Do you also feel numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands and feet? Sometimes you don't feel anything at all. This is a problem that many people have. In medical terms, we call this condition 'neuropathy'. Simply put, this is a condition that occurs due to damage or destruction of the nerve cells in our body.
This can change the way you feel things. Not only can you experience numbness and pain, but sometimes your muscles can become weak and your movements, such as walking, can change. This condition most often affects the hands and feet. It is especially common in people with diabetes. In fact, between 60% and 70% of people with diabetes will develop this neuropathy at some point in their lives. In addition to diabetes, it can also be caused by diseases that affect the blood vessels, cancer treatments (especially chemotherapy), and certain vitamin deficiencies.
So if you have these symptoms, the most important thing is to follow the treatment plan your doctor gives you . In the meantime, you may have heard that some people use essential oils as an additional treatment for this neuropathy condition. Remember, these are called 'complementary treatments'. This means that they are used in addition to the main treatment given by the doctor, not as a replacement for it. Although there is no major scientific research on these essential oils, some small studies have shown that they can provide some relief from some neuropathy symptoms. Let's take a look at them in more detail.
What does the research say?
First of all, it's important to keep this in mind. No medical guidelines recommend using essential oils as a treatment for neuropathy. Also, the research that has been done on this topic is very limited, so we can't say that the results are 100% certain.
For example, in 2017, a group of researchers in Turkey conducted a study on 46 people with diabetic neuropathy. Half of this group, 23 people, received 30-minute massages of their hands and feet using essential oils three times a week for four weeks. The results were that they reported a 66% reduction in their neuropathic pain. The other group, those who did not receive the massage and received only standard medical care, saw a 9% reduction in pain.
But there's an important point here. In this study, the oil was applied and massaged thoroughly. When massaged, blood flow to the area increases, and our body's own production of pain-relieving chemicals is stimulated. So it's hard to say exactly whether the relief we received was due to the essential oil itself or the effects of the massage.
In another study, 60 people with neuropathy in their feet were sprayed with a blend of several essential oils. 93% of them reported pain relief within 30 minutes. (However, it is not clear how long this pain relief lasted.) Also, a 2019 study found that aromatherapy massage can help reduce neuropathic pain and fatigue caused by chemotherapy.
What essential oils can help with pain?
There's no single recipe that says, "This type of oil is best for neuropathy." Because there isn't enough research on it. However, there are several types of oils that are said to have pain-relieving properties in the studies mentioned above and other research.
| Essential Oil | Note |
|---|---|
| Lavender | Known to help reduce pain and stress. |
| Geranium | There is a belief that it can help relieve nerve pain. |
| Rosemary | It can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. |
| Bergamot | Some studies have shown that it has analgesic properties. |
| Eucalyptus | Helps reduce pain and swelling. |
| Ginger, Cinnamon, Lemongrass | These are also believed to have pain-relieving properties. |
Important: Not all of these oils have been tested for neuropathy, but many of these oils are believed to have general pain-relieving properties.
Is it safe to use essential oils for neuropathy?
Yes, it is generally safe. But only if you follow these precautions exactly. This is the most important part of the article, so read it carefully.
1. Talk to your doctor first.
This is the first and most important step . Before you start any new treatment, even natural ones, you should inform your doctor. That way, he or she will have a complete picture of everything you're using to manage your condition. It's very important for your safety.
2. Never apply this oil directly to the skin.
Essential oils are highly concentrated and very powerful substances. Applying them directly to the skin can cause severe reactions such as skin allergies and burns. Therefore, you should always dilute these oils with a 'carrier oil'. You can use coconut oil or jojoba oil as a carrier oil.
- The right ratio: It is generally recommended that essential oils only make up between 3% and 5% of the total mixture. Simply put, adding about 3 drops of essential oil to a teaspoon of carrier oil is enough.
3. Choose a good quality product
There are many products on the market labeled as 'Essential Oils'. But not all of them are pure or of good quality. Therefore, buy oils from a trusted, reputable company. If in doubt, ask your doctor before using a new product. Also, do a patch test on a small area of skin before applying it all over your body to see if you have an allergic reaction.
4. For skin only!
Keep this in mind. Never ingest essential oils or add them to food or drinks without medical advice, for any reason. They can be highly toxic.
Take-Home Message
- Neuropathy is a condition caused by damage to the nerves. If you have symptoms, be sure to see a doctor for initial treatment.
- Essential oils are not a cure for neuropathy. They are just a 'complementary' treatment that may provide some relief from pain. There is limited scientific evidence for this.
- Before using any essential oil, it is imperative to talk to your doctor and get permission.
- Never apply essential oils directly to the skin. Always mix (dilute) them with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil.
- Avoid drinking or eating essential oils for any reason.
- If you experience any adverse reactions, such as skin allergies, redness, or itching, stop using the oil immediately and consult your doctor.
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