Before we start looking at essential oils for nerve pain, it is important that we understand that there are different types of nerve pain. The most popular are neuropathy and neuralgia.
Neuralgia happens when there is no inflammation or damage to the nerve but recurrent pain happens along its pathway.
Neuropathy is most recognized as a tingly feeling that spreads in the hands and feet. It is caused by damage to a peripheral nerve.
REMEMBER TO FIRST CONSULT WITH A PHYSICIAN FOR ANY NEW OR WORSENING SYMPTOMS!
Nerve pain can be caused by any of the following contributing issues and these include.
Although this is not an all-inclusive list, it will give you some idea of the potential causes for your nerve pain before you begin treating it with essential oils.
So keep reading to find out!
Geranium 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil by Edens Garden- 5 mlPlant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil. 100% Undiluted, Therapeutic Grade. 10 mlBasil 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil by Edens Garden- 10 ml
Always, do a skin patch test prior to topically using an essential oil you have never used before!
See my sections for more about essential oil safety:
The two different kinds of nerve pain constitute the necessity for essential oils that are specific to the causality.
Since I cannot determine which form of pain you are experiencing, I decided to provide you with the benefits of those essential oils that can be utilized in either case.
This way, you can begin relieving your nerve pain without hesitation or need for clarification of causality.
Once you have relieved some of your pain, it will probably make finding the underlying issue more bearable.
The antispasmodic qualities of peppermint make it hugely beneficial in attempts to relieve nerve pain. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antimicrobial properties as well. Because it also contains a significant amount of menthol, it may help ease tension and pain allowing you to feel more relaxed. It is also one of the best essential oils for arthritis pain.
Lavender is very well known for its pain-relieving qualities. In fact, it has been used for centuries to bring relief to people experiencing migraines and other headaches.
It contains a mild sedative that helps bring on relaxation and relieve tension. And, it also has anti-inflammatory properties, which make it a good essential oil for topical application to painful areas.
You can use it in a diffuser too because inhaling has been shown to create a pain-relieving experience.
If you are suffering from knee pain, muscle aches, or back pain associated with your nerve issues, geranium is highly recommended.
It has even been shown to help relieve the pain associated with the shingles virus.
In fact, it could be considered one of the best essential oils for nerve pain caused by shingles. It is safer than a host of other anti-inflammatory drugs and can offer similar positive effects. It may help reduce inflammatory skin responses too.
Geranium 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil by Edens Garden- 5 mlPlant Therapy Geranium Egyptian Essential Oil. 100% Pure, 5 ml (1/6 oz).
Basil essential oil is an exceptional antispasmodic, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory oil utilized in nerve pain relief.
Like lavender, it has been used for centuries in this capacity. Perhaps its analgesic properties are what offer the greatest amount of relief to people enduring nerve pain.
You are welcome to use these essential oils on their own to determine which ones have the greatest effects on your nerve pain issues.
However, if you would like to make a blend to add some extra strength to your pain fighting, here is an essential oil recipe for nerve pain you can use:
This is a 5% dilution. You should only use it for one to two weeks at the most for moderate-severe pain!
The original recipe I had was a 10% essential oil dilution. (20 drops of each of the listed essential oils). Even though that is a strong dilution percentage, it may sometimes be needed.
I always recommend trying a lower dilution amount first for a couple of days before going to a stronger dilution. Remember, a stronger dilution is only recommended for very short term use.
You can always decrease the amount in the blend to use it for a more extended period. I would recommend a 2 to 3% dilution for a healthy adult. For this you would put 4 to 6 drops of each listed essential oil together (total of 12 to 18 drops) with the 1 oz (30 ml) carrier oil of your choice.
You could probably add peppermint as well. But I am certain that the three listed above will blend well with one another.
You will need a carrier oil to make this blend. Jojoba is frequently used in massage treatments where essential oils are being applied.
But, you could use fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond or olive oil interchangeably.
Plant Therapy Coconut (Fractionated) Carrier Oil 4 oz100% Pure Carrier Oil VARIETY-4 PACK- 4 OunceEssenzia Essential Oil Tools & Accessories – Carrier Oil Kit
Now that you know which oils will work best for your nerve pain, it is a good idea to apply them to the painful areas a couple of times a day.
Then, do your best to determine whether you are suffering from neuralgia or neuropathy. That will help you do further research on more pain specific essential oils.
When dealing with neuralgia, yarrow, peppermint, nutmeg, geranium, rosemary, sandalwood, ginger, clove, basil, clary sage, lavender, and tarragon are recommended.
Whereas, neuropathy necessitates peppermint, geranium, juniper berry, helichrysum, lemongrass, lavender, basil, cypress, tangerine, marjoram, blue tansy, patchouli, and ylang ylang extract.
