Home Remedies for Nerve Pain

Home remedies for nerve pain – soothing treatments for polyneuropathy

Nerve pain can have a major impact on daily life and significantly limit the quality of life. Many sufferers therefore look for alternatives or additions to drug treatment in order to find gentle relief. In this article, I would like to introduce you to some natural home remedies that can help you better manage the pain of polyneuropathy. You can easily integrate these methods into your everyday life to relieve symptoms and regain a better quality of life.

The first approach we would like to introduce to you is the application of heat, which is often perceived as very pleasant in cases of chronic pain .

Heat treatments: Soothing warmth against chronic pain

Heat applications can be an effective way to relieve nerve pain, as it increases circulation and relaxes muscles (Smith et al., 2020). This can soothe sore muscles and nerves, which can lead to symptom relief. One of the simplest methods is to use hot water bottles or heating pads that you can place on the affected areas. However, make sure that the temperature is not too hot to avoid burns. An application time of around 20 to 30 minutes is sufficient to achieve a beneficial effect.

A warm bath can also be very helpful. By adding a few drops of lavender oil to the bath water , you can further enhance the relaxing effect. Bathe for about 15 to 20 minutes for optimal results. If your temperature sensitivity is limited, you should be particularly careful to avoid burns. If necessary, you can also place a cloth between the skin and the hot water bottle or heating pad.

In cases of acute pain and inflammation, heat often does not have the desired effect and can even be harmful. In these cases, the use of cold can be useful and provide relief.

Cold applications: Refreshing relief for acute pain

If you are suffering from acute nerve pain, cold applications can be a quick and effective way to provide relief (Johnson et al., 2019). Cold helps to reduce nerve conduction velocity and also has an anti-inflammatory effect, which can be very helpful, especially during sudden attacks of pain. You can use an ice pack or a cold compress wrapped in a cloth to avoid direct skin contact. An application time of 10 to 15 minutes is enough to achieve an effect without damaging the skin.

Alternatively, you can perform an ice cube massage , which involves gently rubbing an ice cube over the painful area. However, be careful not to stay on the same spot for too long to avoid cold damage . It is important that you always place a cloth between the skin and the cold source and keep the duration of the application short to prevent possible skin damage.

Important: All cold applications presented so far have one disadvantage: They only work at the exact moment they are applied. This is exactly where the gel fromKalter Bruder® comes in: It provides constant and deep cooling over a significantly longer period of time.

Essential oils: Natural support through plant extracts

Essential oils have been known for centuries for their pain-relieving properties and can have a supportive effect on neuropathic pain (Lee et al., 2021). Lavender oil in particular has a calming effect and can help relax muscles. Arnica and devil's claw can also have a positive, calming effect on muscles and nerves. Menthol, on the other hand, has an almost icy cooling effect that has a pain-relieving effect for many people.

Another helpful oil is St. John's Wort oil , which also has a soothing effect on nerve pain. It is particularly suitable for use on the skin. However, always make sure to test the oils for skin compatibility first and dilute them if you have sensitive skin to avoid skin irritation.

Herbal wraps: gentle healing through natural compresses

Herbal wraps are a traditional method to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. They have a cooling effect and promote healing, especially through the use of anti-inflammatory herbs such as hay flowers and curd (Garcia et al., 2020). A curd wrap, for example, has a cooling and anti-inflammatory effect. To do this, spread cool curd on a cloth, wrap it up and place it on the painful area.

Hayflower compresses contain anti-inflammatory substances and are ideal for warm compresses. Prepare a hayflower infusion, soak a cloth in it and place it on the affected area as a compress. Cabbage or onion compresses are also known for their strong anti-inflammatory effects. Crush the leaves or pieces slightly to release the juices and then place them on the affected area. Make sure to observe the skin carefully and do not place compresses on open wounds.

In addition to external applications, internal applications, such as herbal teas, can also have a positive effect on the nervous system.

Herbal teas: calming drinks for the nerves

Herbal teas are a beneficial way to support the nervous system and reduce stress (Anderson et al., 2018). Valerian tea in particular has a calming effect and can help you relax better in the evening.

St. John's wort can also be very helpful as it has a mood-enhancing and nerve-strengthening effect. However, be aware that St. John's wort can interact with certain medications, so be sure to discuss this with your doctor beforehand. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties and can relieve pain. Cut a piece of ginger into slices and let it steep in hot water for 10 minutes . Remember that herbal teas can also interact, so it's best to discuss their use with your doctor.

