Top 9 Essential Oils For Neuropathy to Relieve Your Nerve Pain Fast!
Are you looking for a natural way to relieve the pain and discomfort of neuropathy?
Finding a solution to neuropathy, the pain and discomfort that comes when nerves in the hands and feet become damaged or diseased, can often seem like an impossible task. Traditional medicine can provide relief, but many people are grateful for natural remedies such as essential oils. Fortunately, these plant-based treatments have come of age and now offer powerful relief from even severe symptoms related to neuropathy. As more research emerges about their effectiveness, it is important to consider which essential oils work best for this particular condition. In this article, we will review the best essential oils for treating neuropathy while offering insight into what makes each oil stand out so you can choose wisely and achieve much needed relief!
Use of Essential Oils To Treat Neuropathy
Research surrounding the effects of essential oils on neuropathy is still relatively limited. Nevertheless, the studies that do exist suggest that certain essential oils may be effective for treating symptoms associated with nerve pain. One specific example of this is neuralgia, which causes intense discomfort or even pain as a result of nerve damage. It is important to note that essential oils aren't a cure-all for neuropathy, but they could potentially lessen some of its symptoms. Certain essential oils have specific properties known to help treat nerve pain, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain relief), and antispasmodic (decrease muscle spasms) properties, and some also provide immune system support to help address the underlying causes of neuropathy.
With so many essential oils for neuropathy to choose from, it can be difficult to know which to try. We reviewed hundreds of reviews on Amazon and identified the top 9 most effective oils for achieving symptom relief. Continue reading below to find the oil that most resonates with you, and consider trying the DIY recipe at the end for a faster recovery!
We hope you find your favorite essential oil for relieving your neuropathy from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our team. BiohackingBeat may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we fund our research). Happy shopping!
Gya Labs Holy Basil (Tulsi) Essential Oil
Holy basil, often referred to as tulsi or Tulasi, has recently been studied for its ability to provide benefits to those suffering from nerve pain. In 2015, a study involving animal subjects demonstrated that holy basil extract was effective in reducing neuropathy pain on the damaged nerve [1]. This is likely due to its anti-inflammatory activities, which have been found to be comparable to lavender oil in terms of pain reduction. People living with fibromyalgia, a medical condition related to chronic pain caused by faulty signaling systems within nerves, report that holy basil may be able to alleviate their pain symptoms. While there is some initial evidence of holy basil's effectiveness for neurologically based conditions such as neuropathy, it is recommended that one should consult with a medical professional prior to incorporating it into an existing treatment regimen.
Cliganic USDA Organic Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus oil has long been popular in aromatherapy and is often used to treat various ailments. Among its many applications, eucalyptus oil can be used to relieve nerve pain. A 2020 research study found that a essential oil blend containing eucalyptus reduced foot pain in patients with neuropathy, with most participants reporting a satisfactory level of comfort from the effects of this treatment. Likely due its anti-inflammatory properties, eucalyptus is an excellent remedy for relieving people of the painful symptoms associated with neuropathy.
Plant Therapy Organic Lavender Essential Oil
Neuropathy can be a complicated condition to manage, as its symptoms--such as nerve pain and other associated issues--can interfere with daily activities. Sleep disturbances are common occurrences among neuropathy patients. Fortunately, a 2016 study demonstrated that lavender oil aromatherapy may offer relief for those suffering from peripheral neuropathy [2]. Those who were treated with lavender reported a significant reduction in their nerve pain levels, along with anti-anxiety benefits. In addition to promoting relaxation, lavender is also an essential oil that has anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve the physical pain associated with neuropathy. Thus, trying a lavender oil massage or adding some drops of the oil to your bath may be effective ways to reduce neuropathic discomfort and enable sounder sleep.
Gya Labs Pure Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is widely known for its refreshing scent and its numerous health benefits, one of which is its potential to treat peripheral neuropathy. According to a recent study that was conducted, topical treatment using peppermint oil showed a significant reduction in pain for the patient experiencing neuropathy for 4-6 hours. With this effect, it’s important to note that further research needs to be done in order to determine whether or not peppermint oil can truly be an alternative therapy option for those with this nerve disorder. Nevertheless, it has been established as an effective way of relieving the symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy such as nerve pain. As with any strong-smelling essential oil, caution should be employed when applying topically - even more so on skin that is sensitive or injured.
Cliganic Organic Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil can be used as part of a holistic treatment plan for neuropathy. Its anti-inflammatory properties and soothing qualities help to reduce discomfort and promote overall well being. The essential oil can be used topically, either undiluted or as an ingredient in homemade salves and balms. It can also be used in aromatherapy and applied as a conditioner rinse, extracted into an inhalation bath, diffused, or even added to the home cleaning products. When it comes to neuralgia treatment, tapping into all the potential uses of tea tree oil is a great way to target discomfort at its source.
