Nerve pain or neuropathic pain may arise from health conditions and diseases like cancer, diabetes, injury, sciatica, multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you suffer from nerve pain immediately consult with a chiropractor. Once your physician diagnoses the situation and prescribes drugs and exercises, you can also seek his suggestion for the use of essential oil for nerve pain.
Therapeutic properties in each of the essential oil give relief from the issues pertaining to/ with neuropathy. Essential oils effectively treat issues that are connected to neuropathy like numbness, weakness, pain, stiffness, anxiety, stress, infectious diseases, and depression; promote blood circulation, detoxify the system, and boosts the functions of the nervous system. Four best essential oils for nerve pain are:
Wintergreen Essential Oil (Gaultheria procumbens)
The main organic component present in wintergreen is called methyl salicylate (up to 85-98%). When methyl salicylate is absorbed by the system it metabolizes into salicylic acid. This particular compound smells like mint and works as a pain relieving agent quite similar to aspirin and ibuprofen. Other chemical constituents are gaultherilene, α-pinene, d-limonene, myrcene and linalool which compliment methyl salicylate and give excellent results in neuropathy. This is why the herb is well known to many as a non-steroidal alternative to the painkillers.
Wintergreen essential oil is a natural analgesic and powerful antiseptic. It has been in use to alleviate chronic nerve pain, muscle soreness, joint pain, inflammation and swelling caused by sciatica (sciatic neuritis), arthritis, rheumatic arthritis, backache and chronic diseases. According to the scholars from the Harvard Medical School, methyl salicylate makes the blood platelets less sticky, therefore, gently alleviates pain. Wintergreen essential oil blends well with mint, camphor, and sweet birch essential oil.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil (Eucalyptus globulus)
Osteoarthritis patients often undergo total knee replacement surgery, after which they suffer from severe inflammation and unbearable pain. Moreover, it affects the nerves. In a study conducted by Yang Suk Jun and colleagues, it has been proved that 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) present in eucalyptus oil acts just like morphine that helps to relieve pain. Much like wintergreen oil, eucalyptus oil also creates a cooling effect immediately after its application and is analgesic and nervine in nature.
Another important volatile organic compound in eucalyptus is α-pinene which is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. For the use, you may add peppermint or moringa essential oil for better results if you want to rub it directly on your skin. Both peppermint and moringa are also anti-inflammatory, hence, easily soothe the nerves and calms tensed muscles. Otherwise, you can inhale it which will have similar benefits.
Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
Geranium oil extracted from the leaves and stem by hydrodistillation is highly recommended for neuropathy. Many herbalists and aromatherapists prefer using geranium for its quick action over pain relief from shingles. The major constituents are geraniol, citronellol, and linalool. This high-value essential oil increases blood flow to the vessels and eases nerve pain.
Together with lavender, bergamot, grapefruit, basil and clary sage essential oils, geranium gives quick results if you are suffering from neuralgia. Either massage diluted with carrier oils on your skin or use 5-7 drops in warm bathing water for relief. Moreover, geranium helps patients with neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease reducing inflammation of the brain cells.
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil (Anthemis nobilis)
The benefits of Roman chamomile to heal frayed nerves are backed by clinical trials. Ayurvedic literature and research data support the use of chamomile in nervous treatment, inflammation, and pain. Roman chamomile uplifts the mood and fight anxiety; additionally, it compliments other pain relieving essential oils from geranium, lavender, frankincense and bergamot oil. The blend heals nerve pain in no time.
The components in Roman chamomile are α-pinene, ß-pinene, α-bisabolol, flavonoids, 1,8-cineole, myrcene and many others. And we already know that all these phytochemicals are the best organic compounds to heal pain. Chamomile is safe for children and there is no toxicity reported. For application always buy therapeutic grade oil and use diluted.
Essential oils relieve nerve pain and speed up healing. However, in certain cases, you should avoid use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients and/or you have prior medical conditions. For example, if you are pregnant or using blood thinner, wintergreen essential oil should be avoided. Similarly, there are other problems which may aggravate after using certain essential oils. That’s why it is always recommended to seek your doctor’s approval. Once you know what you must avoid, you are all good to try alternative oils.