You can see that the 4 essential oils recommended in this post can be used for either neuralgia or neuropathy nerve pains.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not intend to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. It is always recommended that you seek the advise of your private medical doctor.
Comments
Can you make a bath salt using these oils? I love soaking in the tub and have been told by doctors I have gout in my hands.
Yes Colleen you can use them for bath salt. Sorry to hear that you have gout in your hands.
Hello sir I am Gulrahman Qubadi I have problem with my hand all three nerves damaged and now I can’t fist or close my hand what should I do actually nerve was caught but repair by Doctors still not working thank you gqubadi@gmail.com
So sorry to hear about the problem with your hand. I am not a medical doctor. You sound like you need a hand surgeon, or a neuro surgeon to take a look at the hand. Essential oils may help with the discomfort and inflammation, but they cannot repair a severed nerve. I hope you find a good hand specialist who can help you! Thanks for visiting my site! D’Ann
For gout a chiropractor told me a long time ago to use cherry juice…. unsweetened, concentrate, 1 to 2 oz mixed with water or your favorite beverage, everyday til container of juice is gone. Should relieve pain… starts up again… start another bottle. Great for repetitive joints you use.
Used this for years!
My husband has neuropathy in both feet and legs. It is now moving to his hands. He also has restless leg syndrome. He is on the highest pain meds they will give him and it still has his pain level at a 5 on a good day. I don’t have access to roller ball bottles, can this be fixed with lotions and which would you suggest. Thank you.
I’m sorry to hear about your husband’s condition Rhonda. Yes you can add the essential oils to his lotion. Natural unscented lotion is always better. You can even make a balm using only coconut oil and the essential oils!
I also have neuropathy in my feet and legs. I’m in pain most of the night, trying to keep my legs cool . I’m 82 fed up with the medication I have taken for years, Now looking for more natural help. Thank you
Kathleen.
when my husband has a gout flare he drinks organic black cherry juice, make sure it both organic and black cherry. tart cherry doesn’t work as quickly, and most non-organic cherry juices have no cherry in them. we buy it at publix grocery store, and walmart
HI Carol, I have been making pain salve now for about a yr, and found that adding Hypericum (st johns wort) is also very good for painful nerve conditions. I started adding it to the salve and have had great feedback. I also add arnica, knit bone (comfrey) and cannabis infused oils as the carrier, lavender and lemon balm essential oils and beeswax and shea butter to firm it up.
Hi Liz,
I am happy to hear that your pain salve is working great for you. And thanks for sharing!
I am never without a few essential oils in my home. Apart from those mentioned here, I’ve read in forums about 2 other essential oils that can provide relief from nerve pain – helichrysum and oregano.
My husband suffers from nerve pain in his lower legs and feet. He says they feel cold all the time. Nothing seems to help. What essential oils could we use to help him. His pulse is good and circulation is good.
Please help!
Hi Charlene,
I am sorry to hear about your husband’s condition. It’s important to note that I am not a medical doctor, so would not know what might be causing his persistent cold legs and feet. Only his doctor can diagnose that. However, check out this post to see some of the best essential oils for cold feet and how to use them. I hope you find the post helpful.
Hi, Carol – I’m very excited about your combination of oils for neuropathy/ neuralgia pain. My husband recently retired, partly because the diabetic neuropathy in his feet and legs made it so painful for him to get around the office and commute over 100 miles a day. I have neuralgia from fibromyalgia and also have severe arthritis in both knees and had to retire on disability. I’m trying to wean myself off of my meds that have the worst side effects and switch to natural pain relief solutions. Thanks so much for the info!
Hi Theresa,
I am really sorry to hear about your/your husband’s health challenges. I hope you find the information here helpful.
Hi Carol – My Mom had a severe case of shingles 2 yrs ago, which has left her with deep scars and continous pain. i am wanting to find a blend to help her. My carrier oil on hand is grapeseed oil, I was wondering if that would work? Or if it would be better if I purchased the coconut oil. I am thinking of adding the peppermint to the blend you have stated. All of your thoughts will be Greatly appreciated! Thanks!!
Hi Pamela,
I’m sorry to hear about your mom’s condition. Yes, you can use grapeseed oil – any carrier oil will work.
Hello both my husband and i have neuropathy his is from diabetes and mine… well I am just one in a million people that just get it lol I have it in both legs and arms/hands… I have been doing a lit of capsule intake and was wondering if I can do this blend in that form as well
Hi Michelle,
I’m sorry to hear about your husband’s and your health challenges. I personally do NOT recommend ingesting essential oils unless you are doing so under the supervision of a certified professional. And NO, you CAN’T do the capsule intake with this blend.
