Natural Remedies for Neuropathy: Holistic & Nutritional

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Posted by Al (Alvena, Sk., Canada) on 11/04/2012
★★★★★

I have one mercury filling left and have been on ALA & ALCAR for two months now with no side effects. There is a cautionary that I saw in several places to not lay down for at least half an hour after taking ALA and I saw another one cautioning not to take it for a time period after mercury amalgam removal but haven't seen any saying to avoid it with mercury fillings in place. I saw my doctor today and really surprised him when I told him that I am off the pain killers and he saw the lack of gray in my hair. We discussed the heavy metal issue, chelation and mercury causing gray hair and he told me that heavy metals are naturally chelated out into your hair as a natural mechanism to protect the rest of your body and that is the reason that they test the hair to determine the amount of heavy metals in your body. They also test your urine to see how much is being removed at any given time. He also voiced the opinion that because of my first occupation as a steel fabricator/welder that I may have already been toxic with heavy metals resulting in the long term severe reaction to the chemotherapy and I would tend to agree with him. Has anyone else having neuropathy problems got premature gray hair from possible industrial exposure to heavy metals? If so, is the ALA helping the neuropathy and/or returning colour to your hair? By the way, I have improved enough that my motor and sensory nerves are almost completely functional now and I am going to work this coming week. Anyone wishing to contact me directly can do so at "gustafsonal(AT)hotmail. Com". Al

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Posted by Al (Alvena, Saskatchewan, Canada) on 09/22/2013
★★★★★

It is time for an update on my neuropathy. It is just over a year since I started ALA and it has totally changed my situation. The nerves are healed to the point that I have virtually no numbness left. I still have a substantial amount of pain due to the super sensitive nature of recently healed nerves. When I wake up in the morning now I am almost pain free but by the end of the day my feet feel like they are on fire. The intensity of the pain is dependent on how much walking/standing that I do with it being worse with more walking. To give you an idea of how sensitive my sensory nerves are, I can feel every chamber of my heart contract and can also feel muscles in my thighs moving past each other. I expect the nerves to eventually toughen up and for the associated pain to be alleviated. Large doses of vitamin B12 seem to help the most and I just started taking yucca yesterday to alleviate the inflammation that results from walking. It is too soon to know if the yucca is helping but I am expecting that it will. I have most of my motor function back. All that is not back is some in my toes. TRY EVERYTHING THAT MIGHT HELP. Grasp at the straws. One or more may help. Several have helped me. Al

MSM, Lecithin

Posted by Janet (Kendal, U.k.) on 04/14/2012
★★★★★

My other half also suffered with Neuropathy caused by blood sugar. He found most effective relief came from MSM and Lecithin. If you research both these things it's understable why. He's recently also gone onto Amino Acids. Following someone elses recommendation. 99% of the time he is now pain free. If it flares then he goes straight back onto the above. We just wonder if he should take it all the time? He can go long spells with no problems. A friend of mine also tried the MSM after cancer treatments and got instant relief. I do hope this helps you. Good Luck and a speedy recovery.:)

Low Estrogen Induced Neuropathy Remedies

Posted by Sue (Phoenix, Az) on 09/03/2011
★★★★★

Estrogen can morph into neurotransmitters. So on some level you could say it is a neurotransmitter. As hormone levels drop neuropathy can occur. Neuropathy in women can start within a decade of approaching menopause. There are quite a few studies out on estriol and Parkinsons as well.

If you know a senior lady who suddenly developed some neurological condition who is trying to find some answers, a good question to ask is "Did you recently stop taking estrogen?" I know of several women who developed neuropathy after 30 years of estrogen therapy- just stopping. There are some natural safer ways to increase estrogen, I understand.

What helped me was a very small daily dose of natural thyroid (not the synthetic). I tested fine but my body temp was always around 96.8. Subclinical thyroid conditions do exist and if there is neuropahy it is worth researching as well. I did not know it would do this. I was just tired of wearing a winter coat at work and shivering in the desert.

If iron is low neuropathy can occur. My experience is that the homeopathic Carc Carb 6x or blackstrap molasses (huge section in this site) was real helpful. I used to go to a Dr. In Pa who demand that you take blackstrap molasses every day. If you did not he could tell.

