Top 11 Essential Oils for Nerve Pain [with Benefits, Side effects and Usage Instructions]

Nature can be healing.

These essential oils can help relieve you of your nerve pain. Read on to find out more!

Allopathy medication often comes with a list of side effects that might make you wonder if momentary relief is worth it.

If thoughts like these cross your mind as well, you are not alone!

Going down the path of alternate and natural medication due to the fear of collateral damage that might take place due to allopathy is more common than you’d realize. Yes, the risk may be slim, but the risk still persists.

It takes an immense amount of research and self-discovery to find alternate medications, and one of the most popular ones is essential oils.

In this article, we will talk about what neuropathy is and the various essential oils for nerve pain.

IMPORTANT: Essential oils can only provide temporary relief, and only if your condition isn’t severe. Always consult a doctor and do not neglect prescribed medications on the pretext of harmful side effects.

What is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is often the result of damaged nerves. These nerves send a false signal that can cause chronic pain. This pain can vary from person to person. One might describe it as throbbing pain, while another might describe it as being pierced by a hundred needles simultaneously.

It can also affect your sensation and can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness.

Neuropathic pain is more common amongst people who have diabetes. It can also be caused due to chemotherapy, conditions that affect your blood vessels, and vitamin deficiencies.

This pain is ideally felt in your limbs and your feet, but depending on where the nerve that is affected is located, your pain can vary in location.

Living with neuropathic pain can be challenging, but the good news is that this pain can be reduced for most people.

Over-the-counter drugs, prescribed medication, and natural medicines are a few of the options that you can explore. Altering your lifestyle and adopting a more healthy one can also play a key role in reducing your pain symptoms.

Can you use essential oils to treat neuropathy?

Essential oils for nerve pain aren’t backed by medical-grade research, unlike allopathy medication. Having said that, there is also no proof that these oils have no positive effect on people with nerve pain.

Aromatherapy, combined with conventional treatment, is known to reduce pain. Spraying certain essential oils for nerve pain on the area prone to pain has proven to be effective in reducing the overall symptoms [1].

Massaging the said area with essential oils has also resulted in reduced pain symptoms [2]. However, since massaging improves blood flow, there is no clear understanding of whether the reduced pain symptoms are due to the essential oils for nerve pain or the improved blood flow.

Top 11 Best Essential Oils for Nerve Pain

1. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary Oil

Salvia rosmarinus, commonly known as rosemary, is an aromatic evergreen shrub whose leaves have been used for culinary practices for as long as we can recall. The flowering tops of this plant are used to extract Rosemary essential oil. This oil is also used to support healthy digestion and internal organ function when ingested.

Its analgesic property, which simply means its ability to relieve pain, is why rosemary essential oil is effective for nerve pain. This oil is also known to reduce neuropathic hypersensitivity and protect nerve tissues [3].

You can massage this essential oil for nerve pain into the areas where you experience pain, or you can settle in for a relaxing evening with a few drops of this oil in your diffuser.

2. Geranium Oil

Geranium Oil

Geranium essential oil is extracted from the leaves and stems of the perennial shrub, Pelargonium graveolens, commonly known as Geranium. This floral essential oil is sweet, long-lasting, potent, and has several beneficial compounds.

Geranium essential oil is often compared to the rose essential oil for their similar therapeutic properties. Pure geranium oil has shown anti-nerve pain effects through its neural analgesic property.

Use a blend of this oil with coconut oil to massage your pain points to find relief. You can also spritz some on your pillow before you go to bed for a relaxing time that can also alleviate your pain symptoms.

3. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is an essential oil that is distilled from the plant Lavandula angustifolia. This oil has been used by the Egyptians and the Romans for its calming effect, but over time, it has also been used as a perfume and for aromatherapy. 

This oil is not only analgesic but is also anti-inflammatory, both of which can help relieve pain induced by neuropathy. Aromatherapy with lavender essential oil might also show positive effects with regard to nerve pains and their symptoms.

You can use this oil for aromatherapy to alleviate pain. You could also use it in a diffuser or spritz some in a room you intend to relax in. Oral administration of this oil serves as a therapeutic approach in managing neuropathic pain states [4].

4. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil is distilled from the leaf of the eucalyptus plant, which is a part of the Myrtaceae family and is native to Australia. This oil has been used worldwide for its antiseptic, repellent, and pharmaceutical properties.

This oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can relieve those who experience pain at various intensities. Its ability to provide a warming sensation when massaged over areas of pain is known to soothe and provide relief from said pain, in this context, nerve pain [5].

Massaging this essential oil for nerve pain over your feet and arms, regions most typical to experience nerve pain, can help relieve you from pain and other neuropathy symptoms.

5. Chamomile Oil

Chamomile Oil

The chamomile plant has been used for herbal infusions and traditional medicines for ages. The chamomile essential oil is extracted from the chamomile flower. Apart from being used for its extract, this plant is also used for beverages, mouthwash, soaps, and cosmetics.

One of the compounds in this oil, borneol, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to reduce pain. It is due to this compound that chamomile oil is a highly recommended essential oil for nerve pain [6,7].

Apply a few drops of this oil on affected areas and massage for a reasonable amount of time. You can use this oil up to 4 times a day.

6. Bergamot Oil

Bergamot Oil

Bergamot is a plant that produces citrus fruits. The cells inside the rind of this fruit, also known as the bergamot orange, are used to produce cold-pressed essential oil. This oil is used as a flavoring, in cosmetics, and in aromatherapy.

Bergamot essential oil is known to modulate sensitive perception of pain in inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Therefore, this essential oil can help alleviate and control your nerve pain and other inflammatory symptoms [8].

Use this oil in your aromatherapy, or massage it into the areas affected. You could also use it in a diffuser or spritz some into a room or on a pillow.

7. Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil

Melaleuca Oil, commonly known as tea tree essential oil, is derived from the tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia. This essential is one of the few ones whose composition can change if exposed to air.

Tea tree essential oil has been used as a herbal medicine for acne and various other skin conditions. However, this oil is not restricted to just skin conditions; it also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with flare-ups and other symptoms that come with neuropathy [9].

Add a few drops of this oil to your diffuser and sit back and relax, or massage your inflamed areas with this oil to alleviate severe pain symptoms.

8. Ginger Oil

Ginger Oil

Ginger, a common root often used in culinary practices, is also used for its medicinal properties. Ginger essential oil is extracted from the ginger rhizome after a distillation process. This oil has a strong, distinct aroma that is often used for aromatherapy.

Ginger essential oil consists of a compound called zingibain that is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, studies have shown that the aroma of ginger may reduce pain. Therefore, this essential oil can effectively alleviate pain symptoms that might arise with neuropathy [10].

Use this oil during your aromatherapy or massage it into your inflamed areas. You could also spritz some on your pillow or spray some into a room.

9. St. John’s Wort Oil

St. John’s Wort essential oil is traditionally prepared by softening the tissues of the fresh flowering tops with sunflower and, at times, olive oil. This mixture, in a specific ratio, is then exposed to sunlight for 40 days. This oil is one of the most common oils used for folk medicine.

Although further research is required, this essential oil is known to reduce inflammation and pain symptoms caused due to neuropathy. It is considered to have the potential to be one of the most promising therapeutic options for nerve pain due to its antihyperalgesic properties [11].

This oil can be applied topically, but avoid sun exposure when it is in contact with your skin. Use a few drops during your aromatherapy, or stick to massages; either way, it can help relieve you of pain symptoms.

10. Holy Basil Oil

Holy Basil Oil

The holy basil essential oil is extracted from the Ocimum tenuiflorum plant. This plant is commonly known as the tulsi plant in India and is used for its medicinal properties. 

This essential oil has been a part of ayurveda medicine for a long time and is known to treat various conditions. Certain studies that require more research also suggest that this oil can help alleviate pain caused due to neuropathy.

The aroma of this oil is as effective as when it is applied topically. You can use this oil during your aromatherapy or can stick to using it during your massages. You could also add a drop or two to your diffuser.

11. Peppermint Oil

The peppermint plant is a cross between the watermint and the spearmint plants. It is widely cultivated in many regions of the world and is used to produce peppermint essential oil. This oil can be used for aromatherapy, skin conditions and to help with nausea.

Peppermint essential oil is known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It can help with painful symptoms of neuropathy. It may also help regulate your immunity [12].

Use this oil for your massages. You can also use it during your aromatherapy, or you can add a drop or two to your diffuser.

NOTE – 

  1. Essential oils are not meant to be taken orally unless advised by a practitioner or doctor.
  2. When using essential oils for nerve pain for your massages, always add a mixer oil, coconut oil, for instance.

