Neuropathy is a catch-all term for conditions caused by nerve injury. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is one of the most frequent types of neuropathy, affecting up to 50% of people with diabetes. 

According to research, some essential oils for neuropathy may help alleviate pain caused by inflammation and nerve damage. Read on to find out more!

Table of Contents:

• What is peripheral neuropathy?
• What are the symptoms of neuropathy?
• Which essential oils work best for numbness and tingling?
• How to use essential oils for numbness

What is peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs when damaged nerves malfunction. It usually affects the hands and the feet and it can cause tingling, numbness, and pain.

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

Peripheral nerves are classified into three types: sensory nerves, which connect to your skin, motor nerves, which connect to your muscles, and autonomic nerves, which connect to your internal organs. One or more of the three nerve groups can be damaged by peripheral neuropathy. Depending on which nerves are damaged, neuropathy can cause a variety of painful symptoms, such as: 

• Feelings of numbness or tingling in the extremities, such as the hands and feet;
• Reduced or heightened sensitivity to touch;
• Muscle deterioration;
• Difficulties in walking;
• Spasms of the muscles;
• Digestive problems;
• Excessive sweating;
• Difficulty swallowing.

Which essential oils work best for numbness and tingling?

Even the smallest amount of relief can make a huge difference, and this is where essential oils come in. Essential oil can help reduce nerve pain associated with neuropathy and they can also reduce the stress caused by this condition, therefore improving your capacity of coping with the symptoms, besides aiding to help relieve them. 

Here are some essential oils good for neuropathy, numbness, and tingling:

#1 Peppermint Essential Oil 

If you are experiencing peripheral neuropathy, pain and numbness can become a large part of your life. Peppermint essential oil does not ease pain in the same way that more potent pain-killer pills work. But it can be used to alleviate some of the nerve pain associated with nerve damage and minimize your dependence on medications. Peppermint oil contains menthol, which has anti-spasmodic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. 

#2 Eucalyptus Essential Oil 

Chronic inflammation and nerve injury are strongly linked - chronic inflammation causes nerve injury and nerve injury can lead to chronic inflammation. Eucalyptus essential oil has long been used for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Dilute in in a carrier oil and apply it on the affected areas to reduce pain and inflammation. 

#3 Lavender Essential Oil 

In addition to smelling fantastic, lavender essential oil can help in relieving pain. Studies investigating the impact of aromatherapy on peripheral nerve pain have found that the lavender oil helps reduce pain and anxiety. 

#4 Rosemary Essential Oil 

Rosemary essential oil has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties and helps reduce muscle spasms. It also has a pleasant, herbal scent that invigorates your senses. 

#5 Geranium Essential Oil

Due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, Geranium essential oil is one of the best essential oils for numbness and pain caused by nerve damage. Regular massages with geranium oil (properly diluted in a carrier oil), can help in pain relief and reduce inflammation.  

#6 WOW’s Sore No More Essential Oil Blend 

WOW Sore No More Essential Oil Blend has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which make it effective in easing muscle soreness and stiffness associated with arthritis, severe training, or an incorrect posture. This synergistic blend contains six pure essential oils for neuropathy that have been used for ages to ease movement and reduce muscle pain.

#7 WOW’s Cold Soother Essential Oil Blend

WOW Cold Soother Essential Oil Blend naturally reduces neuropathy-related pain and inflammation. It contains seven potent essentials, including eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, basil, cinnamon leaf, and myrrh, which work well on reducing muscle soreness. 

How to use essential oils for numbness

Topical applications

Add 12 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, and use the blend to gently massage the affected areas. 

Add them to your bath water

Essential oils may also be added to your bath water, but don’t skip on diluting them, as they will float on top and get in direct contact with your skin.

Use these two key ways that you can use essential oils for numbness and tingling, as well as neuropathy, and you will surely spot a difference. 

Check out WOW Skin Science collection of essential oils, and test them out even today.