Trigeminal Neuralgia: 16 Natural Remedies for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a severe medical condition that can cause sudden, intense, and painful episodes, usually on a particular side of your face, affecting daily activities. Surgical procedures for trigeminal neuralgia usually only suppress the symptoms for a determined amount of time. Still, other forms of medication can provide you relief from these short, sporadic, and excruciating episodes. Besides medications and surgery, home remedies can provide you with relief. Consider the natural remedies for trigeminal neuralgia I will soon discuss in this post.

You will learn the following from this post:

• Meaning of trigeminal neuralgia
• Symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia
• Causes of trigeminal neuralgia
• Complementary therapies for trigeminal neuralgia
• Natural remedies for trigeminal neuralgia

What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia is a serious pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation to your brain right from your face. If you are a victim of trigeminal neuralgia, even mild stimulation of your face – such as putting on makeup or brushing your teeth – may trigger a jolt of excruciating pain.

Initially, you may only experience short, mild attacks. But the condition can progress and result in longer, more-frequent bouts of searing pain. Women suffer from trigeminal neuralgia more than men, and the condition is more likely to occur in people older than 50.

There are a series of treatment options for the condition, therefore having trigeminal neuralgia does not mean that you must suffer a lifetime of pain. Most doctors effectively manage the condition with surgery, injections or medications. However, some herbalists have discovered natural remedies for trigeminal neuralgia that work effectively against the condition.

Types of Neuralgia

Types of Neuralgia

Below are the types of neuralgia:

Postherpetic Neuralgia

This kind of neuralgia occurs as a complication of shingles and may affect any part of the body. Shingle is an infection that causes painful rash and blisters. Neuralgia can arise wherever there is an outbreak of shingles. The pain from neuralgia can range from mild to severe and persistent to intermittent. The condition can also last for months or even years.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

This particular neuralgia is a pretty common one, and it results from pain from the trigeminal nerve, which moves from the brain to various parts of the face. The pain can result from a blood vessel pressing down on the nerve where it meets with the brainstem. Trigeminal neuralgia can also be due to multiple sclerosis, nerve injury, or other causes. Trigeminal neuralgia triggers severe recurrent pain in the face, often on one side.

Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia

Pain resulting from the glossopharyngeal nerve, whose location is in the throat, is not very common. This kind of neuralgia creates pain in the throat and neck.

Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Symptoms arising from trigeminal neuralgia may include one or more of these patterns:

• Attacks that are significantly more intense and frequent over time
• Pain that focuses on a particular spot or spreads in a broader pattern
• Pain that affects one side of the face at a time, though it may rarely affect either side of the face
• Pain in areas of the trigeminal nerve, including the lips, gums, teeth, jaw, cheek, or less often the forehead and eye.
• Constant burning, aching feeling that may arise before it becomes spasm-like pain of trigeminal neuralgia
• Episodes of several attacks that last for days, weeks, months, or even years – in between, some people experience periods of no pain
• Bouts of pain that last for a few seconds or several minutes
• Spontaneous attacks or attacks triggered by things like brushing teeth, speaking, chewing, or touching the face
• Episodes of severe, jabbing, or shooting pain that may feel like an electric shock

Other known symptoms include:

• Regular aches and pains
• Short bursts of intense pain
• Numbness and/or a tingling sensation

Also, the following activities trigger the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia:

• When a strong gust of breeze or the wind blows on your face
• Applying any pressure or impact to your face, especially to your jawline or cheek
• Smiling and talking
• Using mouthwash, flossing, and brushing your teeth
• Eating and drinking
• Touching your face for whatever reason (washing the face, applying makeup, shaving)

Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Another word for trigeminal neuralgia is tic douloureux. There is often a disruption of the trigeminal nerve whenever this condition arises. Usually, the problem is the relationship between a typical blood vessel (a vein or an artery), including the trigeminal nerve at the base of the brain. The contact between these two puts pressure on the nerve and makes it malfunction.

Trigeminal neuralgia can arise due to aging, or it may be due to multiple sclerosis or a similar disorder that destroys the myelin sheath that protects certain nerves. The condition can also result from a tumor compressing the trigeminal nerve.

Some people may experience trigeminal neuralgia due to brain lesions or other abnormalities. In other cases, facial trauma, stroke, or surgical injuries may be responsible for the condition.

Triggers of Trigeminal Neuralgia Pain

Various triggers may set off the pain of trigeminal neuralgia, such as:

• Washing your face
• Smiling
• Encountering a breeze
• Applying makeup
• Talking
• Brushing your teeth
• Drinking
• Eating
• Touching your face
• Shaving

An MRI scan may detect the signs of some of the underlying causes of trigeminal neuralgia. Primary trigeminal neuralgia is not a result of any other condition. It often happens due to a blood vessel pressing on a nerve. An MRI can pick up on this in some cases, but it’s not every time. In most cases, no one can tell the causes of trigeminal neuralgia.

Complementary Therapies for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Besides natural remedies for trigeminal neuralgia, there are other approaches you can use with drug therapy, such as:

• Low-impact exercise
• Aromatherapy
• Meditation
• Creative visualization
• Yoga

Additional therapies you may find helpful include the following:

• Nutritional therapy
• Vitamin therapy
• Biofeedback
• Supporting therapy or counseling
• Chiropractic
• Acupuncture

Even though these therapy procedures have proved pretty effective, the natural remedies for trigeminal neuralgia are relatively safe and pretty effective.

