Recommended Essential Oils for Peripheral Neuropathy

 

Peripheral neuropathy is, simply put, damage caused to the nerve ends of feet, hands and legs. It is often associated with diabetes but it may be caused by physical trauma, diet, alcoholism, cancer or vitamin deficiency.

 

Symptoms vary from numbness to tingling to burning or sharp unrelenting pain. The following essential oils may help with symptomatic relief for neuropathy sufferers and, in some cases, even the re-generation of nerve tissue.

 

Frankincense

A natural painkiller as it inhibits the production of key inflammatory molecules. Frankincense oil promotes healthy cell regeneration and keeps existing cells and tissues healthy. 

Juniper berry

It helps with aches and pains as it is antispasmodic, anti-rheumatic and anti-arthritic. Also helps to rebuild muscle tone.

Helichrysum 

Strong natural inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic, nervine. It is often used for tissue pain and repair.

Lavender

Sedative, analgesic, anti-depressant, adaptogenic (increases body’s ability to resist stress and to restore normal physiological functioning.) and anti-inflammatory.

Cypress

Antispasmodic, vasoconstrictor, sedative, anti-rheumatic and anti-arthritic.

Marjoram 

Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic. It can reduce anxiety and help people to cope better. It is also useful for muscular aches and pains. Given the pain, stress and depression associated with fibromyalgia and neuropathy, this is a very useful essential oil to add to any massage blend or rub.

Basil Leaf

Analgesic, and provides natural pain relief.

Patchouli

Antidepressant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties (among others!).

Peppermint

Use for headaches, muscular and nerve pain, joint pain and mouth inflammation. It a refrigerant - apply peppermint oil to take the heat out and reduce inflammation.

Geranium

Cytophylactic (promotes cell health, encourages the recycling of dead cells, and the regeneration of new cells), relieves stress and depression and reduces irritation and inflammation.

Wintergreen

Its cortisone-like properties make it a natural analgesic. It is also anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, and warming (which soothes and helps blood flow). However, you should never use Wintergreen if you may be allergic to aspirin.

 

Massage Oil Blends for Neuropathy

Pain Blend 

10 drops Juniperberry

10 drops Geranium

10 drops Helichrysum

6 drops Orange

6 Drops Lavender

5 drops Frankincense (especially if related to cancer)

 

Nerve Repair Blend

10 drops Basil

10 drops Helichrysum

10 drops Juniperberry

6 drops Marjoram

6 drops Peppermint

6 drops Lavender

 

Mix with carrier oil such as sweet almond or coconut on a 1 drop E.O to 10 drops carrier oil basis. It is generally best to start with a lower dilution rate and increase if needed.

Warnings: 

  •          Possible skin sensitivity – spot test first
  •          Always keep essential oils out of reach of children
  •          Best avoided during pregnancy
  •          If nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your doctor first
  •          Avoid contact with eyes
  •          Avoid sunlight for up to 12 hours after applying Pain Blend

 

Jan Askew


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