Nerve pain, sometimes called neuralgia or neuropathy, can significantly reduce your quality of life. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, shooting pain, or burning sensations.
More and more people are turning to complementary therapies, including essential oils, for managing nerve pain. Essential oils may offer a natural way to get relief.
This article is a comprehensive guide on how to use essential oils for nerve pain. We’ll discuss different types of nerve pain, which essential oils are most effective, how to apply them safely, and what the research says.
Decoding Nerve Pain: Neuralgia and Neuropathy
What is Neuralgia?
Neuralgia is pain caused by an irritated or damaged nerve. It often feels like shooting, stabbing pain that follows the path of the affected nerve.
Some common types of neuralgia are trigeminal neuralgia (which affects a nerve in the face) and postherpetic neuralgia (which is related to shingles).
What is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is damage to your peripheral nerves. These are the nerves outside of your brain and spinal cord. Neuropathy can affect your sensory, motor, and autonomic nerves.
If you have neuropathy, you might feel numbness, tingling, burning pain, or weakness.
Common Causes of Nerve Pain
Neuropathy can be caused by diabetes, infections, autoimmune diseases, injuries, vitamin deficiencies, and even your genes. In fact, diabetes is a major cause of neuropathy.
Essential Oils for Nerve Pain Relief: A Closer Look
Essential oils may help relieve nerve pain. Some have anti-inflammatory properties, so they can reduce the inflammation that is causing your pain. Certain oils can help you relax and feel less stressed, and stress can make pain feel worse; you might also explore other relaxation methods, like using healing crystals.
Research into essential oils is still ongoing, so keep in mind that essential oils are best used as a complementary therapy.
Top essential oil choices for nerve pain
- Lavender: Lavender is known for its calming and pain-relieving properties. Research shows that it can lower nerve pain symptoms and may have some antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects.
- Rosemary: Rosemary may improve blood flow and reduce pain.
- Geranium: Geranium can help reduce nerve pain and inflammation.
- Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Chamomile: Chamomile offers calming and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Other potentially beneficial oils
- Peppermint: Peppermint contains menthol, which can make your skin feel cooler and can relieve pain.
- Wintergreen: Wintergreen contains methyl salicylate, a pain-relieving ingredient. Use it with caution.
- Frankincense: Frankincense may reduce inflammation and help with healing.
Safe and Effective Application Methods
It’s important to use essential oils safely to get the most benefit. Most essential oils need to be diluted before you put them on your skin. A carrier oil keeps the essential oil from irritating your skin.
The importance of dilution
The essential oil should be no more than 3% to 5% of the total mixture. Here are some dilution guidelines:
- 1% dilution: 6 drops essential oil in 1 oz carrier oil
- 2% dilution: 12 drops essential oil in 1 oz carrier oil
- 3% dilution: 18 drops essential oil in 1 oz carrier oil
- 5% dilution: 30 drops essential oil in 1 oz carrier oil
Recommended carrier oils
Carrier oils include coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, and grapeseed oil. One study mentions coconut oil as a carrier oil.
Application techniques
- Topical application: Apply diluted essential oils to the area that hurts. Gently massage the oil into your skin for a few minutes, perhaps focusing on foot pressure points.
- Aromatherapy massage: Mix essential oils with a carrier oil and use that for a massage, or even consider a deep tissue massage for neck pain if that’s where you’re experiencing discomfort. Aromatherapy massage with essential oils reduced pain and improved quality of life in people with diabetes.
- Compresses: Add 3-5 drops of essential oil to warm or cold water, then apply with a soft cloth.
- Baths: Add 4-8 drops of essential oil to a warm bath after mixing it with a teaspoon of carrier oil.
Patch testing
Before you apply essential oils to a large area of skin, test a small area first. That way, you’ll know whether you’re allergic to the oil.
Essential oil recipes and blends for nerve pain
Here are a few essential oil recipes you can try to relieve nerve pain.
Pain Relief Blend
Combine lavender, rosemary, and chamomile essential oils.
For this blend, you’ll need 3 drops of rosemary, 3 drops of geranium, 3 drops of lavender, 3 drops of eucalyptus, and 3 drops of chamomile in 2 tablespoons of carrier oil.
Soothing Blend
Combine frankincense, peppermint, and lavender essential oils.
Circulation-Boosting Blend
Combine ginger, rosemary, and cypress essential oils.
How to apply these blends
Mix the essential oils with a carrier oil. Apply topically to the affected area, massaging gently. Use nightly, or as needed.
What does the science say?
Research on using essential oils for nerve pain is limited, but it’s growing. Some studies have shown promising results.
For example, in 2017, one study showed that people with diabetes-related neuropathy had a 66% drop in their pain after getting essential oil massages. Other studies show that massage with lavender oil reduced pain and improved quality of life.
Even so, more research is needed to know whether essential oils can effectively and safely treat nerve pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use frankincense oil for neuropathy?
Frankincense oil is believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that may help alleviate neuropathy symptoms. To use it, dilute a few drops of frankincense essential oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil. Gently massage the diluted oil onto the affected areas several times a day. Always perform a patch test first to check for any allergic reactions.
What is the best rub for nerve pain?
There isn’t a single “best” rub for nerve pain, as effectiveness varies from person to person. However, rubs containing ingredients like capsaicin, menthol, camphor, or lidocaine are often recommended. Capsaicin creams work by desensitizing nerve endings, while menthol and camphor provide a cooling sensation that can temporarily relieve pain. Topical lidocaine numbs the area, offering localized pain relief. Always follow product instructions and consult with a healthcare professional.
What essential oil is best for nerve pain?
Several essential oils are thought to have potential benefits for nerve pain, but no single oil works best for everyone. Some commonly recommended options include lavender (for relaxation and pain relief), peppermint (for cooling and numbing), chamomile (for calming inflammation), eucalyptus (for anti-inflammatory effects), and St. John’s Wort oil (traditionally used for nerve damage). It’s best to experiment with different oils, diluted with a carrier oil, to see which provides the most relief for your specific type of nerve pain. Consulting a qualified aromatherapist can also be beneficial.
In closing
Essential oils may help you manage the symptoms of nerve pain. But before you start using them, it’s really important to talk with a healthcare professional, especially if you have other health conditions or you’re already taking medications. Let your doctor know before you start any new treatment, including essential oils.
Remember, essential oils should be used to support your other medical treatments, not replace them.
Essential oils could provide some relief from nerve pain. Prioritize your safety by gathering information and making informed decisions.