“What oil or combination of oils would help neuropathy in toes?”

I am often asked about essential oils for neuropathy, or nerve damage that can cause tingling sensations, pain or numbness in the arms, legs or other areas of the body.

Research has shown that essential oils, especially when combined into blends, may help relieve some of  pain and numbness associated with neuropathy and nerve pain. The following 5 Essential Oils for Neuropathy may help!

 

What is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy or Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) occurs when your peripheral nerves become damaged or disrupted.  The peripheral nervous system transmits messages between your central nervous system — your brain and spinal cord — and the rest of your body and regulates voluntary muscle movement (motor nerves), involuntary organ activity (autonomic nerves), and the perception of stimuli (sensory nerves).

 

What Causes Neuropathy?

 

The primary cause of neuropathy is nerve damage which can be triggered by the following systemic diseases, infections, injuries, autoimmune disorders or deficiencies.

Diabetes is often associated with neuropathy. Over 60 percent of diabetics suffer some degree of neuropathy due to poor circulation to the extremities.  High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessel walls responsible for supplying oxygen and nutrients to the nerves located in your hands, feet, and organs like the kidneys, heart and eyes which can contribute to loss of sensation and performance in all these areas.  Learn More about Balancing Blood Sugar HERE.

Kidney and Liver Disorders Any impediment to the organs of detoxification like the liver or kidneys, can allow high levels of nerve damaging toxins to circulate in the bloodstream.  Learn more about supporting the organs of detoxification HERE.

Hormonal Imbalances such as hyperthyroidism can disrupts metabolic processes that trigger tissues and other body parts to exert pressure on nerves.  Learn more about Balancing Hormones HERE.

Infections bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens can attack nerve tissues either directly or indirectly causing some forms of neuropathy. Examples of these infections include Lyme Disease, Epstein-Barr virus, Shingles or sexually transmitted diseases like Syphillis or HIV.  Learn more about supporting the Immune System HERE.

Physical Trauma or Injury from an accident, sports injury, fall or surgery that crushes, compresses, stretches, or even severs the nerves. Even an ill-fitting cast that applies prolonged pressure on the nerves could cause neuropathies such as Carpal tunnel syndrome.

Autoimmune Disorders If the body’s immune system attacks itself and destroys healthy tissues, it can damage nerves and contribute to neuropathy. Learn more about Auto Immunity HERE.

Chronic inflammation can damage protective tissues around nerves, making them more vulnerable to compression or susceptible to becoming inflamed.  Learn more about Inflammation HERE.

Toxins and Poisons  Toxic chemicals, like chemotherapy drugs, can wreak havoc on our nervous systems and cause irreparable damage. Other damaging toxins include heavy metals and pesticides.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Medication Alcoholism and vitamin deficiencies common in alcohol abuse contribute to nerve damage.  In the same vein, medications like antibiotics, antivirals, anticonvulsants can trigger nerve damage

Repetitive motion, like typing, may irritate nerves and contribute to neuropathy.

Vitamin deficiencies, such as a lack of B1, B6, B12, E and niacin can cause problems with the way the peripheral nerves work.

Blood diseases and blood vessel damage can harm nerve tissue by decreasing the available oxygen supply.

Tumors or Growths can irritate nerves and cause nerve pain or numbness.

 

What are the Symptoms of Neuropathy?

Some symptoms associated with Neuropathy include:

• Numbness or tingling in the legs, hands, arms or feet. These symptoms may start gradually and then start moving up the arms and legs
• Weakness or feeling paralyzed in one part of your body
• Constant pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down the back of your leg (sometimes called sciatica if the sciatic nerve is blocked due to a disc problem in the back).
• Extreme touch sensitivity
• Sharp pain like jabbing, freezing, burning or throbbing pains
• Co-ordination problems like falling
• Changes in sweating or inability to handle the heat
• Changes in digestion, bladder or bowel functioning
• Fluctuation in blood pressure that causes faintness

 

5 Best Essential Oils for Neuropathy

Research has suggested that essential oils may assist with nerve pain. Interestingly, the combination of oils in a blend proved the most effective in lowering the pain threshold.

A 2010 study from Louisiana State University found that a blend of geranium, lavender, bergamot, tea tree and eucalyptus essential oils lowered pain levels in 93% of the patients within 30 minutes of topical application.

Other essential oil research found similar benefits in relieving painful symptoms  associated with neuropathy and restoring blood flow to help reverse the challenge.

Essential oils are in many ways and ideal natural remedy for nerve damage and pain as they possess:

(1)  Analgesic qualities that help dull the pain,

(2)  Anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation that could put pressure on the nerves, triggering a pain response and

(3)  Antimicrobial properties which can help treat underlying infections that contribute to neuropathy.

