots to treat bruises and hemorrhoids. Evening primrose oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. Specialists at UMM indicate that evening primrose oil (EPO) may be used in the treatment of arthritis, eczema, breast pain, chronic fatigue, Raynaud's disease and diabetic neuropathy. It may help relieve symptoms such as pain, burning, tingling, numbness or lack of sensation in the extremities. EPO comes in gel capsules. The typical dose is 2g to 8g per day.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo is known as the memory herb. It's commonly prescribed in Europe as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. It dilates blood vessels and increases circulation. According to Clayton College of Natural Health, in addition to helping improve memory and symptoms of dementia, it has also been used to treat Raynaud's disease, arthritic and rheumatic problems, arteriosclerosis, anxiety, tension, asthma and even bronchial congestion. Other key uses include neuralgia, neuropathy and peripheral vascular insufficiency. The typical dose is 120mg to 240mg per day.
Butcher's Broom
Butcher's Broom is specifically used for poor circulation. Topically, it can be used to treat varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It has anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat atherosclerosis. Because it improves vascular circulation and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, it may be beneficial for some symptoms of neuropathy--including pain, numbness and "coldness" in the hands and feet. As much as 16mg of the standardized extract can be taken daily, or applied topically as a lotion or cream.