Anyway it is worth doing a search on the following: "Estrogen Neuropathy" "Menopause Neuropathy" "Anemia Neuropathy" "Hypothyroidism Neuropathy" "Estriol Parkinsons" Estrogen Neurotransmitter"

Another thing that can help is searching "Dosha Test" If the body type is Vata neuropathy can occur. There are ways to make corrections to diet and sleeping schedule that can bring relief.

B Complex and B12

Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 12/19/2023
★★★★★

I was talking to Brenda, a woman (40yrs old) from Mexico City, who developed Gestational Diabetes while pregnant a few years back, which later turned into type-1, and also developed neuropathy in her feet after taking diabetic medication.

She told me she traveled to Cuba for treatment of her neuropathy. There, they put her on high dosage of Vitamin B-Complex. After a few weeks, her neuropathy disappeared.

The Link Between Vitamin B-Complex Deficiency and Neuropathy

If you're a diabetic, unfortunately, you may be at a higher risk for neuropathy. The use of metformin for the management of blood sugar levels can deplete levels of Vitamin B12 and other B vitamins in the body. So, if you're a diabetic and any of the symptoms of neuropathy develop, then it's best to seek medical help in this case.

Low Vitamin B12 can cause dysfunction in the myelin sheath. The role of the myelin sheath is to protect the nerves from becoming damaged. This affects the ability of the nerves to operate correctly, as well as affecting the ability to provide adequate nutrition to the myelin sheath.

A deficiency of B-Vitamins is fairly common in the older age groups. In fact, between 10% and 15% of those over 60 years old have neuropathy.

An intensive treatment plan is needed to ensure that optimal B-Vitamin levels are maintained.

How Much Vitamin B-Complex Is Needed for Neuropathy Treatment

Lacking vitamins E, B1, B6, and B12 may cause neuropathy. These vitamins are vital to nerve health and functioning. A deficiency can lead to significant nerve damage.

The method used is generally dependent on whether one has developed a nutritional deficiency or poorly absorbs the vitamin.

The required doses of Vitamin B12 for neuropathy in adults are:

1000mcg daily over five days
1000mcg weekly over five weeks

Brenda's treatment involved taking high dosages of B-Complex. She had to be monitored by blood work daily due to her Type-1 diabetes. But, for a person in general good health with no underlying health issues, taking B-Complex daily so have no problems.

Caution

For adults only. Consult a physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. Most B-vitamin products contain Biotin (B-7), which may interfere with some blood test results.

B Vitamins, ALA and Butcher's Broom

Posted by patrick (qld) on 04/20/2021
★★★★★

Vitamins b1 to b6 and b12, plus ala and butcher's broom, reduced my diabetes neuropathy by about 70% and another 10% by not using a recliner chair to watch tv. Maybe it presses on the nerves in the legs.

Benfotiamine

Posted by Joanne M (Vancouver Wa) on 12/28/2015
★★★★★

I had PN BAD in both feet. After several tests doc told me to stop the B vitamins. B6 in excess can cause PN. I quit the B vitamins and started taking Benfotiamine and after a month my feel are returning to normal! I can finally feel my feet and the tingling is almost gone. Thank goodness!!!!

Some people cannot metabolize B6 efficiently. I'd quit taking them asap.

Celery Seed

Posted by J.r. (Framingham, Ma) on 04/24/2013
★★★★★

I met a person at a health food store that purchased 6 bottles of celery seed. He said he takes 9 per day and it resolves his peripheral neuropathy. I have that condition so I bought one bottle and it magnified my tinnitus. If anyone tries this please let the readers know how it affects you. Celery is also good for blood pressure. It's supposed to bring blood to the extremities as well/open veins. Thx. And good luck

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Posted by Prioris (Fl, US) on 10/01/2014
★★★★★

Neuropathy:

FYI Stabilized R-ALA will likely be more effective than R-Alpha Lipoic Acid.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Posted by Jeffreyw65 (Lowell, Ma, Usa) on 01/24/2013
★★★★★

Hello, I am loving this site! I listen to am radio from our area where there doctors whom really push holistic medicine it works and it needs more pushing for the really bad sickness like I have been dealing with since I have had cancer. I love what I learn about the different sulliments for ailments. It is good to try them to see if they work for my ailment.

