Neuropathy No More by Jodi Knapp

Neuropathy No More neuropathy No More By JODI KNAPP neuropathy is one of the most painful diseases which can make people suffer a lot. Even though medical science has progressed a lot, it could not really found a solution for this condition. This is because the condition is deep routed. You have to make sure that you are changing some of the lifestyle patterns to get relief from the symptoms. The Neuropathy No More is exactly what you need for that. This program is quite helpful and can provide you with all the important information that you will need to ensure better life without the symptoms. 

How does aromatherapy help in managing neuropathy symptoms?

Aromatherapy can be an effective additive therapy for the management of symptoms of neuropathy, especially pain, discomfort, and stress related to nerve injury. Aromatherapy is a method through which essential oils extracted from plants are typically diffused, inhaled, or applied topically to provide physical and emotional health. This is how aromatherapy can help patients with neuropathy:

1. Pain Relief
Most of the essential oils have analgesic effects that alleviate pain due to neuropathy. Some of the most popularly used essential oils for pain are:

Lavender oil: Lavender oil is well known for its sedative and analgesic effects. It reduces acute and chronic pain. It is applied to relax the nervous system and eliminate nerve pain.

Peppermint oil: Contains menthol, which is a numbing agent that is used to numb pain and improve circulation. It is often used to relieve headaches, muscle pains, and nerve pain.

Ginger oil: Has anti-inflammatory and heat-giving properties that can relieve pain from neuropathy, especially in the legs and feet.

Eucalyptus oil: Is well known for having analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects and can relieve swelling and discomfort caused by nerve pain.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Effect
Inflammation is also a prevalent feature of neuropathy and may be an exacerbator of nerve pain. There are certain essential oils with anti-inflammatory action, which come in handy for reducing inflammation and easing pain from neuropathy:

Frankincense oil: Possesses the oils that combat inflammation and promote enhanced circulation, which can ease nerve pain.

Turmeric oil: Contains potent anti-inflammatory agents and can reduce swelling and stimulate healing in neuropathic areas.

3. Improved Circulation
Aromatherapy has the potential to aid in blood circulation, which is necessary for reducing symptoms of neuropathy. There are some essential oils that can help with improved circulation, swelling reduction, and oxygenation to the nerves:

Rosemary oil: Improves circulation and can be used to reduce pain and stiffness caused by poor circulation in the extremities.

Cypress oil: With its circulation-boosting properties, it is capable of alleviating swelling and promoting better circulation to the affected areas, like the legs and feet.

4. Stress and Anxiety Relief
Chronic pain and discomfort caused by pain, and neuropathy, can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression. Aromatherapy can help reduce stress and improve mood, which will make coping with the emotional burden of having neuropathy easier:

Lavender oil: Not only does it work for pain relief but also well proven to calm and relax the mind, thus reducing stress and anxiety.

Bergamot oil: Well known to induce lifting of mood and reduce the feeling of anxiety, it aids emotional well-being and reduces the psychological burden of living with chronic pain.

Chamomile oil: Offers calming and soothing effects, reducing nervous tension and promoting relaxation.

5. Better Sleep
Neuropathy pain can interfere with sleep, leading to insomnia and fatigue. Certain essential oils may induce restful sleep by calming the body and mind:

Lavender oil: It allows for inducing a peaceful mind that reduces anxiety and pain-related sleep disturbance.

Sandalwood oil: It is a sedative and may allow for inducing peaceful sleep by relaxing the mind and reducing stress.

6. Numbness and Tingling Relief
Neuropathy often creates a sensation of numbness or tingling (pins and needles) in the extremities. Some essential oils create a warmth or coldness that can bring temporary relief from these symptoms:

Peppermint oil: Peppermint’s menthol releases a cooling effect that can bring relief from tingling and numbness.

Black pepper oil: Creates a heat that can warm circulation and reduce numbness or a “pins and needles” sensation.

7. Muscle Relaxation
Nerve pain that occurs with neuropathy typically results in tension or spasm of the muscles. Aiding relaxation of tight muscles and promoting comfort can be achieved with aromatherapy:

Eucalyptus oil: Because of its muscle-relaxant quality, eucalyptus can be employed to soothe tight muscles and relieve pain.

Marjoram oil: It is applied as a muscle relaxant and utilized to inhibit cramps and stiffness resulting from neuropathy often.

How to Use Aromatherapy for Neuropathy
Topical Use: Blend essential oils with a carrier oil (coconut or olive oil) and massage on the affected area. This should reduce localized pain and inflammation. Always patch test first to eliminate any allergic reaction.

Aromatherapy Diffusers: Diffusing with essential oils through a diffuser can ease relaxation and general well-being, especially if neuropathy causes stress or disrupts sleep.

Bath Soaks: Add a few drops of diluted essential oil (mixed with Epsom salts or a carrier oil) to a warm bath. This is helpful to calm the body, relieve pain, and unwind tight muscles.

Inhalation: Place a few drops of essential oil on tissue or handkerchief and inhale the scent for instant relief from stress and pain control.

Precautions
Consult a health care professional before practicing aromatherapy, especially if you are already being treated for neuropathy or have some other medical conditions.

Always mix essential oils with a carrier oil before applying to the skin in order to avoid irritation.

Be careful with allergies to certain essential oils.

Exercise caution when using essential oils on sensitive parts of the body (like the eyes or mucous membranes).

