Shingles are always followed by Postherpetic Neuralgia, which is a condition of extreme pain in the nerves. Most people prefer over-the-counter drugs to get instant relief from the pain but these medications leave behind a lot of side effects. Postherpetic neuralgia can be effectively treated with certain natural remedies that have lesser side effects. Here are mentioned some such natural cures for postherpetic neuralgia.
Natural Cures To Postherpetic Neuralgia
Capsaicin
Derived from cayenne pepper, capsaicin has amazing pain-relieving properties. Capsaicin is often present in natural topical creams meant for pain relief. Capsaicin stops that particular chemical in the person’s nerves that causes the pain. In addition, cayenne pepper contains salicylates that behave as aspirin and relieves the inflammation caused by postherpetic neuralgia.
Ginger
Ginger is well known for anti-inflammatory properties and helps relieve tha pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia. You can take ginger in the form of supplements or drop a slice into your tea while brewing it. You can also apply ginger syrup containing poultice on the particular area that is paining and find relief.
Willow Bark
Willow bark’s anti-inflammatory properties help alleviating the nerve pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia. You can brew willow bark into tea and add a few pinches of peppermint for better results. Willow bark also contains salicylates that behave in the same manner as aspirin and alleviates the nerve pain. Patients, hence, have to follow the same precautions that they follow with aspirin. Patients should begin taking weak tea of willow bark and gradually make it stronger until the pain is gone.
Rosemary
This particular herb is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties and hence helps a great deal in alleviating the nerve pain caused by postherpetic neuralgia. Patients of postherpetic neuralgia can brew rosemary herb into tea and consume it.
Turmeric
Turmeric, with its anti-inflammatory properties, helps in relieving the nerve pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia. Turmeric also reduces the inflammation caused by postherpetic neuralgia as a bonus. Regular consumption of turmeric reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Passion Flower
This particular herb acts as a sedative and helps in relieving the pain caused by postherpetic neuralgia. Passionflower can be brewed into tea and consumed.
Toothache Tree
This particular herb relieves the nerve pain with its anti-inflammatory as well as anti-spasmodic properties. This herb also soothes the nervous system.
German Chamomile
This herb acts in the same manner as Toothache Tree. Its anti-spasmodic properties and anti-inflammatory properties bring relief to the nerve pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia.
Lavender
This essential oil brings relief to nerve pain caused by postherpetic neuralgia. This essential oil has to be mixed with vegetable oil before application.
Eucalyptus
This essential oil also relieves the pain caused by postherpetic neuralgia. It should be used along with vegetable oil.
Diet
Including essential vitamins and minerals in the diet to boost immune system is equally important. One should eat fruits and vegetables that contain Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin B-Complex and Calcium.
Lifestyle Changes
Patients of postherpetic neuralgia are often advised to keep depression as well as stress at bay. Both these factors trigger the nerve pain.
Acupuncture
Certain cases of postherpetic neuralgia have been reported to be relieved by acupuncture. It is to be noted that you should consult a physician before using these natural remedies. Some herbs may nullify the effect of prescription medicines.
