Using Essential Oils to Treat Neuropathy

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.

Neuropathy Symptoms

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:

• Sharp prickling pain with pins-and-needles
• Digestive issues
• Pain that feels heated
• Changes in skin color and hair
• Tingling in extremities (especially hands and feet)
• Extreme sensitivity to touch
• Incoordination and/or weak muscles
• Sleep disturbances
• Loss of bladder control
• Dizziness
• Difficulty with swallowing or speech
• Uncontrollable muscle contractions or twitches
• Sexual dysfunction (in men)

Typical Neuropathy Causes

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.

• Vitamin B12 Deficiency
• Alcoholism
• Diabetes
• Sports or other Physical Injuries
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Shingles (a strain of the Chicken Pox Virus)
• Lyme Disease
• Chemotherapy, Radiation, or other Cancer Treatments

Treatment of Neuropathy

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.

Which Essential Oils Work for Neuropathy?

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:

Helichrysum Essential Oil

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.

Cypress Essential Oil

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.

Tansy Essential Oil

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.

Marjoram Essential Oil

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.

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

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.

Wild Orange Essential Oil

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.

Neuropathy Massage Recipe with Essential Oils

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.

Neuropathy Bath Soak with Essential Oils

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.