I just increased my intake of lipoic acid and my feet have been better and the meralgia paresthetica seems to be easing the sharp electrical shock shooting zaps. They are terrible and I am hoping to see if I can get off the pain meds and increase the dietary supplements that I have increased to help me get better. I have different ailments that have made me unable to get around so I will come back on here in 60 days and give a report on my status on my pain so keep looking for my feedback. Thanks Jeff from Lowell, type 2 diabetic with meralgia paesthetica and facet joint arthritus / upper thoraic arthritus philbitus and neuropathy from the pinced nerve is terrible. The color of my legs scares me there, a color that is bad like black and blue, so keep looking for me and wish me well. ok bye all

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Posted by Danielle Renee (Ocean Shores, Wa) on 10/09/2012
★★★★★

I want to share how beautifully Alpha Lipoic Acid has worked for Diabetic Neuropathy pains. I take 300mgs three times a day and it has taken the burning and sharp shooting pains away, and my blood sugars and H1C are a lot lower. I consider it a miracle supplement.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Posted by Al (Alvena, Sk., Canada) on 09/14/2012
★★★★☆

I am amazed at how good this is working. After 13 days of taking alpha lipoic acid I have had my pain reduced enough to quit taking hydro morph contin and I actually have less pain and numbness now than when I started taking ALA even with being off the narcotic pain killers. I am picking up my benfotiamine and acetyl-l-Carnitine on Friday the 14th. If it helps even half as much as the ALA I will be back to work in a few weeks. We need to make chemo patients aware of this as much as possible. Al

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Posted by Charles555nc (Winston Salem, Nc, Usa) on 08/06/2012
★★★★★

Alpha lipoic acid is a great supplement for neuropathy. However there should be precautions. Only take a max of 100mg alpha lipoic acid every 4 hours, or it will mobilize too much mercury for you to handle.

Alpha Lipoic acid also burns through methylation agents and Zinc. Methyl agents are methyl b12, methyl folate, other b vitamins... so you should supplement with those, periodically, at least 3 hours before and 3 hours after your next dose of ALA.

Acetyl-L Carnitine, Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Posted by Pay It Forward (PNW) on 06/26/2023 65 posts

Thanks. Red light therapy maybe a lesser known but effective treatment, without having to take another pill. Ordered a unit today. Will be doing this daily and will come back in 30 days to report my spouses response to this.

Acetyl-L Carnitine, Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Posted by Carol (Los Angeles, Ca) on 01/12/2012
★★★★★

I was suffering from continual extreme muscle tightness in my thighs and neuropathy in the top of my foot shortly after I began taking Lipitor. I discontinued the Lipitor after 3 weeks, but was unable to exercise without the pain becoming increasingly worse. I stopped taking the Lipitor but had no improvement in my symptoms whatsoever, so after 6 weeks I broke down and decided to try this combination based on Bill's experience. I began taking 500 mgs of Acetyl-L-Carnitine 1x a day and 100 mgs of R Lipoic Acid 2x a day. (I am a small person, so I take a minimal dose. ) I felt relief within 2 days. Five months later, I am happy to report that I am at 98% of where I was before taking the statin with only the slightest bit of tightness and neuropathy when I exercise hard.

You should always check with your doctor and investigate as much as possible before taking a supplement with a prescription drug or other supplements. I believe my original problem with Lipitor was caused by inadvertently combining it with Red Yeast Rice.

DMSO

Posted by Mary (Florida ) on 12/08/2018

You can get dmso at a ranch supply or feed store. I have used it for years. It helps fix just about everything. Read about it online.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Posted by Art (California) on 07/22/2023 2521 posts

Charlotte,

You might consider this for peripheral neuropathy :

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/five-supplements-for-peripheral-neuropathy.html

Art

L-Theanine

Posted by Jt (Minneapolis, Mn) on 07/17/2015
★★★★★

Hi Mark, I hope you are feeling much better now after several years.

I know I'm a bit late in the game and I don't know if I am quoting something that I shouldn't be from the web but it comes from world-renowned Dr. Russell Blaylock who is a retired neurosurgeon. He found some success in treating P.N. with L-Theanine in higher doses. I quote him: "I tried L-theanine, a natural substance isolated from green tea, on a person suffering with unrelieved, intense postherpetic pain (which sometimes follows a shingles infection). By the next day, my patient dramatically improved and by the second day showed 90 percent improvement."

