Are Essential Oils An Option For Neuropathy Symptoms?

Today's post from webessentialoils.com (see link below) is one I would normally advise 'approach with caution'. This is partly because there is an element of advertising involved but also because it is an alternative therapy for neuropathic symptoms which may well be useful for some but probably not for everyone. It depends on what you believe about essential oils and their powers. Whether this article convinces you that they may be worth trying in your case, I leave up to the reader but having an open mind is always a good start. Remember, whatever the qualities of essential oils, they will never cure your problem (but that's also true of the best medications science can come up with!) but they may be able to relieve some of the symptoms. Remember also, essential oils of any quality, are not cheap and if you're going to use them for massage purposes, you may need more than you think. Nevertheless, if all else has failed, they are at least a safe alternative.

Essential Oils For Neuropathy
 Marcy Coning 2016

Damage to peripheral nerves in the body, other than those nerves which are in the spine or the brain, is referred to as neuropathy. Typically beginning as a feeling of pins-and-needles in the extremities, such as feet and hands, this tingling slowly develops over time and may often spread throughout the body.

Neuropathy may be the effect of various diseases or conditions, the most common of which are diabetes, deficiency of Vitamin B12, alcoholism, tumors, exposure to chemicals and other harmful substances, or a side effect of overuse of pain killers. This can also include struggles such as exposure to chemotherapy provided to cancer patients.

Symptoms Associated with Neuropathy
 
Tingling in the hands or feet
Strong reactiveness to touch
Heated pain
Sharp pins-and-needles pricking pain
Changes in hair and skin color
Digestive problems
Weak muscles and lack of coordination
Lightheadedness and Sleeplessness
Sexual dysfunction (In Men)

Although the best way to reduce the numbness and tingling experience with neuropathy is by removing the problem condition (for instance, upping your Vitamin B12 intake if you have a deficiency), sometimes this takes time. Other times, the source of the problem cannot be controlled, in situations such as diabetes or chemotherapy for cancer, so the use of essential oils can be helpful in minimizing the difficulty.

Common Causes of Neuropathy
Diabetes
B12 vitamin deficiency
Alcoholism
Physical injuries
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation and drugs
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Lyme Disease
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Shingles

Of course, in any case, it is vital to be in the care of a doctor who can properly diagnose and treat your underlying condition even when the side effects are still present. In cases when numbness and tingling in the extremities are best treated through natural means, using essential oils for neuropathy is one of the most effective ways to deal with the problem.

Essential Oil Recipes for Neuropathy

Using a variety of essential oils can help to address the various struggles that come along with neuropathy. This includes not only tingling and numbness but also pain, discomfort, sensitivity to touch, and susceptibility to cold or heat. Whether used in massage oils, baths, heat compresses, or aromatherapy, essential oils can be exceptional in combatting neuropathy and other health issues. Try the recipes below or consider making your own blend out of the essential oils that you discover work best for you.

Massage Oil for Neuropathy

3 drops Cypress

3 drops Lavender

3 drops Marjoram

6 drops Wild Orange

4 drops Helichrysum

(Add 4 drops Frankincense for cancer patients)

Add to 2 Tablespoons of Fractionated Coconut Oil and store in a dark glass bottle. Massage into areas affected by neuropathy as well as using on the bottoms of the feet for maximum absorption into the body.

Bath Recipe for Neuropathy

5 drops Tansy (or Blue Tansy) Essential Oil

5 drops Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Add essential oils to hot water bath. Add 1 cup of Epsom salt if desired.
Best Essential Oils for Neuropathy

The individual essential oils in the recipes above work well when combined or used individually for various other purposes, in addition to the specific health purposes related to neuropathy. Adding these oils to your inventory will allow you to have a well-rounded collection for many of your natural health needs as well as practical uses of household cleaning, stress-relieving aromatherapy, and part of your regular beauty regimen.

Cypress Essential Oil


Cypress Essential Oil promotes circulation, allowing the blood flow in the body to access the extremities and reduce the effects of tingling and numbness. With a spicy scent extracted from the needles and twigs of the cypress tree, this essential oil is also useful for healthy respiration, optimal liver function, and curbing excessive bleeding.

Helichrysum Essential Oil


Helichrysum Essential Oil has properties that help with nerves as well as providing help with pain relief. This is one that is on the pricier end of some that you may keep in your essential oil collection, but it only needs to be used sparingly and it is extremely powerful. 100% Certified Pure Therapeutic Essential Oil.

Marjoram Essential Oil


Marjoram Essential Oil is a woodsy, spicy oil that offers calming and warming effects. Marjoram soothes the tense muscles and is beneficial for nervous tension. Can also be helpful as an antispasmodic in the limbs, helping to relieve cramps and other muscles aches.

Tansy Essential Oil


Tansy Essential Oil offers properties that are analgesic and anti-itching. This common European herb is extracted from all of the parts of the plant by using steam distillation. In its original form, Tansy can be poisonous so it is vital that it should be ingested with great care. However, it is also an excellent antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antihistamine. Tansy essential oil can be a bit expensive but it is extremely helpful in relaxing the muscles and helping with pain associated with itching and numbness, making it worth the cost.

Wild Orange Essential Oil


Wild Orange Essential Oil by doTERRA is cold pressed from the orange peel and offers an aroma that is energizing in addition to providing health benefits such as antioxidants. The stimulating quality of wild orange aids in circulation which helps minimize numbness and tingling after prolonged use. Other, less expensive, Sweet Orange essential oils are also available but should not be substituted in such cases. Although they are perfectly effective for uses such as cleaning or aromatherapy, you’ll want to use the more effective Wild Orange in order to help with the neuropathy symptoms.

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil


Ylang Ylang Essential Oil acts as a sedative to relax the mind and body, as well as functioning to promote healthy nerves and nervous system. This version by Plant Guru is 100% Pure and Undiluted, Therapeutic Grade. Ylang Ylang has a sweet, aromatic scent which offers relaxation in an exotic blend or used alone.
Video Testimonial

Video courtesy of Jon George – Click Here to view directly on YouTube

Peppermint Essential Oil

The woman in the video claims that using JUST peppermint essential oil was enough to alleviate the pain and discomfort in her husbands feet that resulted from neuropathy.
Infographic

 
This infographic was created for and originally published at www.healthyfocus.org

Conclusion

In the midst of struggling with severe health issues such as diabetes or even cancer, no one wants to have the additional frustration of the side effects of neuropathy. Essential oils can be one of the best natural tools to fight against the numbness and tingling caused by neuropathy.

Although they may not be able to permanently take away the cause of neuropathy, essential oils for neuropathy can certainly provide a great deal of relief from unnecessary discomfort. Through massage oil recipes, baths, and even aromatherapy, essential oils can be used to help reduce the troubles of neuropathy as well as a variety of other health issues, lifting the mood, and providing a better quality of life.

This article was originally published here...  
http://webessentialoils.com/essential-oils-for-neuropathy/