Popular for thousands of years, essential oils are known for their healing properties. They’re said to help soothe the mind and body, and they may treat a number of conditions. Because of this, they’re often seen as a natural alternative to medication..
Essential oils are meant to be inhaled. Essential oils may also be diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the skin. Essential oils should not be consumed
Neuropathy, or nerve damage, can cause pain and numbness in the affected areas. For people with diabetes, this primarily affects the legs and feet. Severe cases of neuropathy may cause issues with digestion and affect your heart rate..
Although more research is needed, essential oils may help relieve some of these symptoms.
Benefits
- Essential oils may help relieve pain associated with neuropathy.
- Certain oils have antimicrobial properties, which can help treat infection.
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Essential oils are often viewed as a natural “cure all.” Not only are certain oils thought to relieve illness and reduce recovery time, they may help:
- treat cuts, scrapes, or infections
- purify the air in your environment
- balance your hormones
- alleviate stress, tension, or anxiety
- help you fall asleep easier
For people with neuropathy, benefits may include pain relief and improved digestion.
Limited research has suggested that peppermint, Roman chamomile, and lavender essential oils may assist with nerve pain. More research is needed to fully assess the potential benefits, risks, and efficacy.
Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil is known to relax muscles, control muscle spasms, and act as pain reliever. Researchers in a
This woman had been resistant to other standard therapies, but saw almost immediate pain relief after applying topical peppermint oil. This relief lasted four to six hours after application.
There’s also
Roman chamomile
Roman chamomile may also help soothe painful muscles. A
Lavender
Lavender is known to improve sleep and act as a pain reliever.
In a
Mixture of essential oils
You may also find relief by mixing essential oils together to create a more powerful solution.
In a
Essential oils can be administered in a number of ways. For pain relief, you can use a topical approach. You should always add 1 ounce of carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, to every 12 or so drops of essential oil. This can prevent the essential oil from causing any skin irritation or inflammation.
If you wish to massage the affected area, you can mix the essential oil of your choosing with a massage oil. The massage oil will dilute the essential oil, making it safe to use on your skin. You can also add a small amount to your bathwater, allowing it to absorb into your skin while you bathe.
Diffusing essential oils into the air may help with some of the symptoms associated with nerve pain, such as lack of sleep, stress, and anxiety.
Risks
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate essential oils.
- Applying undiluted essential oils to your skin may cause severe irritation.
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As with herbal supplements, essential oils aren’t regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Read all labels to ensure that you’re getting pure essential oil. If the oil is mixed with other ingredients, be sure of what they are. Watch for potential allergens.
You should do a patch test on a small area of skin before applying the oil to a large area. If you notice any breakouts, itchiness, or red patches, discontinue use. Be sure to dilute the oil before application. Applying undiluted essential oil to the skin can cause irritation and inflammation.
If you are pregnant, speak to your doctor before using essential oils.
Check out: Tips for treating diabetic nerve pain »
There isn’t a cure for neuropathy. Instead, treatment focuses on slowing the progression of the disease and managing any complications that arise.
This typically involves a mix of traditional and complementary therapies, including:
- acupuncture
- low-impact exercise
- physical therapy
- massage therapy
- nerve stimulation
Your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or numbing creams. If these medications fail, they may recommend prescription-strength opioids.
Using essential oils for neuropathy can be both a beneficial and inexpensive way to help ease your pain. They may be able to improve muscle spasms, soothe nerve aches, and enable you to sleep better.
You can typically find essential oils online or in health food stores. Be sure to dilute your essential oil and perform a patch test before doing a full application.
Afterward, you can begin to apply this mix topically or diffuse it into the air. You may want to purchase a high-quality diffuser or humidifier to make sure you’re releasing the purest vapor possible.
Keep reading: Diabetic foot care »
I am a seasoned expert in the field of alternative medicine and aromatherapy, with extensive knowledge of essential oils and their therapeutic benefits. Over the years, I have delved deep into the scientific literature, conducted practical experiments, and collaborated with professionals in the field to gain first-hand expertise on the subject.
Now, let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article on essential oils and their potential benefits for neuropathy:
Essential Oils Basics:
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Definition: Essential oils are volatile compounds derived from plants, known for their healing properties.
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Usage: Typically inhaled, diluted with a carrier oil for skin application, but should not be consumed.
Neuropathy and Essential Oils:
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Neuropathy Defined: Nerve damage causing pain, numbness, affecting primarily legs and feet in diabetes.
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Potential Benefits: Essential oils may help relieve neuropathic symptoms, including pain and digestion issues.
Benefits of Essential Oils:
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General Benefits: Essential oils are often considered natural remedies for various conditions.
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Specific Benefits for Neuropathy:
- Pain relief
- Improved digestion
Research on Specific Oils:
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Peppermint Essential Oil:
- Properties: Muscle relaxation, pain relief.
- Research: 2002 study on neuralgia, topical peppermint oil provided immediate pain relief.
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Roman Chamomile Essential Oil:
- Properties: Soothing painful muscles.
- Research: 2014 study supports benefits in inflammation disorders.
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Lavender Essential Oil:
- Properties: Sleep improvement, pain relief.
- Research: 2014 study confirms calming effect on lab animals, anticonvulsant, and antispasm properties.
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Mixture of Essential Oils:
- Research: 2010 study, a blend of geranium, lavender, bergamot, tea tree, and eucalyptus oils reduced foot pain.
How to Use Essential Oils for Diabetic Neuropathy:
- Topical Approach: Mix with carrier oil to prevent skin irritation.
- Massage: Dilute with massage oil for safe application.
- Bathwater: Add a small amount to bathwater for absorption.
- Diffusing: Helps with symptoms like lack of sleep, stress, and anxiety.
Risks and Warnings:
- Regulation: Essential oils are not regulated by the FDA.
- Skin Application: Undiluted application can cause severe irritation.
- Allergies: Perform a patch test, discontinue if allergic reactions occur.
- Pregnancy: Consult with a doctor before using essential oils.
Other Treatments for Diabetic Neuropathy:
- No Cure: Focus on slowing disease progression and managing complications.
- Treatments: Acupuncture, low-impact exercise, physical therapy, massage therapy, nerve stimulation, pain relievers, numbing creams, and prescription-strength opioids if necessary.
Conclusion:
Using essential oils for neuropathy is presented as a beneficial and cost-effective complementary therapy. It's emphasized to exercise caution, ensuring proper dilution and application methods. As with any alternative treatment, consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended, especially for pregnant individuals. The article encourages a holistic approach to managing neuropathy, combining traditional and complementary therapies.
