Holistic Medicine for Neuropathy: 8 Remedies Backed by Science

by Kat Austin August 16, 2021 7 min read

Holistic Medicine for Neuropathy: 8 Remedies Backed by Science - VO Inc

Neuropathy is a problem caused by damage within the peripheral nervous system, the system of nerves that lies outside of your brain and spinal cord and spans throughout the rest of your body. The nervous system is incredibly large and complex, which means neuropathic pain can manifest in a number of ways and can be really difficult to treat.

Medications used to treat heart problems, seizures, and even some anti-depressants are frequently used to treat neuropathy, but these medications often come with a lengthy list of potential side effects.

In extreme cases, surgery may be required to treat neuropathic pain. In many cases, however, using holistic medicine for neuropathy can help you find relief without risking the many side effects associated with over-the-counter or prescription medications.

Below, learn about 6 holistic treatments for neuropathy, plus 2 lifestyle changes that may help naturally manage neuropathic pain.

A woman holding her foot while suffering from neuropathic pain

Table of Contents

Supplements
CBD
THC
Botanicals
Capsaicin
Acupuncture
Diet Change
Exercise
Conclusion
Resources

Consider Supplementation

Various studies have found that proper supplementation can make a significant impact on the symptoms of neuropathy. According to the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy, the following vitamins may be most helpful:

  • B vitamins: It’s well known that a B-12 deficiency can not only make neuropathy worse, but can actually cause nerve damage to begin with. Other B vitamins may play a similar role in protecting the nervous system, so supplementing with a B-complex may be a good idea.
  • Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can help fight oxidative stress and inflammation, which may make it helpful for managing some of the pain and tingling associated with neuropathy.
  • Acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC): According to one study, ALC may help reduce discomfort associated with neuropathy caused by chemotherapy.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: In general, fatty acids are known to help reduce inflammation and increase the absorption of other vitamins, which means they play an important role in supporting a healthy nervous system.
  • N-acetylcysteine: In one study N-acetylcysteine helped block certain enzymes thought to lead to pain sensations linked to neuropathy.

Take CBD Daily

One alternative treatment that you may not have heard of yet is cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD. CBD is a hemp-derived cannabinoid that is non-psychoactive, but that interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system to regulate all sorts of things ranging from pain appetite and even mood.

Vida Optima Vitality CBD Gummies

Some research has found CBD to be potentially effective for managing different types of pain and inflammatory conditions, but a few select studies have found that it may be useful for managing neuropathic pain.

One animal study found that CBD may be useful for reducing neuropathic pain when taken orally by targeting certain pain-inducing receptors in the nervous system. The study concluded that CBD may “significantly suppress chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain” without causing any tolerance.

A recent study from 2020 found that CBD oil may be useful for managing neuropathic pain when applied topically. It found that there was a “statistically significant reduction in intense pain, sharp pain, cold and itchy sensations” in patients who used CBD compared to the control group. The researchers also suggested that no adverse effects were reported in any patient.

Because CBD acts as a regulator in the body, it's most effective when taken every day as part of your supplemental wellness routine. Our Vitality CBD Multivitamin Gummies make this super easy, and they also contain essential vitamin B12 and D3, which may pose their own benefits for managing neuropathic inflammation and pain. You may also want to read “How Many CBD Gummies Should I Take?

THC Could Help, Too

You've probably heard of the more common cannabinoid, THC, which is used for a variety of medical applications in states where medical cannabis is legal. Many studies look at the use of cannabis flower or extract in which the main active component is THC and the results are overwhelmingly positive.

Vida Optima Elev8 Hard Candies

One meta-analysis evaluated a variety of current research and random controlled trials and found cannabis to be “as effective as common pharmaceutical drugs for treating neuropathic pain.”

In states where medical cannabis is legal, neuropathic pain is a commonly accepted qualifying condition for THC use. In states where THC is illegal, Delta-8-THC may be a good alternative. It’s federally legal and legal in most states. Read our Ultimate Delta-8-THC Guide to learn more.

Try Botanical Oils

Many sources list the following essential oils or herbal oils as having some sort of anti-inflammatory or pain relieving benefits:

  • Chamomile
  • Eucalyptus
  • Geranium
  • Helichrysum
  • Lavender
  • Peppermint
  • Rosewood
  • Ylang-Ylang
  • Frankincense

Here, we want to focus on the holistic remedies for neuropathy that have some scientific support. Luckily, some of these essential oils have been found to have potential benefits for managing neuropathy and related conditions.

A 2015 study found that borneol, one of the primary compounds in Chamomile and Lavender essential oils, may be able to help relieve pain and inflammation related to neuropathy.

A 2016 study looked at the effectiveness of various aromatherapeutic oils during a procedure that involves inserting a tube into a peripheral vein, which directly impacts the nervous system. The study found that participants that used lavender aromatherapy during the procedure experienced less pain and anxiety than the control group.

A 2002 study found that peppermint oil, when used topically, helped relieve symptoms of neuralgia in a 76-year-old woman who was otherwise resistant to traditional therapies. The relief lasted 4-6 hours after application of the peppermint oil.

An interesting study in 2010 found that a homeopathic formulation consisting of geranium, lavender, bergamot, tea tree, and eucalyptus oils reduced neuropathic foot pain in 56 out of 60 patients in only 30 minutes.

Capsaicin

Capsaicin, the active compound that makes cayenne peppers spicy, may also have some anti-inflammatory and pain relieving benefits that are useful as a holistic medicine for neuropathy.