Conclusion
Aromatherapy is a safe, non-invasive means of controlling neuropathy symptoms. Aromatherapy has the potential to diminish pain, inflammation, anxiety, and sleep disturbances and enhance relaxation and circulation. Adding aromatherapy to a complete neuropathy treatment program may enhance general comfort and well-being. But it should be used as an adjunct to other therapies with the advice of a healthcare professional.
Herbal supplements also have an adjunctive role to play in the management of neuropathy, particularly in managing symptoms and keeping nerves healthy. While the supplements are helpful, they should be used alongside regular medical treatment, and one should consult his/her doctor before embarking on any new herbal therapy. Here is how various herbal supplements may be helpful in the management of neuropathy:

1. Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)
Role: Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that may perhaps reduce oxidative stress, which is usually associated with nerve damage in neuropathy. It has been discovered that it may perhaps also improve the function of the nerves and relieved burning, numbness, and tingling symptoms.

Evidence: The evidence shows ALA can particularly help diabetic neuropathy as it can relieve pain and improve the conduction in nerves.

2. Capsaicin
Role: Capsaicin, derived from chili peppers, is observed to alleviate pain by depleting substance P, a neurotransmitter involved in pain signal transmission. Topical capsaicin creams also will lower neuropathic pain in a local area.

Evidence: Capsaicin is applied in creams or patches for controlling pain in conditions like diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia. It can take weeks on a regular regimen before full relief is achieved.

3. Turmeric (Curcumin)
Role: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Repeated inflammation and oxidative stress may result in nerve damage, so turmeric can reduce inflammation and prevent further nerve damage.

Evidence: While more research is still needed to determine the effectiveness of using curcumin for neuropathy, it seems to be hopeful, particularly for diseases like diabetic neuropathy.

4. Ginger
Role: Ginger has analgesic and anti-inflammatory roles, and through these properties, pain and inflammation can subside. Ginger has also been supposed to exert neuroprotective influences, protecting the nerves from destruction.

Evidence: Some research studies have proved ginger to bring a relief to nerve pain of neuropathy when paired with some medication. Blood circulation may be strengthened by it too, promoting well-being to nerves.

5. B Vitamins (B1, B6, B12)
Role: Vitamins B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin) play important roles in the health of the nerves. They are usually responsible for neuropathy, and supplementing with them can assist with nerve repair as well as relief from pain.

Evidence: There is significant evidence showing B12 is particularly beneficial in the treatment of neuropathy symptoms, especially diabetic neuropathy or vitamin deficiency neuropathy. B1 and B6 are also sometimes utilized to treat neuropathy, though B6 must be used with caution, as too much can lead to nerve damage.

6. Evening Primrose Oil
Role: Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid. It is sometimes used to treat nerve pain-related disorders.

Evidence: Some small studies show evening primrose oil may have a small beneficial effect on easing neuropathy pain, but larger studies are needed to know whether it works or not.

7. Lavender and Chamomile
Role: Lavender and chamomile are also well known for their relaxing and anti-inflammatory effects. They can reduce stress, which usually worsens neuropathy pain, and help to relax.

Evidence: Though there is not enough evidence of their efficacy in treating neuropathy, these plants can be useful in treating anxiety and insomnia, which are prevalent among individuals experiencing chronic neuropathy pain.

8. St. John’s Wort
Role: St. John’s Wort has been studied for its ability to alleviate nerve pain and might be especially useful in the management of diabetic neuropathy, diabetes-related neuropathic pain, etc.

Evidence: Different research indicates St. John’s Wort can relieve pain and mood in individuals with neuropathy, although it might interact with other medications, so it should be taken cautiously.

9. Gotu Kola
Role: Gotu kola is an herb that is used traditionally for its wound-healing and nerve-repairing effects. It is thought to enhance circulation and stimulate nerve growth.

Evidence: There is some evidence that gotu kola might enhance nerve function and alleviate pain in neuropathy, especially when used in conjunction with other treatments.

10. Ashwagandha
Role: Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic plant that assists the body in managing stress and averting inflammation. Stress can worsen neuropathy pain, so managing stress via herbal supplements could be beneficial.

Evidence: Some studies show that ashwagandha reduces chronic pain and overall nerve function, making it beneficial for individuals with neuropathy.

11. Milk Thistle
Role: Milk thistle is protective for the liver. It may be able to support the function of the liver, which is useful for individuals with neuropathy from liver disease (e.g., alcoholic neuropathy or hepatitis-induced neuropathy).

Evidence: While milk thistle is not directly associated with pain relief in neuropathy, it can be useful in having healthy livers in individuals where the liver is involved in neuropathy symptoms.

Important Considerations:
Medication Interactions: The majority of herbal supplements interact with drugs, including medications used to treat neuropathy. St. John’s Wort, for example, may interact with antidepressants or blood thinners. Discuss this with a health provider before adding any new herbal supplements, especially if you’re on medications.

Quality and Dosage: Dosage and quality of herbal supplements may be very different. One has to take good-quality products from trusted sources in order to prevent side effects and get the best out of them.

Effectiveness: Though herbal supplements will provide relief, they are not suitable for all. Effectiveness of herbs varies from person to person, and research on most of the herbs for neuropathy is preliminary.
Herbal supplements are a valuable addition to a neuropathy treatment regimen, offering possible relief from pain and overall nerve health improvement. They are not meant to replace traditional medical treatment, however, and their use should be coordinated with a physician to avoid complications or interaction with other therapy. A combination of herbal supplements, lifestyle modification, and traditional therapies could offer the most effective treatment strategy for neuropathy.