"L-theanine is a mild stimulant for glutamate receptors and keeps glutamate from full activation, which acts to tame excitotoxicity. L-theanine has a good safety profile, even in very high doses.

Suggested dose: 200 mg three times a day, 30 minutes before meals. It can also be increased to 400 mg three times a day if needed.

L-theanine is also helpful with sleep and reduces anxiety/depression. Combined with other anti-inflammatory flavonoid supplements such as curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, luteolin, hesperidin and ellagic acid, the results can be even better."

God bless,

Benfotiamine

Posted by Hamza (London, UK) on 08/11/2014
★★★★★

My mum had severe pain, pins and needles, numbing, throbbing and tingling in her feet whenever she would try to sleep for about 20 years. I wanted to help her, so I looked it up online and found that vitamin b1 would help. Within a few days of supplementing with 1 vitamin b1 100mg capsule daily her pain is gone and she sleeps much better.

Amla

Posted by Om (Hope, Bc, Canada) on 12/29/2013
★★★★★

I used to have those almost unbearable electric, stabbing shocks on the instep of my foot. Then I researched and now use Amla powder, a very potent vit.C from India. I make up about three tsp. in a glass with water to steep for the day and, using a straw, divide this quantity over a day and a bit right after a meal..

With this I use a cup with three full tsp. of turmeric with hemp oil and a full tblsp. plain whey powder in water. I have kept up this for, I think, two years. The pain disappeared soon, came back just a wee bit and vanished for good, so it seems.

I have this from Ayurveda and it is actually meant for diabetes without medication. It was stated that large amount of vit. C would cure the pain. It did. Om

B12

Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 10/31/2013

Dear Denise,

I am so sorry that you are stil suffering so with your neuropathy. I do not know why the B-12 is making you feel worse. I know you have tried many things for this condition and that you are dealing with more than one health problem.

The other day, Louwrence from South Africa posted about someone using carrot juice (5 cups a day) to cure cancer. I read that story and it is fascinating and very encouraging. Here is the link:

http://www.chrisbeatcancer.com/ralph-cole-cured-cancer-with-carrot-juice/

I know you are not talking about cancer, but this article put me in mind of Herbalist John Christopher and his "Curing the Incurables" protocol for chronic health conditions. His book talks about using just grapes (crushed, grape juice, etc.) for 6 weeks (that is the only food) and continue this until cured of whatever it is that is the problem. I found this link that describes his protocol, though it isn't quite what I remember reading in his book.

http://www.herballegacy.com/Incurables.html

Anyway, all that to say, I have always thought that if I or one of my loved ones had something "incurable" I would try this. After reading about Mr. Cole curing cancer with carrot juice, I think, that would be worth a try, too.

I throw these ideas out as "something else you might be able to try." I hope you find a solution soon. I will be praying for your relief.

~Mama to Many~

Coffee

Posted by Scott (Pen Argyl Pa) on 09/21/2013
★★★★★

I've been taking a number of supplements and natural remedies for neuropathy for almost a year now, each having a range of effectivness, advantages and disadvatages. They include D3, B12 and chewing on raw ginger. I was surprised when I realized what actually helped the most. A mug of coffee works the best and gives the longest lasting relief. It took a while for me to figure this out because I generally don't drink it that much, only when I really need to stay awake for work or a long drive. I still limit my coffee consumption but not as much as I used to. Obviously, don't drink it in the evening if you want to get your sleep.

I'd be interested in learning how this works for others. All I know is I'm getting a lot of relief when I have my 12 oz. Mug of it. It lasts me through almost the entire work day.

Arginine and Citrulline

Posted by Mr. Ree (Usa) on 08/16/2013
★★★★★

Please read the book by Dr. Louis Ignarro. He won the Nobel prize for science in 1997. He states clearly that Arginine and Citrulline will help neuropathy. He says to take 4000 mg arginine and 1000 mg citrulline before bed and it will bring back to life your endothelial cells and your neuropathy will be helped and your heart and everything else in your body will benefit... The combination of these 2 amino acids generates Nitric oxide...