Mailbag: Ease Peripheral Neuropathy Nerve Pain NATURALLY
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted January 28, 2025
“What is your position on peripheral neuropathy?”
—On Pins and Needles
Hi Pins,
Peripheral neuropathy is a challenging condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the hands and feet.
Many folks describe neuropathies as feeling like pins and needles, tingling, or burning.
When I have patients with this condition, I suggest focusing on the overall health of their nervous system for some relief…
Nutritional support:
- B-complex, especially B12, B6, and B1 (thiamine), are crucial for nerve health—deficiencies can contribute to neuropathy pain.
- Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that can reduce neuropathic pain and improve nerve function.
- Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, which can reduce neuropathy symptoms.
Herbal remedies:
- Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which may improve nerve function.
- Ginkgo biloba can improve circulation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to your nerves and reducing symptoms.
- Turmeric (curcumin) is a potent anti-inflammatory that can reduce peripheral neuropathy pain.
Supplements aren’t your only options. In fact, combining them with other natural solutions can lead to even better results…
- Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses tiny needles inserted into the skin, can reduce pain and improve nerve function for some folks with peripheral neuropathy.
- When diluted with a carrier oil and applied topically, peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus essential oils can alleviate nerve pain and discomfort.
- Regular, gentle exercise improves circulation and can help manage neuropathy symptoms.
- For those with diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy, maintaining stable blood sugar levels through diet and lifestyle changes is crucial for managing symptoms.
Not all approaches work for everyone—but combinations of these natural approaches have often worked for my patients.
If you haven’t already, be sure to consult your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of your peripheral neuropathy and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Regular monitoring and adjusting your approach as needed will give you the best chance at finding relief.
P.S. Check out these foot care tips for folks with diabetes.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
A New Reason to Ditch Processed Junk
If you’ve ever walked the inside aisles of your local grocery store and thought, “This is all just junk,” your instincts were spot on. A new study published in the journal Thorax just added another red flag to the list of dangers linked to ultra-processed food—a 41 percent higher risk of lung cancer. That’s right....
When Being Winded on Stairs Is Serious (And When It Isn’t)
I had an athlete visit me recently because he experienced shortness of breath while climbing stairs. He is in great shape, so he was worried about what it might mean. “Doc,” he said, “I run five miles three times a week. Why am I huffing and puffing after two flights of stairs?” His concern is...
Study EXPOSES Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Car
We think of our homes and cars as safe havens. But according to a startling new study, they may be flooding your lungs with microscopic plastic particles—every single day. Researchers in France recently found that adults inhale an average of 68,000 microplastic particles daily from indoor air alone. To put that in perspective, that’s about...
Mailbag: Is Modern Food Making You Snore?
“What can cause snoring, and is there a way to correct this issue?” —Seeking Silence Hi Seeking, Snoring happens when the soft tissues in your throat relax and vibrate as air passes through during sleep. While several factors can cause snoring—from sleep position to nasal congestion—I want to share one trigger that might surprise you....
Simple Food Swap SLASHES Dementia Risk 28%
Let’s be honest… who would jump at the chance to cut their dementia risk by 28 percent. And no, you don’t need to run marathons, survive on broccoli, or learn to play the zither (whatever that is) to make it happen. All it takes is one easy swap—something that’s probably already in your refrigerator. Researchers...
This SMART Floss Exposes Hidden Health Danger
Scientists have created dental floss that doesn’t just clean between your teeth—it also tracks your stress while you’re flossing. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Great—now even flossing is going to stress me out by telling me how stressed I am.” But this fascinating new tool from Tufts University could be a game-changer for understanding...
Is This "Safe" Sweetener Damaging Your Brain?
The headlines are alarming… “Popular Sugar Substitute Linked to Brain Cell Damage” and “Erythritol Could Damage Critical Brain Barrier” are just two of the dozens I’ve spotted recently. But before you toss every sugar-free product in your pantry, let’s take a closer look at what this study actually shows—and what it doesn’t. The latest research...
This Summer Threat Could SPIKE Your Blood Sugar
Picture this… It’s another scorching hot summer day. You crank up the air conditioning while watching the weather forecast, which predicts yet another “record-breaking” heat wave. It’s starting to feel like just another miserably uncomfortable summer. But what you might not realize is that—if you have diabetes—those rising temps could do far more damage to...
Move Over Yogurt—5 Foods That Pack MORE Probiotics
Let’s talk about your gut. The microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms that live in and on your body—especially in your gut—and help keep you healthy. I’ve written often about how vital it is to maintain a healthy microbiome. And you might have dutifully added yogurt to your shopping...
Is Your Heart Older Than YOU?
Maybe you feel young for your age. Good energy, decent sleep, eating your veggies. But what if I told you your heart might be a decade older than the rest of you? That’s exactly what researchers at Northwestern University found in a new study published in JAMA Cardiology. The average American woman’s heart is about...