Herbs That Heal Nerve Damage
Nerve damage can be extremely debilitating because it involves pain and inflammation throughout the extremely important nervous system of the body. When a nerve is irritated, it can lead to repetitive pain that occurs at a moment's notice. While there are no herbs that can directly, completely heal your nerve damage on the spot, there are herbal remedies that can help to control your symptoms.
Autumn Crocus
Autumn crocus (colchicum autumnale, pictured above) is a perennial plant with a fleshy, bulblike base, dark green tulip-like leaves and light purple flowers. The base (or corm), seeds, and flowers of the herb are used for joint pain, prostate enlargement and nerve damage. Take a dried herb of the autumn crocus, mix it with water and apply it as a paste to areas of your body experiencing nerve pain. Do not take the herb orally as it has multiple negative side effects when ingested.
Camphor
Camphor (cinamomum camphora) is an evergreen tree that now grows throughout the world after originating in East Asia. Camphor's stems, roots, wood, leaves, twigs and volatile oils have been used in deodorants and disinfectants and against bronchitis, bruises and inflammation. Rub camphor oil on your painful nerve areas to reduce swelling and relieve nerve pain. It can also help to relieve the spasms of the nervous system that can lead to heightened pain. This is another herb that should not be taken orally as it is poisonous when ingested.
Feverfew
Feverfew (tanacetum parthenium) is an herb that can be found growing in Europe, Australia and North America, and it has been used as an herbal remedy for nearly 2,000 years. The aerial parts of the herb have been used to treat physical symptoms of PMS, a sluggish liver and nerve pain. Feverfew acts as a nerve tonic, relieving tension in the nervous system and reducing pain in conditions like trigeminal nerve neuralgia and sciatica. You can take it in tablet form in doses of 250 milligrams a few times a day or as a tincture with a dose of five to 10 drops every half hour during your nerve pain. In pill form, the herb may take four to six weeks to take effect.
Other Herbs
Here are a few more herbs that may be able to control your nerve damage. A tea made from St. John's wort may help with inflammation by drinking two cups a day. The herb may also help to heal the damage itself by keeping the nervous system in shape. Create another tea that mixes black cohosh, lobelia, lady's slipper and valerian herbs to soothe and relieve your pain. Lastly, a massage with an oil or cream made from the arnica herb can relieve your nerve pain and decrease your inflammation.
Where to Buy
You can purchase all of these remedies at most local natural foods stores or on the Internet. As with most products, if possible you should go to the store in person to ensure you are getting the product you desire. Also, you can talk to the salespeople there who may be more knowledgeable than the Internet seller you are buying from.
Tags: nerve pain, nervous system, your nerve, been used, nerve damage, also help