Gya Labs Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile oil has long been held in high regard for its pain-relieving and calming effects, making it a beneficial source of relief for individuals dealing with inflammation or seizures. A compound within the oil, known as Borneol, is believed to be responsible for many of its positive effects. In a study conducted by the European Journal of Pharmacology in 2015, mice were used to assess the efficacy of Borneol in regards to reducing chronic inflammation and various forms of neuropathic pain [3]. Impressive results showed success on both fronts, though further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness on human nerves.
Gya Labs Pure Ginger Oil
Ginger oil is indeed a powerhouse when it comes to alleviating chronic pain. This is mainly attributed to the presence of gingerol, a compound rich in anti-inflammatory properties, found in ginger root. Those suffering from neuropathic pain due to inflammation can enjoy the various therapeutic properties that ginger essential oil offers. From reducing joint aches to providing relief from muscle soreness, research suggests that this zesty oil should be included in natural pain treatment strategies.
Cliganic USDA Organic Spearmint Essential Oil
Spearmint has become more than just a flavor that provides you a refreshing taste when chewing gum; it is now known to have a therapeutic effect on mental as well as physical conditions. Research indicates that spearmint contains an active chemical called salicylates, which can help reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the body. Reduction on pro-inflammatory cytokines demonstrates that they can significantly relieve pain.
Gya Labs Sweet Orange Essential Oil
The smell of orange has long been known to brighten anyone's mood, but it may also have pain-relieving properties as well. A number of studies conducted on the use of orange essential oil have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing or even alleviating pain [4]. Whether inhaled or applied topically, participants in these tests reported positive effects when compared to control groups. Further studies are still being done to explore exactly how orange essential oil works and if there are other applications that could benefit from its analgesic qualities.
Essential Oils for Neuropathy FAQs
What is neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that results when nerves in the body are damaged. This damage can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and other problems. Neuropathy can affect any part of the body, but it most commonly affects the hands and feet.
What causes neuropathy flare-ups in feet?
Neuropathy flare-ups in feet can be caused by a number of different factors, such as:
- Lack of blood flow to the feet, which can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD) or blocked arteries
- Diabetes-related nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy)
- Infections, such as Lyme disease
- Autoimmune conditions, such as lupus erythematosus or Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Trauma to the feet
- Excessive alcohol use
- Chemotherapy drugs
How do you use essential oils for neuropathy?
Essential oils have a multitude of applications for providing relief, with specific advantages when it comes to treating neuropathy symptoms.
- Inhalation by diffusing essential oils is one such method that offers rapid relief. This can be achieved through aromatherapy or using nasal inhalers.
- Topical application in the form of a massage oil or lotion can be tailored to more specifically target areas that may be experiencing more intense pain. However, these topical treatments should always be used with caution as the potency of essential oils can cause skin irritation if not correctly applied.
- A few drops of essential oil can be added to a bathtub full of warm water and used as a soak.
The best way to find out which essential oils for neuropathic pain work best is to experiment a little and see what works best for you. You may find that one oil works better than another or that you need to use a combination of oils to get the desired results. Just be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any new treatment regimen, especially if you are taking medication for your neuropathy.
How can you ease the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?
In addition to using essential oils, there are a few things that can help ease the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Some simple tips are to avoid tight fitting clothing or shoes, keep your feet clean and dry, and wear socks at night to keep your feet warm. You can also use ice packs or heating pads to relieve any pain or discomfort you may be feeling.
In addition, there are a few supplements that have been shown to be helpful in relieving the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. These include omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, vitamin B12, and alpha lipoic acid. Talk to your doctor about which supplements may be right for you.
DIY Recipe for Alleviating Neuropathy Symptoms
Ingredients
- 9 drops Juniper berry
- 4 drops Peppermint
- 14 drops Geranium
- 9 drops Helichrysum
Directions
Mix the essential oils with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil and apply to the affected area up to 3 times daily.
Final Thoughts
We hope our review has armed you with the information you need to select your favorite essential oil(s) to relieve your neuropathy symptoms! Tap the link of each product to check the price and find the best essential oil for you. We hope you feel better, and thanks for reading!
Citations
[1] Kaur, Gurpreet, et al. "Ameliorative potential of Ocimum sanctum in chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain in rats." Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências 87 (2015): 417-429.
[2] Karaman, Tugba, et al. "Evaluating the efficacy of lavender aromatherapy on peripheral venous cannulation pain and anxiety: a prospective, randomized study." Complementary therapies in clinical practice 23 (2016): 64-68.
[3] Jiang, Jun, et al. "(+)-Borneol alleviates mechanical hyperalgesia in models of chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain in mice." European Journal of Pharmacology 757 (2015): 53-58.
[4] Yip YB, Tam AC. An experimental study on the effectiveness of massage with aromatic ginger and orange essential oil for moderate-to-severe knee pain among the elderly in Hong Kong. Complement Ther Med. 2008 Jun;16(3):131-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2007.12.003. Epub 2008 Mar 4. PMID: 18534325.