In our article “ Wait and drink tea ” we introduce you to particularly beneficial types of tea for nervous problems.

Movement: Gentle exercises to support the nerves

Regular exercise can improve blood circulation and thus also strengthen nerve function (Kim et al., 2022). Gentle stretching exercises such as foot circles and calf muscle stretches are particularly helpful in relieving tension and improving mobility. Try to do these exercises daily to achieve a positive effect.

Exercise: Foot Circles

This exercise improves blood circulation in the feet and ankles and helps relieve tension.

Steps:

1. Sit on a chair or lie down comfortably.
2. Lift one foot slightly off the floor.
3. Begin to slowly circle your foot in a clockwise direction.
4. Make about 10-15 circles, then change direction (counterclockwise).
5. Repeat the process with the other foot.

Notes:

• Move the foot as far as possible without causing pain.
• Keep the rest of your body relaxed.

Exercise: Calf Muscle Stretch

This stretching exercise helps to improve mobility and relieve tension in the calves.

steps:

1. Stand about one meter away from a wall.
2. Place your hands flat against the wall at shoulder height.
3. Bring one leg back while bending the front leg slightly.
4. Gently press the heel of your back leg into the floor until you feel a stretch in your calf.
5. Hold this position for 15–30 seconds.
6. Switch legs and repeat the exercise.

Notes:

• Breathe calmly and evenly while stretching.
• Avoid sudden movements; stretch slowly and in a controlled manner.

Walking is also a simple and effective way to increase blood circulation and activate the muscles. Make sure to do the exercises slowly and in a controlled manner and take breaks if the pain becomes too severe. Regular exercise is an important part of supporting the nerves in the long term and reducing pain.

In addition to exercise, a targeted diet that provides certain nutrients can also play a crucial role in supporting the nerves.

Natural Food Supplements: Nutrition to Support the Nerves

Proper nutrition plays an essential role in supporting nerve function and relieving nerve pain. Magnesium has a relaxing effect on muscles and nerves and is found in nuts , seeds and green vegetables (Brown et al., 2019). B-complex vitamins are also essential for nerve function and are found in whole grains , eggs and green leafy vegetables.

Omega-3 fatty acids , found in fish , flaxseed oil and walnuts , have anti-inflammatory effects and can help support nerve health. Antioxidants , found in berries and green vegetables, protect nerves from cell damage and promote regeneration.

Table: Nutrients and their effect on the nerves

Now that we have learned about the important nutrients and their importance for nerves, here are some simple recipes that contain these nutrients and can help you promote your nerve health.

Recipes for calming food

• Magnesium-rich smoothie recipe : Blend a banana , a handful of spinach , 2 tablespoons of nuts or seeds (such as almonds or chia seeds), 250 ml of almond milk and a little honey for a delicious smoothie. This smoothie is rich in magnesium and supports nerve relaxation.

• Omega-3 Power Muesli : For a nutritious breakfast, mix 40 g of oatmeal , 1 tablespoon of linseed oil , a handful of walnuts and a handful of berries . This muesli provides you with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that support your nerve function.

• Green smoothie for the nerves : Blend an avocado , a handful of green leafy vegetables (such as kale or spinach ), a banana and 200 ml of water or coconut water . This smoothie is rich in potassium and vitamin E , which regulate the electrical activity of nerve cells and reduce oxidative stress.

• B-vitamin-rich vegetable stir-fry : Sauté a mixture of spinach , peppers , legumes (like chickpeas) and a little garlic in olive oil . Add a few sunflower seeds at the end . This stir-fry is an excellent source of folic acid and vitamin B complex , both of which are important for nerve regeneration.

• Antioxidant-rich berry salad : Mix different berries (like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries) with a little honey and lemon juice . Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top. This salad provides you with lots of antioxidants that protect the nerves from cell damage.

Conclusion: Natural ways to relieve pain

Natural methods and home remedies offer a valuable complementary option for pain therapy for polyneuropathy. They can help relieve nerve pain, strengthen nerve function and improve general well-being. Everyone reacts differently to these applications, so it is worth trying different approaches and finding out which ones help you best. Home remedies are low-risk and offer a good way to improve the quality of life in everyday life. Be open to new ways and find out which home remedies give you the relief you need to make your everyday life more active and enjoyable despite polyneuropathy.