10 Essential Oils For Trigeminal Neuralgia

Essential Oils For Trigeminal Neuralgia:

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a long-term pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve is the 5th cranial nerve, that arises from the brainstem inside the skull. This nerve divides into 3 branches and then exits the skull to supply movement and feeling to the face:

  • mandibular division – it provides movement of the muscles involved in chewing, biting, and swallowing; it also provides sensation to the lower lip and jaw;
  • maxillary division – it provides sensation to the upper lip, cheek, and roof of the mouth;
  • ophthalmic division – it provides sensation to the forehead and eye.

Trigeminal neuralgia is a form of neuropathic pain (pain that is associated with nerve lesions or nerve injury). The pain can be brought on by mild stimulation of the face, like – shaving or brushing your teeth.

The disorder can occur at any age, but it is most often seen in people over the age of 50. It is reported that over 151,000 individuals are diagnosed with TN every year.

Symptoms

TN symptoms may include one or more of the following:

  • attacks that become more intense over time;
  • pain spread in a wider pattern or focused in one spot;
  • pain affecting one side of the face at a time, nevertheless, it may occasionally affect both sides of the face;
  • pain in areas supplied by the trigeminal nerve, including the jaw, teeth, cheek, lips, gums, or less often, the forehead and eye;
  • a constant burning feeling which may occur before it evolves into the spasm-like pain of TN;
  • episodes of several attacks lasting several days, weeks, months, or longer;
  • bouts of pain lasting from several seconds to a few minutes;
  • spontaneous attacks of pain or attacks that are triggered by things like chewing, touching the face, brushing teeth, or speaking;
  • episodes of shooting, severe, or jabbing pain which may feel like an electric shock.

Causes

The precise cause of TN is not known, however, it is commonly believed to be caused by an underlying condition that affects the trigeminal nerve or compression of this nerve.

Conditions that can cause TN are:

  • multiple sclerosis, a condition that damages the myelin sheath, which is the protective coating around nerves;
  • a tumor or a swollen blood vessel that puts pressure on the trigeminal nerve;
  • collagen vascular diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma;
  • Lyme disease (the most common tick-borne illness in Europe and North America);
  • sarcoidosis (an inflammatory disease that can affect multiple areas of the body).

Triggers

Attacks of TN may be triggered by the following:

  • talking;
  • touching the skin lightly;
  • smiling;
  • washing;
  • applying makeup;
  • encountering a light breeze;
  • drinking cold or hot beverages;
  • blowing the nose;
  • brushing teeth;
  • shaving.

Note – due to the intensity of the pain, some affected people may avoid social contact or daily activities as they fear an impending attack.

Treatment

Common treatments include:

  • Lamotrigine (Lamictal) – it may be prescribed for multiple sclerosis suferrers who develop TN;
  • surgery or radiation therapy;
  • phenytoin (Dilantin), baclofen (sold under the brand name Lioresal), Gabapentin (Gabarone, Neurontin), carbamazepine (a medication which is used mainly in the treatment of neuropathic pain and epilepsy).

Here Is A List Of 10 Essential Oils For Trigeminal Neuralgia:

#1 Lavender

Its calming and relaxing aroma can assist with sleep and can help alleviate the stress which exacerbates pain. Also, it is helpful for all types of nerve pain and a universal natural remedy for neuralgia (a burning, stabbing, and frequently severe pain caused by a damaged or irritated nerve) as well as TN.

Also, the lavender essential oil can be an effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic remedy, according to a 2016 study.

#2 Bergamot

Some studies concluded that bergamot essential oil inhibits the sharp, stabbing pain related to neuropathy. It can be mixed with a carrier oil like coconut oil and massaged into the sore body part, or it can be applied directly to the affected area.

#3 Tea Tree

It is well known for its potent anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and analgesic properties.

#4 Rosemary

Being anti-rheumatic, this essential oil can improve respiration and suppress muscle spasms. Also, it helps to remove lactic acid and relax the muscle fibers. Additionally, rosemary oil is a mild pain reliever that increases circulation and helps with neuralgia and sciatica.

#5 Peppermint

It helps relieve pain, relax muscles, increase circulation, provide nervous system support, and improve respiration.

#6 Helichrysum

The health benefits of this essential oil are numerous and are known to treat numerous ailments owing to its natural anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, helichrysum essential oil supports the healing of joints, nerves, and muscles.

#7 Geranium

This oil is known to decrease neuropathic pain on contact while boosting healing cells in areas of nerve damage. Also, it is an essential anti-inflammatory oil that improves circulation.

#8 Black Pepper

One 2016 study established that black pepper essential oil possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive properties.

Moreover, it increases circulation and acts as an analgesic and tonic for the nervous system. Additionally, it is a known pain reliever for toning the muscles and sciatica.

#9 Balsam Fir

Balsam fir essential oil has been used for centuries as an herbal pain reliever due to its potent chemicals, which help sufferers with TN symptoms.

#10 Chamomile

Roman chamomile essential oil fights anxiety and uplifts the mood. Also, it compliments other pain-relieving oils from lavender, geranium, bergamot, and frankincense oils.

Home Remedies

#1 Massage

A massage can serve a variety of purposes, such as:

  • promoting a sense of well-being and relaxation;
  • gently relieving muscle tension and pain;
  • stimulating blood flow in the body.

#2 B-Complex Vitamins

According to some specialists, B-complex vitamins can help in the control of nerve pain. Foods rich in B-complex vitamins include:

  • navy beans;
  • radicchio;
  • persimmon;
  • plantain;
  • loquat;
  • mamey sapote;
  • breadfruit;
  • chickpeas;
  • tomatoes;
  • broccoli;
  • radishes;
  • cauliflower;
  • mangoes;
  • red kidney beans;
  • garlic;
  • apples;
  • onion;
  • cabbage;
  • pineapples;
  • mangosteen;
  • oranges;
  • sweet potatoes;
  • quinoa;
  • walnuts;
  • almonds
  • hazelnuts;
  • Brazil nuts;
  • zucchini;
  • avocadoes;
  • sweet peppers.

#3 Rest and Extra Sleep

The human body repairs itself during sleep, therefore, giving it more time to do so may substantially reduce symptoms quicker.

READ THIS NEXT: Essential Oils for Vulvodynia (Vulval Pain)

References

https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Trigeminal-Neuralgia-
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4348120/
http://n.neurology.org/content/87/2/220