Neuropathy, troubles pertaining to nerves, is also commonly known as diabetic neuropathy, or peripheral neuropathy, although other people may have neuropathy symptoms of tingling and numbness of the fingers, toes or legs, inability to experience touch without pain, and possible feelings of cold, burning or pain in the fingers, hands, feet or legs. Because of the pain, there may be a reduced sense of balance and coordination. The person may also experience pain and cramping in muscles.
It has been shown that 60% of all diabetics have neuropathy. In diabetics the cause is excess sugar in the blood, whether consumption of sugars is high or there is poor blood sugar control. Contributing factors may include medications and vitamin deficiencies.
Peripheral neuropathy can have the same symptoms, yet the causes may be somewhat different from diabetic neuropathy. The leading causes of peripheral neuropathy are statin drugs (for cholesterol), some blood pressure meds as well as some antibiotics, including a leading factor of Vitamin B deficiency, specifically B-1 (thiamine) and B-12 Â (in the form of Methylcobalamin).
Other less common causes of neuropathy may be hypothyroidism (low thyroid), infections, auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, or even some types of cancer.
Modern medicine may use opiate pain relievers (addictive and dangerous), anti-depressants, or anti-convulsion medications. These medications, while somewhat effective to alleviate symptoms of neuropathy, often don’t address the cause and may add to the toxic burden on the liver.
Natural solutions for neuropathy include examining a person’s medications, with their doctor, to look for drug causes or other more serious conditions. Most commonly, there is a vitamin deficiency and a lack of blood sugar control (diabetics).
Nutrition for Neuropathy
Start with 100 milligrams of Vitamin B-1 and 2000 micrograms of Methylcobalamin in conjunction with the following herb, cell salt and homeopathic remedies for neuropathy. Other nutrients should include about 400 milligrams of Alpha Lipoic acid as a powerful antioxidant containing blood sugar normalizing properties.
Herbs for Neuropathy
Herbs are plants valued for their specific strengthening/ tonifying properties.
Cayenne cream or ointment (Dr. Christopher’s or other) – on affected areas for relief of neuropathy symptoms.
Gogi berries, a handful a day, eaten over several weeks may help to repair nerves.
A combination of the following herbs may prove helpful to strengthen and repair the nerves.
California poppy is used to calm nerve pains, and is anti-spasmodic as well, soothes nervousness and anxiety, and is mildly sedating.
Corydalis – diffuses energy to relieve pain better than most herbal products (without creating an addiction). It also helps with spasms and nerves.
Passion flower is an excellent nervine (for nerve calming and repair), and calming for the heart and nervous system.
Lobelia is primarily antispasmodic for the nerves, and both digestive and respiratory systems.
Prickly ash bark is used in small quantities to make herbal formulas work better. It is stimulant, and helps circulation and blood supply to the nerves.
Cell Salts to Help with Neuropathy
To make a cell salt solution, put up to 10 tablets of each cell salt in a 16- to 24-ounce bottle; fill with water and swirl to dissolve tablets. Sip throughout the day.
#6 Kali phos 6X – for calming nerves nerve and repair
#9 Nat mur 6X – neuropathy from stress or grief
#12 Silicea 6X – for connective tissue weakness
Neuropathy Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies are non-toxic natural medicines safe for everyone including infants and pregnant or nursing women. You may use 6X, 30X, 6C or 30C potencies.
Rhus tox (#1 Homeopathic for neuropathy) – pain and neuropathy symptoms worse at change of weather or in cold damp conditions, and while resting. Sensation as if walking on needles, burning, and cold water. Stiffness while resting, pain on first movement but better from continued motion. (Tin Man Remedy)
Aconite – numbness and tingling, especially left arm; shooting pains; icy coldness; limbs feel lame, bruised, heavy and numb; hot hands, cold feet; twitching; weak, lax, lame tendons.
Arsenicum album – severe weakness of limbs, twitching, spasms, heaviness; atrophy; sciatica; burning pains; restless feet, cramps, neuritis; person is restless and tidy, perfectionist; symptoms better from warmth.
Belladonna – right-sided throbbing pains; jerking, cramping, heaviness; paralytic cold limbs; tottering gait; weakness; involuntary limping; convulsions; distortions of muscles.
Hypericum – nerve pains crawling, tingling, burning pains, numbness; neuralgia; sciatica; cramps in calves.
Mercurius vivus – weakness and pains, especially at night; bone pains; trembling of hands with stiffness; fingers numb; temperature sensitive (very small temperature range of comfort).
Nux vomica – nervous irritability; cramps and spasms; weakness of liver; desires for stimulants; crawling sensation under skin; loss of strength in feet; digestive complaints, food sits like a rock in the stomach.
Source: Dave’s Healing Notes
