Herbs That Stop Chronic Nerve Pain

Numerous herbs may help stop your chronic, or long-term, nerve pain. According to the MedlinePlus website, nerve pain, or neuralgia, is pain that follows the path of a nerve. Many factors or conditions can cause chronic nerve pain, including certain drugs, diabetes, chronic renal insufficiency, shingles, syphilis, trauma, swelling and inflammation. Before taking herbs for your chronic nerve pain, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.

Corydalis

Corydalis is an herb that may help treat your chronic nerve pain. According to Dr. Ray Sahelian, a medical doctor, nutrition expert and author, corydalis, also known as Corydalis yanhusuo or Corydalis bulbosa, is an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat health problems including allergies, cardiovascular conditions, cataracts, inflammation and pain. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that corydalis is related to the opium poppy. Corydalis has some of the same pain-relieving and sedative properties of the opium poppy, although it is milder in action than opium. Sahelian states that Corydalis yanhusuo may have potential clinical value for treating mild to moderate pain. Before taking corydalis to help to stop your chronic nerve pain, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.

Valerian

Valerian is an herb that may be beneficial for stopping your chronic nerve pain. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, states that valerian, also known as Valeriana officinalis, is a plant native to Europe and Asia, although it now grows throughout North America. According to the NCCAM, valerian has been used medicinally since the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans. The roots and rhizomes, or underground stems, of the plant are used to make supplements such as capsules, tablets and liquid extracts. Tilgner states that valerian is a relaxing nervine, antispasmodic and anticonvulsant that is helpful for treating restlessness, hysteria, emotional stress, insomnia, anxiety, nervous palpitations, shingles, backaches and pain. Before taking valerian to help stop your chronic nerve pain, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.

Meadowsweet

Meadowsweet is an herb that may be effective for stopping your chronic nerve pain. According to the University of Michigan Health System, meadowsweet, also known as Filipendula ulmaria, is found in northern and southern Europe, North America and northern Asia. The flowers and flowering top are used medicinally. Tilgner states that meadowsweet is a diuretic, diaphoretic, astringent, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Meadowsweet contains salicylates, or chemicals that possess anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities. Meadowsweet may be used to treat numerous health problems, including colds, flu, chronic gastritis, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammation of your nerves, muscles and skin. If you are sensitive to salicylates, you should avoid taking meadowsweet. Before taking meadowsweet to help stop your chronic nerve pain, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.