Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
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Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy - Editor's Choice

| Modified on Aug 22, 2025
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Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes, causing symptoms like numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and pain in the hands and feet. While prescription medications are often used, many people seek natural remedies to reduce discomfort and improve nerve health. Below are effective natural strategies supported by research and traditional practice.

1. Dietary Approaches

Diet plays a critical role in managing blood sugar and supporting nerve function.

  • Low-glycemic foods: Choose whole grains, vegetables, beans, and low-sugar fruits to maintain steady glucose levels.
  • Omega-3 rich foods: Fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts reduce inflammation and support nerve cell membranes.
  • Antioxidant-rich foods: Berries, leafy greens, and colorful vegetables protect against oxidative stress that damages nerves.

2. Vitamins and Supplements

Several supplements may reduce symptoms of diabetic neuropathy naturally:

  • Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA): A potent antioxidant shown to reduce burning, tingling, and numbness.
  • Vitamin B12: Deficiency can worsen nerve damage. Supplementing may restore nerve function and reduce pain.
  • Acetyl-L-Carnitine: Helps regenerate nerves and may reduce pain associated with diabetic neuropathy.
  • Magnesium: Supports nerve signaling and may ease muscle cramps.

3. Herbal Remedies

Herbal medicine has long been used to support circulation and nerve health:

  • Evening Primrose Oil: Contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which may reduce neuropathic pain.
  • Turmeric (Curcumin): Natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that may help protect nerve tissue.
  • Cayenne Pepper (Capsaicin): Topical creams can reduce pain signals from damaged nerves.

4. Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Simple lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in managing symptoms:

  • Regular exercise: Walking, swimming, or yoga improves circulation and reduces pain.
  • Foot care: Daily checks and moisturizing prevent infections and further complications.
  • Warm soaks: Warm (not hot) foot baths may soothe pain and improve blood flow.
  • Stress management: Meditation, deep breathing, and tai chi help lower pain perception.

5. Alternative Therapies

Several non-drug therapies may bring relief:

  • Acupuncture: Stimulates nerve pathways and may reduce chronic pain.
  • Physical therapy: Helps improve balance, muscle strength, and mobility.
  • Red light therapy (photobiomodulation): Studies suggest it may enhance circulation and support nerve repair.

When to Seek Medical Help

While natural remedies can reduce symptoms, always consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

  • Severe or worsening pain
  • Open wounds or infections on the feet
  • Sudden changes in balance or coordination

Final Thoughts

Managing diabetic peripheral neuropathy naturally involves a combination of nutrient-rich foods, supplements, herbs, and lifestyle practices. Consistency is key—these approaches may take time to show benefits. By integrating natural remedies alongside medical care, many people find significant relief and better quality of life.

Keep reading below to see which natural remedies have helped our readers find diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and share your own experiences!

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Melatonin Gel

Posted by Art (California) on 08/22/2025 2681 posts
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I am currently working with a friend who has multiple health issues including diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). He said the DPN not only causes pain, but also negatively affects his ability to move and consequently prevents him from doing exercise that can be good for fending off the DPN.

My friend asked me if I had any suggestions for the DPN and I suggested he try Melatonin Gel (MG) directly to painful areas and areas where he felt movement restriction. I further told him that the MG should help to alleviate the pain and improve his range of motion. I gave him a 3 ounce bottle of MG and I suggested application 2 or 3 times a day applied sparingly to the affected areas and he said he would start immediately. Normally I would have only suggested 2 applications per day, but he told me he has been taking melatonin gummies for at least two years and has a very high tolerance for melatonin, so I told him 3 times a day should not be a problem.

I talked with him recently and he said the MG is really helping. He said it has reduced the pain and made it possible for him to resume his exercise program again! He is very happy about the MG and so I explained to him how to make it at home. He said he applies it 3 times a day and it makes his days much easier!

I further told him that MG is not just a pain reliever, but that studies show that melatonin also helps repair the damaged nerves while promoting nerve regeneration and being able to do his exercise regimen again will also contribute to nerve regeneration. Here is a link discussing the nerve repair effects from melatonin :

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9470957/

Here are two relevant quotes from the link :

' According to in vivo findings, melatonin treatment reduces DN via inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. However, compared to the diabetes groups alone, melatonin treatment exhibited an anti-oxidant trend. According to other research, DN also significantly produces biochemical alterations in neuron cells/tissues. Additionally, histological alterations in neuron tissue following DN were detected.'

' Nonetheless, in the majority of cases, these diabetes-induced biochemical and histological alterations were reversed when melatonin was administered. It is worth noting that the administration of melatonin ameliorates the neuropathy caused by diabetes. Melatonin exerts these neuroprotective effects via various anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other mechanisms. '

In my opinion, applying MG directly to the affected nerves allows more than high enough amounts of melatonin to be delivered where needed to affect the reparative effects mentioned in the study.

Here is a link that describes how to make melatonin gel at home yourself :

https://www.earthclinic.com/supplements/melatonin-gel.html

Here is a link that describes how to make Melatonin Lotion :

https://www.earthclinic.com/supplements/melatonin-lotion.html

My friend is using the gel as opposed to the lotion because he is applying to other areas of his body for other health issues.

Overall, he is very happy with his results so far and I have added Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) to his regimen to further improve his DPN status as well as help with some of his other health issues.

Art

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Posted by Echoechoecho (Knoxville, Tennessee, United States) on 04/28/2012
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

During "diabetic neuropathy" research I found comments such as these about ALA, which - being a U. S. citizen - I had {of course} never even heard of.

Interested, I bought a bottle of 600mg ALA at a GNC store and in less than 24 hours, the terrible stabbing, electrical-shock-type pains in my feet had gone down 90%! I've taken 2 of the 600mg per day for 3 days.

Now, in my 3rd day I am having next to none at all, and have not noticed any side effects. Everyone with diabetes should be on this supplement, as they are in Germany. Maybe word will spread here in the states.

Cayenne

Posted by Frank (Charlotte, Nc) on 08/27/2010
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Dr. Christopher says that you should use warm water when taking cayenne because the warm water opens your system up and allows the cayenne to get into your system faster than using cold water. I took cayenne capsules several years ago and quit. Because of type 2 diabetes, my feet had become numb and I have pain and burning to the point that I had to stop my 30 minute daily walks.

I started taking cayenne powder (1 teaspoon in 8oz warm water three times a day) about two weeks ago for my heart and high blood pressure. To my surprise after 3 days of the cayenne, I suddenly noticed that my feet didn't hurt like they had before. After almost two weeks, I am just about completely free of pain and numbness. I am actually wearing shoes today that I could not walk in a month ago. I read today that cayenne will kill prostate cancer cells. Is there anything this herb won't do? I plan to make my cayenne regimen a part of my daily life from now on.


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