Never Ignore These Warning Signs Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Never Ignore These Warning Signs Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
As neuropathy is damage to the nerves throughout the body (other than in the brain or spine), it is clear that the signs and symptoms of this type of nerve damage have to do with losing feeling or developing tingling sensations. For instance, a pins-and-needles feeling may develop over time, beginning in the extremities and then spreading further into the body.
Various causes exist for neuropathy, including diseases and conditions which cause the degradation of the nervous system. Some of this damage may be caused by certain illnesses such as tumors, diabetes, alcoholism, Vitamin B12 deficiency, pain killer abuse, or exposure to harmful chemicals or substances. Sometimes chemotherapy, used to fight cancer, can cause neuropathy as a side effect. Although some nerve damage is permanent, not all of it is and there are options for natural healing of neuropathy with essential oils.
While numbness and tingling are the main symptoms of neuropathy, there are several other signs that your body may be experiencing nerve damage. These include:
Although there are a myriad of reasons that are related to the cause of neuropathy. Some of the most common ailments are listed here. Some can be debilitating while others may have a simple remedy.
If you are experiencing one or more of the above symptoms, it’s important to check with your doctor. The resolution may be as simple as adding vitamins to your diet, or treating a physical injury. Sometimes, however, you may find that your neuropathy is caused by an incurable issue (such as chemotherapy) and you may be looking for a way to relieve the discomfort. One of the best natural methods of relieving neuropathy is by using essential oils.
Essential Oils are the “essence” of plants, powerfully extracted to provide the strongest, most effective means of applying the properties to the body. Essential oils are most commonly applied in a topical manner, typically using a carrier oil for dilution. Certain essential oils have properties which stimulate and provide healing to the nervous system. Essential oils can be used to address various issues with the nerves, including pain, hypersensitivity, discomfort, tingling, cold/heat susceptibility, and numbness.
The best essential oils for neuropathy are those that help bring healing to the nervous system while relieving stress. Some of the best essential oils for neuropathy include:
Providing healing to the nerves as well as relief from pain, Helichrysum is an extremely powerful essential oil which comes from the flower of the Helichrysum plant. It is in the higher price range of essential oils, but those who use it find it extremely effective and a little goes a long way.
Extracted from the cypress tree, this essential oil is effective in promoting circulation, taking the blood supply to the extremities and reducing the feelings of numbness or tingling. Cypress essential oil is also helpful when used for ailments related to respiration, liver function, and bleeding problems.
Extracted from the tansy plant, this essential oil offers anti-itch and pain-relieving properties. Tansy should not be ingested as it could be poisonous if swallowed. Also on the expensive side, this oil is effective in relaxing muscles and reliving nerve difficulties.
Useful for calming and warming, Marjoram essential oil is particularly effective in soothing muscles and working as an antispasmodic. It can be helpful in relieving cramps while providing calming to muscle tension or aches which may be related to nervous system issues.
Providing relaxation properties, Ylang Ylang is the perfect essential oil to soothe a disturbed nervous system. The scent is sweet with a bit of spice, and strongly aromatic.
An essential oil with stimulating properties, Wild Orange promotes circulation while minimizing numbness or tingling. Sweet Orange is a less expensive but ineffective substitute, so be sure to stick with the Wild Orange variety. The antioxidants in Wild Orange also help to aid the body in healing itself.
Combining essential oils into a massage oil allows physical stimulation (massage) to be used in conjunction with natural healing (essential oils). This combination may be particularly helpful when massaged into the areas of the body which are experiencing the symptoms:
5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
5 drops Cypress Essential Oil
5 drops Marjoram Essential Oil
9 drops Wild Orange Essential Oil
6 drops Helichrysum Essential Oil
6 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
3 Tablespoons Fractionated Coconut Oil
Use as a massage oil and rub onto areas affected by symptoms of neuropathy. Also, rub on the bottoms of the feet to allow for maximum absorption. Store in a dark glass bottle.
Sometimes a hot bath is one of the only things that can help provide relief and relaxation for those with neuropathy. Try out this blend of essential oils to provide relief to uncomfortable nerve problems.
5 drops Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
5 drops Blue Tansy Essential Oil
3 drops Wild Orange Essential Oil
1 cup Epsom salt
Add to hot bath and stir. Soak for at least 10 minutes or more.
When neuropathy exists as a peripheral issue, such as in diabetic neuropathy, it is important to deal with the symptoms in the most natural way possible. Of course, dealing with the main problem of diabetes is critical, but using powerful essential oils can offer a great deal of relief from the struggle.
Thanks for dropping round to the latest in our series on vitamins and their impact upon our health. Currently we plan on adding a series on minerals which are vital to our health. Some of these future articles may surprise you. So please visit PatientTalk on a regular basis!
In this blog we will be looking in a bit more detail at Vitamin B12. In particular problems associated with a deficiency.
What does Vitamin B12 do? Well its primary purpose is to promote normal functioning in the brain and nervous system. It also helps with the formation of blood. So pretty important!
It is normally found in animal products such as meat or cheese. Especially liver (good news for pate lovers like me). But this does mean that people on a vegan diet will need to use supplements.
But what happens when we do not get enough Vitamin B12?
If untreated Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause permanent damage to the nervous system.
Pernicious anemia (also known as Biermer’s anemia, Addison’s anaemia, or Addison–Biermer anemia) occurs when the body has difficulty absorbing vitamin B12. Typical symptoms include:-
As with any anemia there is a decrease in red blood cells.
If you are in anyway concerned about Vitamin B12 deficiency please visit a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
PS Many yeast extracts such as Marmite contain Vitamin B12. So you might want to consider spreading some on your breakfast toast!