In fact, one FDA approved medication for treating neuropathy includes a potent capsaicin patch. Capsaicin can be found in many topical creams and salves. It can also be taken internally to potentially improve the severity of pain and inflammation.

Because capsaicin works as a topical to relieve discomfort, it can easily be paired with a systemic option from this list to help relieve pain.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional therapy used in Chinese medicine that's believed to "balance the flow of energy to help promote healing" within the body. By Western medicines standards, acupuncture is thought to stimulate pressure points that may help relieve tension and pain in nerves and muscles.

Acupuncture is frequently used to treat pain and may be a useful holistic remedy for neuropathy. As acupuncture needles are carefully inserted into pressure points, the body releases endorphins that help relieve pain in the spine, muscles, and brain.

A 2007 study found that when used as an alternative treatment for neuropathic pain, acupuncture actually improved symptoms in more patients than those undergoing more traditional therapies.

Acupuncture needs to be performed by a professional, so it’s not quite as accessible as many options on this list. It may, however, provide long term relief that outshines many other therapeutic options.

Altering Your Diet

Diet can significantly impact neuropathic symptoms, and diabetes is a leading cause of neuropathy. Making certain diet changes may help control or lessen the symptoms of neuropathy.

A bowl full of high antioxidant berries, which may help manage neuropathy.

For instance, if you are diabetic, a diet rich in fiber and low in carbohydrates can help prevent blood sugar spikes that can insight neuropathic pain. Even if you don't have diabetes, you may want to consider certain diet changes like:

    • Including more antioxidant rich foods in your diet. Antioxidants help prevent oxidative stress that induces inflammation and can worsen symptoms of neuropathy. Antioxidant rich foods include berries, various nuts, fatty fish, and flax seeds.
    • Eat more fiber in order to stabilize digestion and help you optimize your nutritional intake.
    • Cut sodium, which has a tendency to worsen inflammation.
    • Reduce saturated and trans fats and replace them with plenty of healthy fats, like omega-6 and Omega-3, which both help you absorb nutrients and fight inflammatory signals.
    • If you can, eliminate alcohol from your diet. Alcohol is inflammatory and has a significant impact on your nervous system.

Exercise

It may come without surprise, but exercise generally promotes healthy muscles and nerves. In some cases, a proper exercise routine may help manage blood sugar, which may be helpful for those who struggle with neuropathy due to diabetes.

Regular exercise can improve the overall function of your circulatory system and take pressure off of peripheral vessels, which may generally help reduce neuropathic pain. Vigorous exercise is not necessary, but gentle stretching, a light walk or short jog, or any other sort of regular physical activity may significantly help.

Conclusion

In conclusion, neuropathy, caused by damage to the peripheral nervous system, can be a challenging condition to treat. However, there are a number of holistic approaches that can provide relief from neuropathic pain, including supplementation with vitamins, taking CBD daily, using THC, or trying botanical oils. Each of these treatments has been found to be effective for managing neuropathy, either through scientific studies or anecdotal evidence.

While it's important to speak with your doctor before starting any new treatment, incorporating these holistic approaches into your wellness routine may help you find relief from neuropathic pain without relying on prescription or over-the-counter medications that often come with side effects.

Resources

  1. “SUPPLEMENTS FOR YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM” https://www.foundationforpn.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Supplements-Not-highlighted.pdf
  2. “Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Can Anything Work?” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3825297/
  3. “N-acetyl-cysteine attenuates neuropathic pain by suppressing matrix metalloproteinases” https://journals.lww.com/pain/Abstract/2016/08000/N_acetyl_cysteine_attenuates_neuropathic_pain_by.20.aspx
  4. “Cannabinoids suppress inflammatory and neuropathic pain by targeting α3 glycine receptors” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3371734/
  5. “The Effectiveness of Topical Cannabidiol Oil in Symptomatic Relief of Peripheral Neuropathy of the Lower Extremities” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31793418/
  6. “Medical Cannabis for Neuropathic Pain” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29388063/
  7. “(+)-Borneol alleviates mechanical hyperalgesia in models of chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain in mice” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S001429991500285X?via%3Dihub
  8. “Evaluating the efficacy of lavender aromatherapy on peripheral venous cannulation pain and anxiety: A prospective, randomized study” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388116300159?via%3Dihub
  9. “A novel treatment of postherpetic neuralgia using peppermint oil” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12048423/
  10. “Acupuncture treatment improves nerve conduction in peripheral neuropathy” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17355547/

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Optimize Your Life

Kratom Strains: A Beginner's Guide To The Types of Kratom Strains - VO Inc
Kratom Strains: A Beginner's Guide To The Types of Kratom Strains

by Kat Austin October 12, 2023 8 min read

The three primary strains, green, red, and white, each have distinct characteristics that make for very different therapeutic experiences.
Read More
How to Take Kratom Powder: 5 Methods You Should Try - VO Inc
How to Take Kratom Powder: 5 Methods You Should Try

by Kat Austin October 12, 2023 6 min read

Here are the best methods, ranging from the most convenient doses to the tastiest kratom doses you can take.
Read More
Can You Take CBD and Viagra Together? Interactions + Safety Info You Need to Know - VO Inc
Can You Take CBD and Viagra Together? Interactions + Safety Info You Need to Know

by Kat Austin September 29, 2023 9 min read

The two may have synergistic effects, but be aware of possible side effects.
Read More

Subscribe