16 Natural Remedies for Trigeminal Neuralgia

16 Natural Remedies for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Natural remedies for trigeminal neuralgia, which are currently available for the treatment of the condition, are pretty safe, so most patients choose them to treat their trigeminal neuralgia. There are various home remedies for the condition that comes in home-based ingredients and some essential oils and herbs that can effectively relieve patients suffering from the condition. Some of the most popular home remedies against trigeminal neuralgia that claim to offer aid are available below:

1. Rosemary

Rosemary is available to treat many diseases associated with the nervous system, such as migraine, fear, insomnia, and anxiety. In addition, Rosemary is ideal for the treatment of nervous system dysfunction.

2. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint does not only provide a cooling effect and sensation to the skin; its antispasmodic properties release tension and strengthen and soothe stressed or damaged nerves. In addition, menthol is a crucial element of peppermint and helps stimulate the central nervous system.

3. Herbs

Herbs aid in managing the pain of trigeminal neuralgia through topical consumption and application in supplement form, depending on the indication.

4. Meadowsweet

This remedy has both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that improve pain resulting from trigeminal neuralgia. In trigeminal neuralgia, the acid level in the body rises. Meadowsweet is effective in relieving pain.

5. Fresh Juice

Prepare fresh juice of avocado and carrot. Avocado is an excellent source of vitamins B3 and B5. Carrot is an excellent source of vitamins A, B2, B5, C, and folic acid. This juice nourishes the nerve by giving it all the essential nutrients it needs. Drink this fresh juice of avocado and carrot at least once each day.

6. Almond Milk

Taking almond drain provides you with essential supplements effective for battling trigeminal neuralgia. It is perfect for making almond drain at home rather than buying bundled packs as it will provide a person with all the benefits of almonds. Nutritionists know that almond is a rich wellspring of vitamin B, essential for treating trigeminal neuralgia.

7. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha oil is one of the natural remedies for trigeminal neuralgia. Ashwagandha contains both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The remedy can aid nerve pain and speed up healing by boosting your immune system. You can directly apply ashwagandha to your skin in the form of a massage.

8. Vitamin B12 Supplementation

This vitamin helps boost the function of the nerve. This is most important if you are vegan or vegetarian, as you may possess lesser than the vitamins that your body needs.

9. Carom Seeds

Another name for carom seed is Ajwain. This herb is pretty beneficial and is also one of the most common herbs you may find in every kitchen. Carom seeds serve as a mild laxative. It removes gas from the stomach, prevents stomach aches, and improves digestion. Caroms seeds are effective for trigeminal neuralgia and other pains, such as stiffness, body pain, and abdominal pain.

10. Cayenne Pepper

This pepper contains a compound known as capsaicin which is an excellent analgesic. You can also use cayenne pepper in ointment form. You can also mix the pepper with a few drops of carrier oil, such as olive oil. Finally, apply the mixture to the base of your neck or any areas affected by trigeminal neuralgia.

11. Magnesium

Magnesium is essential for the health of trigeminal neuralgia, myelin sheath, and nerve fibers. Magnesium will help restore the normal function of the trigeminal nerve through the restoration of the myelin sheath; it will also assist in lessening any inflammation and swelling.

12. Vitamins A and C

Vitamin A fastens the healing capabilities and boosts immunity. Vitamin C helps in the release of anti-stress hormones. In that case, adding diets rich in vitamins A and C will help in the proper functioning of the nervous system. Some foods rich in vitamins A and C are sweet potato, frozen peas, tomatoes, parsley, mango, kale, cabbage, broccoli, carrots, spinach, amla, apricot, etc.

13. Capsaicin and Turmeric

As already mentioned, cayenne pepper contains a compound called capsaicin. If you have cayenne pepper at home, you will have access to capsaicin, which is an excellent analgesic. Some ointments contain capsaicin. Also, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, a combination of turmeric and cayenne pepper can effectively treat trigeminal pain. You can make a paste of cayenne pepper by adding a few drops of olive oil and turmeric. Afterward, apply it to the base of your neck or any area of your body affected by the condition.

14. Holy Basil

Another name for holy basil is ‘Tulsi”, commonly calling it the ‘Elixir of Life’. Holy basil acts as a stress regulator and prevents nerve pains associated with trigeminal neuralgia. Holy basil is an effective herb used for over 300 years due to its incredible healing powers. Holy basil contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins A and K, manganese, and sodium.

15. Ginger

Ginger oil contains a compound known as Zingibain, which famously has potent anti-inflammatory properties and counteracts inflammation. The application of ginger oil to an affected part may help alleviate the pain resulting from the inflammatory conditions.

16. Yoga

Yoga teaches us that pain manifests excessive speed of vital energy, also known as prana. Each time we are lost in thoughts in times of stress, there is a pulling of the prana to the brain. Excessive prana in the brain results in blockage and construction of prana nadis. A person experiences severe pain when there is a trigger of too many sensory nerves. The following relaxation techniques may give you relief:

• Slow breathing can help slow down the speed of the mind, which will help alleviate pain
• Alter the speed of fast and slow breathing, and then follow it with a deep rest
• Defocus the angle of pain by increasing awareness to a broader area
• Practice alternative nostril breathing
• Perform such exercises as jogging, shoulder rotation, neck movement, etc.

Final Thoughts

Trigeminal neuralgia is not life-threatening, but it can alter the practical function of one’s life. You may become scared of performing certain normal activities because they may bring about short, intense, and painful episodes. Thankfully, however, there are natural remedies for trigeminal neuralgia that can help you live a normal, relatively pain-free life.