What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral Neuropathy involves the weakness, numbness, and pain from nerve damage, usually on the hands, feet, and head. This condition can be brought upon by diabetes, and in some cases, it can be caused by certain injuries.
Essentials oils may help individuals living with peripheral neuropathy in providing some sense of relief from pain. With our 100% pure and natural essential oils both topical use and calming aromatherapy with a cool mist diffuser may help provide some relief.
Here Are the 5 Best Essential Oils For Peripheral Neuropathy
Peppermint Essential Oil: It has been shown in studies that the topical use of menthol, the key component of peppermint, may help reduce neuropathic pain locally. In one particular study, 22 patients with peripheral neuropathy experienced reduced pain and improved
function after 6 weeks of applying a 1% menthol twice a day.
Ginger Essential Oil: It has rubefacient qualities. A rubefacient, when applied topically, offers increased blood flow to an area, and may also help reduce pain. Further, ginger has shown the possibility to reduce inflammation topically.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil: Its 1,8-cineole constituent have shown in studies to offer some analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. In a study with 46 diabetic patients, a massage three times a week with a blend of eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender, geranium and chamomile essential oils reduced neuropathic pain.
Rosemary Essential Oil: It has a warming effect when applied topically, which may alleviate some pain and inflammation. It could also assist in relieving symptoms of peripheral neuropathy by improving local blood circulation to an area.
Lavender Essential Oil: The aroma of lavender alone has shown in multiple human studies to relieve anxiety, affecting the perception of pain. Try putting a few drops in a cool mist diffuser to help soften the stress, tension, and pain.
Topically applied, lavender has shown in studies to offer relief in pain and improved range of motion. In a study of 60 patients with neck pain, a blend including lavender, peppermint, black pepper, and marjoram essential oils diluted in a carrier oil significantly reduced pain and improved mobility compared to the placebo.
Try this essential oil recipe to massage a local area, for a warm compress, or to put in a bath.
BASIC RECIPE:
Ingredients:
2 drops of Peppermint Oil
2 drops of Eucalyptus Oil
2 drops of Ginger Essential Oil
2 drops of Rosemary Oil
2 drops of Lavender Oil
2 tablespoons of Carrier Oil - Fractionated Coconut Oil
Instructions
Combined the ingredients together for a synergizing blend to help improve
flow and reduce pain
MASSAGE: Adults: massage the mixture on an affected area. Skin patch test a
small area before use with sensitive skin; discontinue use if any irritation
occurs.
HOT COMPRESS: Use warm water to dampen a washcloth. Adults: apply the recipe listed above to a local area. Remember to skin patch test a small area first. Then, wrap the area with the warm wet washcloth. To help hold the heat in, wrap a dry towel around the wet wrapped area. Enjoy the compress for 15-20 minutes.
IN A BATH BATH: This same recipe can also be added to bath water. (Skin patch test a small area first). Adults, add 2 Tbsp of the recipe above to a filled bath. For added benefits, massage the affected area for about 15 minutes while soaking in the warm bath water.
Final Thoughts
Always consult with your doctor to find out if essential oils could be part of a healthy support system for your particular case. We hope this guide helps you discover the many ways that essential oils can help improve your life!
What tips do you have for others suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy?
Please let us know in the comments below!