Neuralgia is a common nervous system malfunction that results in intolerable and recurrent pain. Such shooting pain occurs due to stress or irritation of the nerves. Some of the prominent causes of neuralgia include herpes viruses, infections, metabolic disorders, poor diet, alcohol consumption, heavy metal poisoning, etc.
Due to the severe side effects of conventional treatment methods of neuralgia, people have resorted to alternative treatments such as herbal remedies. Here are some of the best herbal remedies for neuralgia.
Herbal Remedies For Neuralgia
St. John’s Wort
Of late, this herb has gained prominence as an anti-depressant. But its traditional uses have been as an anti-inflammatory agent that heals bruises, contusions, strains, sprains and cramps. This herb grows beautiful yellow flowers that have flavonoid and hypericin as active compounds. When crushed, these flowers release a burgundy red juice that has been in use since ancient times as a healing agent for bruises and pain.
This red color is due to the presence of bioflavonoids that reduce inflammation as well as vascular fragility. The herb is also useful for treating swelling in veins by improving venous-wall integrity. It is helpful not only for internal pain and injuries but also for external injuries. The infused oil derived from St. John’s Wort has strong anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antiviral properties and hence is a useful remedy for neuralgia. The oil tincture from the herb can be prepared right at home. Just crush a few flowers and put them in a jar, add olive oil to it and put the jar under sun for a fortnight.
German Chamomile
Generally referred to as Chamomile, this herb has strong anti-inflammatory properties because of the presence of constituent chamazulene. Chamazulene is also present in Moroccan chamomile variety. It is this compound that gives them the distinctive blue color.Although Roman chamomile too has anti-inflammatory properties, it is better known for its sedative and analgesic properties. It is because of the anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties of German chamomile that it is widely used as a herbal remedy for neuralgia. Active compounds in this herb relaxes the nervous system and hence relieve nerve pain.
Meadowsweet
Meadowsweet is a herb native to northern Asia, northern and southern parts of Europe and North America. This particular herb contains salicylates as active compounds that behave in the same manner as aspirin.Hence, this herb has gained prominence in naturally relieving nerve pain without the side effects of conventional pain killers. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of this herb help in reducing nerve pain associated with neuralgia. Besides, this herb has excellent diaphoretic, diuretic, antibacterial and astringent properties that relieve symptoms of other diseases as well.
Corydalis
Traditionally named as Corydalis bulbosa and Corydalis yanhusuo in China, this herb has been used to treat various conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cataract, allergies, etc. apart from pain.This herb has strong analgesic and sedative properties that are similar to those of opium poppy. However, corydalis is much milder in action as compared to opium.
Betony
Widely known as a nerve tonic, this herb is a good herbal remedy for trigeminal neuralgia that results in pain of face and head. It can be used in tea form to treat neuralgia. It is also a useful remedy for nervous affections and hysteria.
Valerian
Native to Asia and Europe, this herb has gained prominence recently as a remedy for various diseases including neuralgia. For the same reason, it is now grown extensively in North America.It has excellent anticonvulsant, nervine, and antispasmodic properties that treat nerve pain along with other conditions like restlessness, insomnia, stress, hysteria, nerve palpitations, shingles and backache.
Sweet woodruff
It is one of the popular herbs recommended for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties that control the incessant nerve pain.It also treats insomnia – a common symptom of trigeminal neuralgia. This herb has a calming and relaxing effect on the patients’ nerves.
