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Trigeminal Neuralgia is a neuropathic disorder. Trigeminal nerve is the main nerve controlling the sensation in the face. It is the result of constant pressing of the blood vessel on the nerve near the brain stem. Changes in the blood vessels of the brain can result in blood vessels rubbing against the trigeminal nerve root. Trigeminal nerve consists of three branches – the ophthalmic nerve, the maxillary nerve, the mandibular nerve.
It normally involves the middle branch and the lower branch i.e., the maxillary nerve, the mandibular nerve. There is intense pain in the face originating from the trigeminal nerve. Intense pain may be felt on any one side of the face. It lasts for a few minutes to seconds and repeats itself the whole day. The pain is usually unbearable and leads people to depression and suicidal tendencies.
The pain can be triggered by activities such as eating, talking, shaving and brushing teeth etc. Certain home remedies when regularly used can be helpful in pain relief of trigeminal neuralgia but it is always advisable with patients of trigeminal neuralgia to consult their doctor.
Home Remedies For Trigeminal Neuralgia
1. Diet Intake
Monounsaturated fatty acids are high in essential fatty acids necessary for efficient metabolism thus helps in reducing inflammation. Monounsaturated fats are found in natural foods like nuts and avocados, grape seed oil, ground nut oil, sesame oil and corn oil, canola oil, Hazelnuts, almonds, cashews and peanuts. Omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin B are required to strengthen the carnial nerves, including the trigeminal nerve.
The fruits and vegetables that are rich in Omega 3 and Vitamin B are eggs, milk, juice, soymilk, yogurt, oatmeal, walnuts, flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, Brussels sprouts, kale , mint , parsley ,legumes, nuts, whole grains, leafy greens, cheese, eggs etc. Vitamin A rich foods beneficial for boosting the immune system are apricots, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, kale, spinach, frozen peas, mango, parsley, tomatoes, sweet potato, etc.
2. Avocado Carrot Juice
This fortification of carrot avocado juice will provide you with all the required nutrients necessary for treating neuralgia. While avocado is rich in Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5 and folic acid. The addition of carrot supplements it with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6 and folic acid. Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) maintains the nervous system and promotes healthy brain activity and memory. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) the deficiency of which impairs iron absorption.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) helps maintain the nervous system, helps in the synthesis of various hormones and works as an antioxidant. Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) helps to produce steroid hormones. Vitamin B6 is also important for the proper functioning of the nervous system, hormone functions and also the immune system.Folic acid present in both helps to maintain the immune system and also prevents neural tube defects. Vitamin A boosts the immune system making heal faster. Vitamin C helps in the formation of stress hormones. All of these nutrients together help in the proper functioning of the nervous system and also boosts the immune system.
3. Ashwagandha Oil
Application of the ashwagandha oil will give relief from nervous pain. The anti inflammatory properties will give relief from pain. Antioxidant properties boost the immune system making healing faster. Sedative properties induce the nervous system to calm. Thus the application of this oil will give relief from pain.
4. Almond Milk
Intake of almond milk gives you the required nutrients essential for fighting trigeminal neuralgia. It is better to prepare almond milk at home instead of purchasing packaged bags as it will provide all the benefits of almond. Almond is a rich source of Vitamin B.
It contains Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) the deficiency of which impairs iron absorption. Vitamin B3 (Niacin) helps to maintain the nervous system, helps in the synthesis of various hormones and works as an antioxidant.
Biotin present helps every part of the body to achieve and maintain good health. It is also a rich source of iron and potassium. Vitamin E, an antioxidant protects the body from neurodegenerative diseases. Overall it directly has a positive effect on the nervous system and also helps in healing faster, thus a good option for diet intake in trigeminal neuralgia.
5. Rose Mary
Applied, Rosemary’s analgesic properties help to relieve pain. Nervine properties helps to strengthen the carnial nerves, including the terminal nerve and hence beneficial in trigeminal neuralgia. Antioxidant properties boost the immune system thus making heal faster.Being nerve sedative it induces the nerve system to calm down thus giving relief from anxiety, trauma. It gives the same benefits when taken internally as tea but should be avoided by pregnant women.
6. Cayenne Pepper
Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper with olive oil. The Capsaicin from the cayenne pepper blocks the pain by decreasing Substance P, a chemical that transmits pain signals between nerves. People who bleed easily and are hypersensitive to cayenne pepper should avoid using this treatment.The moisturizing properties of olive oil make the product slip deep into the skin. The antioxidant properties boost the immune system making heal faster. Anti inflammatory properties alleviates inflammation thus beneficial for trigeminal neuralgia.
7. Foods To Avoid
Diet rich in saturated fats, Trans fats, and high glycemic index foods stimulate inflammation i.e., excessive saturated fats blocks the body from repairing the damage caused to the nerves in the face.Foods that contain a high proportion of saturated fat are butter, ghee, suet, tallow, lard, coconut oil, cottonseed oil and palm kernel oil, dairy products (especially cream and cheese), meat as well as some prepared foods. Foods that are rich in high glycemic index are soft drinks, white bread/rice, potatoes, beer, cake, commercial creels etc.
8. Compresses
Placing Heat packs and ice packs over the cheeks and jaws gives instant relief. The packs help in soothing the muscle ache thus acting as a muscle relaxant.
9. Relaxation Techniques
Listen to music as this will help to calm the nerves and reduce anxiety and stress. Cultivate some hobbies for relaxation, as this will help in improving concentration, at the same time you will be engaged in something positive and will also help to calm down the nerves and be creative.