 

The 5 Best Essential Oils for Neuropathy include:

 

1. Nerve Repair™

Nerve Repair™ helps repair damaged nerves, relieve pain, stimulates circulation, ease inflammation and help regenerate new cells.   It is a great pain reliever and helps in healing, regeneration and repair of nerve cells and  connective tissue that has been damaged.  Formulated from organic and/or wild crafted essential oils known to assist in repairing damaged nerves, including Basil which is one of the best nerve tonics.  Deemed a divine plant by Hindus in India, basil is a significant ingredient in the treatments used to combat nerve pain and nerve damage.  In a research study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, basil oil was concluded as being particularly helpful in reducing nerve damage symptoms and increasing nerve receptivity. Characterized by its analgesic, antidepressant, antispasmodic and balancing properties, basil essential oil is simultaneously beneficial in calming nerve pain and offering stimulation to nerves.  Learn more about Nerve Repair HERE.

 

2. Parasympathetic®

Parasympathetic®: The Clove oil contained in the Parasympathetic® blend has been used throughout history to relieve pain. For example, dentists long used clove oil  to help treat and relieve pain.  Clove oil makes an ideal natural pain-killer due to its anti-inflammation, antispasmodic and analgesic properties. It is thought to work by blocking nerve signals from sending the message of pain from the body to the brain, thus giving the user a break from pain. Parasympathetic® oil can be used to reduce the body’s inflammatory response (Read More HERE).  Similarly, the warming characteristic of clove oil is thought to provide numbing relief from pain and the antioxidants found in this oil assist in the protection of body cells.  Further, a rat study conducted by the Journal of Planta Medica discovered that a chemical compound present in clove essential oil was successful at recovering nerve functions of rats with diabetic neuropathy.

 

3. Circulation™

Circulation™:   Formulated to support healthy circulation to deliver oxygen and nutrient rich blood to the body and the brain, while simultaneously carrying toxins and waste to the kidney and liver to be eliminated. Apply 2- 3 drops of Circulation™ on the sides or back of the neck, over the left clavicle, on the wrists or ankles to support circulation in the distal extremities, like the fingers and toes.  This blend is especially helpful for diabetic- related neuropathy as it helps open the blood vessel walls to supply greater oxygen and nutrients to the nerves located in the extremeties.

 

4. Anti Inflammatory™

Anti Inflammatory™: Designed to reduce inflammation and encourage regeneration of damaged or stressed connective tissues that have been chronically inflamed or acutely inflamed, Anti Inflammatory™ is especially helpful for calming inflammation in protective tissues around nerves, reducing the inflammatory compression that contributes to nerve inflammation. Anti Inflammatory™ contains Ylang-ylang which has healing properties that repair nerve damage.  It also includes Frankincense which has been shown to improve accurate transmission and communication of messages between the nerves and the brain.  Incorrect messages to the brain’s limbic system can result in nerve pain, so improving the accuracy of signals can eliminate pain.  Apply 2- 3 drops directly over area of pain or on the bottom of the feet.

 

5. Migraine Relief™

Migraine Relief™: Formulated to provide relief from inflammation, spasms, fatigue, fluid retention and associated pain. Migraine Relief contains a powerful blend of ingredients known to support neuroptahty, including Basil, Marjoram, Lavender, Peppermint, Roman Chamomile and Helichrysum.  For example, Helichrysum italicum is renown for its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and pain relieving properties and ability to accelerate healing, by strengthening the nervous system, relieving nerve pain and regenerating and healing damaged nerves. Helichrysum™ has been used historically as a treatment for muscle spasms, decreasing nerve pain, helping repair connective tissue and reducing swelling and inflammation both inside and outside the body. As it helps rebuild cells, it may be beneficial in nerve regeneration following injury or in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy, shingles, nerve pain related to burns and even hearing damage caused by nerves.

Similarly, Peppermint™ possesses analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties that relieve aches, pain and inflammation as well as calm the spasms that cause muscle cramps, making it an ideal natural treatment for nerve pain.  In fact, a 2002  study attributed Peppermint™ oil’s dramatic analgesic influence to the relief of neuropathic pain in a 76-year old woman. The menthol contained in Peppermint™ oil naturally warms the skin and muscles to improve circulation in the area of numbness or discomfort.  This improved blood circulation stimulates the nerves and helps to heal damaged and injured nerves.

Sweet Marjoram acts as a natural pain reliever, an arterial vasodilator (helping to dilate blood vessels) and a tonic and stimulant for the entire nervous system.  Research has shown that Marjoram helps to strengthen the nervous system and speed up the healing process of the injured nerves by strengthening the damaged area. Marjoram also supports the treatment of swelling and inflammation, contributing to its effectiveness in treating nerve pain.  Lavender™ is renown for its calming benefits which help relieve nervous tension and nerve pain.  It possesses analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant and antispasmodic properties, making it a great choice for nerve pain.  Finally, Roman Chamomile has been used for thousands of years to treat neuralgia and pain

Apply 1- 2 drops of Migraine Relief™ on the area of pain or across the forehead, on temples, and to the back of the neck to eases nerve pain and improve circulation.

 

Resources:

Ready to get started? Click the links below to order today:

• Nerve Repair™ available here
• Parasympathetic® available here
• Circulation™ available here
• Anti Inflammatory™ available here
• Migraine Relief™ available here
• Helichrysum™ available here
• Peppermint™ available here
• Lavender™ available here