Carpal tunnel syndrome is a disorder of the hand and wrist, caused by pressure on the median nerve, as it passes into the hand.
Any condition that puts pressure on the median nerve at the wrist can cause CTS. This syndrome can be made worse if the wrist is overextended regularly.
Some conditions that can lead to this syndrome consist of – high blood pressure, obesity, fluid retention during pregnancy, arthritis, hypothyroidism, diabetes, over-activity of the pituitary gland, rheumatoid arthritis, and trauma.
CTS symptoms are commonly intermittent and usually start during the night. They include:
- pain in the hand or fingers;
- difficulty making a fist;
- pain in the shoulder and upper arm;
- tingling and numbness of the hand, particularly the index, the thumb, and middle fingers.
Here are ten essential oils for carpal tunnel syndrome pain relief:
#1 Arnica
Arnica has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, attributed to its thymol derivatives. It is a remarkable natural remedy for carpal tunnel and ideally can help patients to avoid surgery.
#2 Lemon
Extracted from the Citrus Limonum plant, it has been used for at least 1,000 years to treat numerous health ailments and conditions. It relieves and soothes migraines and headaches and is helpful for arthritis and rheumatism.
Furthermore, lemon has astringent properties which lower excess sebum on the skin by shrinking large pores.
#3 Lemongrass
Produced by steam distillation from Cymbopogon citratus plant, it is renowned for its anti-depressant, antiseptic, bactericidal, antimicrobial, analgesic, fungicidal, astringent, and anti-depressant properties.
Lemongrass is also an amazing overall tonic for the physical body and it enhances the parasympathetic nervous system.
#4 Wintergreen
Made from the leaves of a tree native to North America – Wintergreen, smells great in your home and has potent antibacterial properties. Moreover, it is a pain reliever and can uplift your mood and help you relax.
#5 Eucalyptus
Extracted from the dried leaves of the eucalyptus tree, it is applied directly to the skin to relieve swelling and pain of respiratory tract mucous membranes, genital herpes, joint pain, and nasal stuffiness.
You just need to add a few drops of Eucalyptus to almond or coconut oil and apply it on the affected area with an easy rubbing motion.
#6 Angelica root
Produced by steam distilled from the dried seeds and roots of the Angelica plant, it is a proven natural remedy in purifying the lymph system, improving blood circulation, and lowering uric acid levels.
More importantly, it has a relaxing effect on the mind, the body, and the nervous system. Just add a few drops of angelica root to a carrier oil and make a lovely massage potion.
#7 Marjoram
Produced by steam distillation of both dried and fresh leaves of the Origanum Majorana plant, it has a long history of traditional medicinal and culinary use.
It also has calming and anti-inflammatory properties and is effective at relieving tension.
#8 German chamomile
German chamomile has one of the most potent anti-inflammatory active substances of any natural remedy. In addition, it contains compounds that may stop the growth of viruses, bacteria, and fungi and reduce swelling.
Note – it may irritate sensitive skin, hence, it is recommended dilution in a carrier oil.
#9 Lavender
Usually produced from the Lavender plants by steam distillation, it relieves pain when used for arthritis, rheumatism, muscular aches and pains, and lumbago.
It has a fresh, light aroma that blends well with different natural remedies including Pine Needle, Cedarwood, Geranium, Clary Sage, and Nutmeg.
#10 Peppermint
The powerful organic substances in peppermint have a calming effect on the muscles of the digestive tract, plus, it is able to provide relief from depression, stress, and mental exhaustion. It is suggested to dilute it with a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond.
Other natural home remedies for carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Bromelain;
- Curcumin;
- Vitamin B6;
- Ginkgo biloba;
- Aspirin;
- John’s wort;
- Magnesium;
- Wear splints on your wrists during the night;
- Yoga;
- Acupuncture.
Foods to avoid:
Avoid foods that are high in saturated fats and cholesterol. Switching to a plant-based diet can help reduce the stress on your arteries.
Limit vegetable oils intake – the blood pressure-raising effect of the heated vegetable oils is linked to an increase in blood pressure.
Lower salt consumption – foods high in salt cause more fluid retention, creating temporary fluid weight gain, which may lead to hypertension.
Top foods for carpal tunnel syndrome:
Pineapple for its bromelain content.
Spices and herbs with anti-inflammatory properties, such as – garlic, cloves, turmeric, thyme, black pepper, rosemary, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, ginger, cardamom, basil, cilantro, sage, or oregano.
High magnesium foods – bananas, avocados, black beans, pinto beans, red kidney beans, kale, collard greens, spinach, turnip greens, mustard greens, nuts, cashews, walnuts, almonds, lentils, peas, chickpeas, soybeans, chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, oats, wheat, wild rice, barley, millet, quinoa, buckwheat.
Potassium-rich foods – white beans, red kidney beans, lentils, lima beans, spinach, winter squash, cashew, almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, Brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli, dried apricots, dates, tomatoes, potatoes, pomegranate, sweet potatoes, avocados, zucchini, mushrooms, cantaloupe, and bananas.
High-fiber foods – lentils, red kidney beans, black beans, lima beans, chickpeas, artichokes, tomatoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, turnips, peas, cauliflower, okra, acorn squash, carrots, chia seeds, flax seeds, pistachio nuts, pecans, almonds, figs, raisins, barley, quinoa, corn, oats, oats bran, sweet potatoes, avocados, apples, pears, oranges, mangoes, bananas, strawberries, and raspberries.
Foods rich in vitamin B6 – spinach, broccoli, bananas, durian, red bell peppers, yams, asparagus, pistachio nuts, peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, avocados, chickpeas, soybeans, peas, red kidney beans, lentils, prunes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and turmeric.
Tip
Drink plenty of fluids.
References https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10933448 http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/ https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00032227