How to use Essential Oils against nerve pain?

Nerve Pain is ideally diagnosed and treated by a medical professional, and you may be prescribed a list of medications that you might be required to take. 

Now, although you might already be undergoing some sort of treatment, there is no harm in trying your hand at essential oils. 

Aromatherapy and regular massages with these oils, along with your prescribed medication, can help alleviate your pain to some extent.

However, keep in mind to always consult a professional before incorporating different kinds of medications and treatments into your treatment plan.

Precautions that one should take while using Essential Oils

Essential oils are generally safe to use; however, looking at their chemical composition, concentration, and other components before usage is the responsibility of the one using these oils.

You should also keep in mind your age, allergies, and other medications that you might be on before using these oils.

Mentioned below are certain general precautions you might want to take,

  • Always dilute the oil before use unless advised not to by a professional.
  • Conduct a patch test before using these oils to ensure there is no allergic reaction.
  • Consume these oils orally only when it is prescribed by a doctor or a professional.

Apart from these general precautions, each essential oil might come with its own set of precautions; always ensure to read up on said oil before usage.

FAQs

Q: Is it safe to use essential oils if you have neuropathy?

A: Yes, it is safe to use essential oils if you have neuropathy. 
These oils can help you relieve some of the pain that might come with them.

Q: Can essential oils treat neuropathy?

A: Essential oils can help relieve pain that comes with neuropathy, but permanent treatment requires the guidance of a doctor or medical professional.
Moreover, further research regarding this topic is required.

Q: What essential oils are good for neuropathy in the feet?

A: Each oil comes with its own benefits, but selecting any of the oils from the list mentioned above can help relieve pain in your feet caused due to neuropathy.

Wrapping Up

Yes, it is true that, unlike allopathy medication, essential oils may not have as many side effects; however, it is vital to always check before diving in headfirst.

Essential oils for nerve pain can help alleviate some of the symptoms. You can use these to massage your affected areas or include them in your aromatherapy sessions.

Ensure to always consult a medical professional before making any changes to your treatment plan.

References

  1. Lakhan, Shaheen E et al. “The Effectiveness of Aromatherapy in Reducing Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Pain research and treatment vol. 2016 (2016): 8158693.
  2. Gok Metin, Zehra et al. “Aromatherapy Massage for Neuropathic Pain and Quality of Life in Diabetic Patients.” Journal of nursing scholarship : an official publication of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing vol. 49,4 (2017) 379-388.
  3. Di Cesare Mannelli, Lorenzo et al. “Anti-neuropathic effects of Rosmarinus officinalis L. terpenoid fraction: relevance of nicotinic receptors.” Scientific reports vol. 6 34832. (2016). 
  4. Sanna, Maria Domenica et al. “Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) Essential Oil Alleviates Neuropathic Pain in Mice With Spared Nerve Injury.” Frontiers in pharmacology vol. 10 472.  (2019). 
  5. Jun, Yang Suk et al. “Effect of eucalyptus oil inhalation on pain and inflammatory responses after total knee replacement: a randomized clinical trial.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 2013 (2013): 502727.
  6. Almeida, Jackson Roberto Guedes da Silva et al. “Borneol, a bicyclic monoterpene alcohol, reduces nociceptive behavior and inflammatory response in mice.” TheScientificWorldJournal vol. 2013 808460.(2013). 
  7. Singh, Ompal et al. “Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.): An overview.” Pharmacognosy reviews vol. 5,9 (2011): 82-95. 
  8. Rombolà, L et al. “Rational Basis for the Use of Bergamot Essential Oil in Complementary Medicine to Treat Chronic Pain.” Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry vol. 16,9 (2016): 721-8.
  9. Carson, C F et al. “Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties.” Clinical microbiology reviews vol. 19,1 (2006): 50-62.
  10. Lakhan, Shaheen E et al. “The Effectiveness of Aromatherapy in Reducing Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Pain research and treatment vol. 2016 (2016): 8158693. 
  11. Galeotti, Nicoletta et al. “St. John’s Wort reduces neuropathic pain through a hypericin-mediated inhibition of the protein kinase Cgamma and epsilon activity.” Biochemical pharmacology vol. 79,9 (2010): 1327-36. 
  12. Davies, Simon J et al. “A novel treatment of postherpetic neuralgia using peppermint oil.” The Clinical journal of pain vol. 18,3 (2002): 200-2. 
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