Use cold pressed castor oil as carrier oil it will relieve some pain just with that , I have also used powdered corydalis powder from internet have to look up the brand because I gave the bag to a friend! But must order more, pray to God Believe that his power is for today! And u shall be healed in Jesus name. God bless and your family. I’m on Dialisis 3x week and needle sites hurt a lot without it! And take the weight off your feet legs or arms whatever hurts! Praise Jesus Christ Amen
Hello,i have two uncles,
1-had shingles and is suffering with pain that is left from I guess nerve damage?
2-has Diabetes and suffers pain on top of his feet..
I also have a friend who has Arthritis on her hands..what can I use for all of them..
Same Recipe you have her?
I’m clueless about essential oils but have heard about it..
Hi Lorna,
You can use the recipe here for your two uncles! You may find this article helpful for your friend with arthritis.
My husband is a diabetic with neuropathy in both feet. We’ve been using ginger massage oil. I’m confused should that also be put in a base cream, or roller bottle…
would essential oils be a better choice?
Hi Ellie,
I’m sorry to hear about your husband’s condition. It is important to note that I’m not a medical doctor, so can’t give any medical advice and would suggest you always consult with your doctor for that. That being said, if the ginger oil is working for him, then he should continue using it. You can use the blend recipe in the article if you want to give essential oils a try. You can then compare the results and stick with the one that works best for him. Ensure that his doctor is aware of any natural remedy he is using.
The recipe for the roller ball for shingle pain- is it safe to use on the face? A friend had a severe case of shingles awhile back and has been left with lingering severe pain. His out break was pretty much on his face and in his hair. He has been prescribed some pain meds but isn’t getting a lot of relief. TIA
Hi Lesa,
For nerve pain in the face, I would suggest using half the amounts of essential oils in the recipe.
I am glad I read the comments on this, cuz that’s where my husband is dealing with his nerve pain from having shingles 3 months ago. I just ordered the oils for this recipe, but glad to see to only use half the drops since it’s for his face and by his eye. Thank you for the answers you give back to the questions that are asked. 🙂
How often do you put the balm/oil for the nerve pain on the face? It is on the forehead and around the eye and temple area where he had the shingles, above his eyebrow.
So sorry to hear about your husband! I am not a medical doctor so I have to advise that you discuss using alternative remedies such as this one with his doctor first. That being said if you decide to go ahead and try this recipe I would use cautiously – No more than two times a day – be careful around eye area – wash hand thoroughly after applying- don’t rub eyes. Always do a skin test prior to using an essential oil never used before to make sure no skin reaction/allergy to it! I wish for you and your husband the very best! D’Ann
My sister has neuropathy in her feet and legs. Doctors said there is nothing they can do. There are some days she can’t walk. She has no pain just numbness and nerve damage. What oils can I mix to maybe help her?
Hi Lorraine,
Sorry to hear about your sister’s condition. First, it is important to note that I am not a medical doctor, so can’t diagnose or prescribe treatment for any disease. I would suggest she consult her doctor about the nerve damage. That being said, she can try the recipe in this article and see if it helps improve circulation in her legs.
I have nerve pain down my leg due to back issues. Trying hard not to have a 2nd surgery. After taking prescriptions for pain and nerve I’m starting to notice some of the side effects.
With this blend is it better to put on my back or my foot/leg?
Hi Alison, sorry to hear about your health condition. You can use the essential oil nerve pain blend on both your back and leg since the pain radiates from your back to the leg.
Hi!..I am excited I came across this site. My question to you is, along with the 20 drops of basil, lavender & geranium, is it also 20 drops of peppermint? I know that peppermint is also good for circulation and swelling.
Hi Edith,
You only need basil, lavender and geranium for the recipe. You will need to change the recipe if you want to use peppermint.
How does one choose what brand of essential oils are the best?
Hi Tammy,
You can read this post for information on some of the things to look for when buying essential oils.
You have 4 oils listed for nerve pain but only 3 in the blend. Do you not put Peppermint in your blend? If you do how many drops? Thank you. I personally don’t have this problems yet but have several friends that do and will share with them.
Hi Maenette,
You don’t have to use all the 4 oils for the blend. This is because several essential oils have similar properties, hence they perform the same functions. The 3 used in the recipe are enough to get the job done
Excellent post and wonderful blog, this sort of interesting posts I really like, keep it up…
Thanks for stopping by. Glad you liked the post! D’Ann
💖 👌
Hi. Thanks for the sharing. My aunt ages 68 is currently having problem with holding a pen and cannot write properly. Doc did mentioned that it can something not with the nerve. Not sure whether she felt the pain or not. Can these oils help?
Thanks once again.
If it is a nerve problem it may help, but check with her doctor to make sure that the essential oils will not be contra-indicated with her other medications or possible medical problems!
Thanks for visiting my site. I wish you and your aunt the best! D’Ann