Natural relief for Trigeminal Neuralgia

[vwick77]

Hello friends!!

As I have been dealing with my recent DX of TN I have also read others posts on there pain with this horrible condition.  

I have been looking into some home remedies , natural remedies to ease the pain, hope others find this helpful :)

CAYENNE PEPPER
The Clayton College of Natural Health mentions the topical use of capsaicin cream or cayenne pepper, also called capsicum, for pain relief for trigeminal neuralgia. Capsaicin cream is available for purchase in pharmacies. Alternatively, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be mixed with olive oil or other unscented facial cream and applied to the painful area. Both capsaicin and cayenne pepper may produce hypersensitivity of the skin and the affected nerve. Discontinue use if this occurs. People who bleed easily should avoid using cayenne pepper.

Wellness to all of you!

Valarie

[dogmum]

Glad to hear it! I called for information but then my TN disappeared and I never tried. Do you have TN?

[Joiedecour]

I totally like natural remedies but PLEASE be careful. As an example, I bought a small spray bottle of eucalyptus oil while I was picking up some tea tree oil. I just like the smell of eucalyptus and saw it on the shelf. Anyways, I bought it, sprayed it on my wrists and drove on to a bookstore. As I was driving I felt my throat dry and then tighten but didn't think anything of it until I was in bookstore, googled eucalyptus oil on my phone and found it can be toxic when applied in sufficient strength transdermally. Kinda shocked it was so available, in such a readily accessible format. So DO please be careful folks.

[Joiedecour]

I totally like natural remedies but PLEASE be careful. As an example, I bought a small spray bottle of eucalyptus oil while I was picking up some tea tree oil. I just like the smell of eucalyptus and saw it on the shelf. Anyways, I bought it, sprayed it on my wrists and drove on to a bookstore. As I was driving I felt my throat dry and then tighten but didn't think anything of it until I was in bookstore, googled eucalyptus oil on my phone and found it can be toxic when applied in sufficient strength transdermally. Kinda shocked it was so available, in such a readily accessible format. So DO please be careful folks.

[teresa1964]

i go once a month .. it really works

[dogmum]

I've looked into this a bit more and am concerned that it might make things worse.  Maybe not, but I'm too chicken to try.  :)

I've decided to go ahead with reflexology and maybe acupuncture.  It might all be for nothing, but I figure it's worth a try.  

That's interesting that your friend gets botox, Valarie.  That actually makes sense that it might help.  I'm going to keep that one in the back of my mind and might try that one too if these don't work.  

Best to you..

[twopack]

A commercially manufactured formula of capsaicin might be worth a try to control TN pain but it needs to be used with GREAT caution on the face.  Make sure you read the label carefully before purchase please.  I used the stuff years ago and it was too much on an extremity.  I'd never chance it on my face.

Be aware that although capsaicin can be used to reduce the pain of diabetic neuropathy it needs to be applied regularly (at least twice a day) for several weeks before you'll know how effective it will be.  I'm not sure the nature of TN pain is even comparable to peripheral neuropathy.

I wouldn't think a home brew would be a good idea at all!!  How would you know the correct strength or make it the same way twice?  Just my opinion but I wouldn't be willing to risk burns to tender facial skin.  Heck, steroid creams aren't even safe to use on your face!!

Personally, I think a good pain management specialist is your best bet when trying to survive long term facial nerve pain.

[vwick77]

I completely understand what your saying!  I'm gonna be doing a test area on myself and when any TN pain starts I am going to patch my eye to keep any from my eye, this stuff is strong but also has amazing natural benefits for pain so worth a try with a pain like TN

Laura

I have heard pros and cons with acupuncture, also it may take a few visits to receive benefits, but always worth a try.  I have a friend that had TN also and she gets Botox in and around that area to reduce the pain.  

[PastorDan]

I will simply say that I am skeptical.  Cayenne pepper, capsicum, and/or capsaicin should be handled with great care.  If you are familiar with Buffalo wings, red hot or tabasco sauce, this is the basic ingredient that makes them hot.  If it gets near the eyes, nose, or mouth, or if you get it in any cuts or other openings in the skin, you could wind up in tremendous pain.

Applied to sore muscles, capsaicin creme can be an effective treatment, but please use great care.  Keep yourself near lots of gentle soap and cool water.

[dogmum]

Thanks for the tip.  I'm going to look into it and might try it today.  I've been looking for natural "remedies" to try to at least take the edge off while I wait for my neuro appointment and meds.  Has anyone tried acupuncture?  

It seems that a bunch of us are dealing with TN right now.  :(

Laura  

[vwick77]

Not with cayenne pepper, the capsaicin is supposed to be a natural pain reliever!

I'm gonna arm myself for any future episode like I had this past weekend!

I will let u and others know how well or not well it helps :)

[PastorDan]

Valarie, do you have any experience with these substances?