Neuritis: Numb to the Problem

Neuritis (Neuropathy)

Best Single Herb: Devil’s claw

Best Combinations: White willow bark, black cohosh, capsicum, valerian, ginger, hops, wood betony, devil’s claw

Other Helpful Supplements: B-complex vitamins; calcium/magnesium; vitamin E with selenium

Possible Causes: Diabetes; poor circulation

Complementary Help: Reflexology

Neuritis is a disease of the peripheral nerves of the body (usually in the toes and fingers), that causes inflammation and can lead to numbness of these areas. The swelling of the nerves associated with this condition can cause pain (neuralgia), skin sensitivity, paralysis, muscular weakness, and slowed reflexes. The term neuropathy is also used less specifically to refer to this condition.

Terms related to herbs or holistic health

Neuritis, or neuropathy, is a disease of the peripheral nerves of the body (usually in the toes and fingers) that causes inflammation and can lead to numbness of these areas. Neuralgia is nerve pain, usually associated with the swelling of the nerves.

Sometimes neuritis can be caused by diabetes, and it is associated with gout and other diseases affecting the proper functioning of the entire structural system (muscles, tendons, bones, joints).

Warnings about the use of herbs

Devil’s claw may be called a “claw” because of its somewhat abrasive or irritating affect on the digestive tract You will most likely find this herb in a mixture with other herbs that feed the structural system. If you take devil’s claw by itself, try chasing it with an herb that soothes and protects tissues, such as aloe vera.

The Devil’s Claw Made Me Do It

Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is an herb that has been used for a host of painful or inflammatory ailments such as arthritis, rheumatism, acne and allergies, kidney and liver problems, and gout because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Because neuritis is an inflammation of the nerves, devil’s claw may be useful to you for this condition. It works primarily by helping the body eliminate uric acid (see post for more on gout; see post for more on devil’s claw for inflamed knees).

The root of the devil’s claw is taken internally to clean the vascular walls, the blood, and the lymphatic system. It provides iron and magnesium and helps to strengthen the bladder, kidneys, liver, joints, and stomach.

Numb and Number

Stimulating the circulation with herbs will certainly help to prevent the numbness associated with this condition. Capsicum and ginger are both quick to stimulate circulation. Both are very hot and can be toned down a bit to ease digestion when mixed with white willow bark, black cohosh, valerian, and wood betony. If you have diabetes, see post for more pointers on using herbs.

About overcoming an ailment with herbs

Reflexology is an excellent therapy that stimulates points on the feet and hands that connect to all other parts of the body. It also helps increase circulation to the extremities and can be instrumental in protecting you from the effects of neuropathy. Diabetics have been aided with the use of reflexology.

Consider using the B-complex vitamins to feed the nervous system if you have neuritis. Calcium with magnesium will feed the structural system and may be helpful if you are suffering from nerve pain — especially if the body is over-acidic, calcium may ease this pain. Vitamin E with selenium is a powerful antioxidant and aids the circulatory system; up to 1,200 IU may be useful, but always check with your doctor before taking high doses of vitamins. Too high a dose of vitamin E can cause headaches.

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