Top Natural Remedies for Peripheral Neuropathy: Dosages & Benefits

Peripheral Neuropathy

I've been told by a neurologist that B-6 is good for your nerves and by another Dr. that is very bad for your nerves. Anybody have a final answer-please?

Tom,

How long did you you have the numbness and tingling before you began using the macadamia oil?

Opinion from Bill or Ted requested...

A health care person told me that Meso platinum would heal the myelin sheath for my peripheral neuropathy. He said it cured a quadriplegic by taking 1/2 bottle per day and it took over a year. I just was taking one teaspoon/day..I tried it and it seemed like it was making neuropathy worse...Have you ever heard of Meso platinum healing the myelin sheath? Thank you. Was hesitant to put this possible cure on the site for obvious reasons. It might be taken off the market tomorrow.

HI Bill, I have peripheral neuropathy and have tried everyting to no avail and I do mean everything...I also have hepatitis-c which is under control...It has been suggested to me to take B-1 100 mgs 5 times a day...along with Serrapeptase 1000 mgs 5 times a day... along with MSM 20,000-40,000 unit five times a day and eat saturated fats, which kind of caught me off guard as I have always read that it's not good for you...My cholesterol is 135 which is low and maybe they have a point...It has also been suggested that I eat no high glycemic fruit which I'm already am doing... First time post although I have been on this site before...Respect your opinion and don't want to make any mistakes..Thank you and bless you 1,000 times...

Good afternoon, everyone and first of all Thank God for all those who have shared their experiences. My name is Damaris I was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy 2 years ago the cause is unknown. For about three months I've been taking a vitamin that contains B1 & B12 AND R-Alpha lipoid acid. But I still feel in both feet numbness, tingling almost daily.

Also I reach that that capsaicin cream is really good to treat pain and discomfort anybody has tried?? Fernando please let me know if you continue taking add Alpha Lipoic Acid(300 mgs twice a day at meals) Selenium(200mcg twice a day at meals) and acetyl Carnitine (500 mgs twice a day at meals) to your protocol. Adding a teaspoon of granulated lecithin(not the oil) twice a day before meals and taking B50 vitamins every day might also help you here. How do you feel now because your comment was in 2014. Again thank everybody for all comments and Blessing.

Bill, please let me know if you continue taking add Alpha Lipoic Acid(300 mgs twice a day at meals) Selenium(200mcg twice a day at meals) and acetyl Carnitine (500 mgs twice a day at meals) to your protocol. Adding a teaspoon of granulated lecithin(not the oil) twice a day before meals and taking B50 vitamins every day might also help you here. How do you feel now because your comment was in 2014.

Does anyone have any first hand experience with Keppra, a medication used for epilepsy? I have hepatitis c and horrible peripheral neuropathy with HORRENDOUS pain. I have tried tumeric 3 heaping teaspoons a day and nothing... My dr and my pharmacist both said this will not bother my liver... I have tried 101 things for my neuropathy and it's still there. I can hardly walk and the shooting, stabbing, electrical shocks are 24/7 and I do mean all night long... I also have neuropathy in my arsm and torso with someimes stabbing pains in my chest or sides... I didn't ever think life could be this bad... The last 3 weeks I have gotten about 3 hours sleep each night...

Karen, I had the horrible pain that you speak of and mine was from B12 deficiency. The pills and shots did not work for me..... But the b12 patches worked. I had to make adjustments until I found the amount that worked. One was not near enough but now I have lowered my dose and have rid myself of the pain. When I feel the numbness come back I increase my patches. Good Luck!

What do you mean by "One was not near enough." Did you use several patches or did you use the patches for an extended period of time?... And what sttrength patches did you use? Thank you for the response.

Karen from Tampa: The amount of B12 patches that I use are 5000 mcg. I had to start off using several a day at first. At one time I was using 3 or more a day.... Just depends on the day. I guess my stores of B12 built up and I was able to reduce the amount after a while. The pain in my hands would wake me up out of my sleep in the wee hours of the morning. I had almost no energy, and I thought it was from sleep deprivation, but now I know that it was the low B12 in my body.

You are welcome and I hope that this helps you.

Are the B-12 patches something a Dr prescribes or something you can get over the internet? Thank you again for the quick response.

Karen, Google "Vitamin B12 Patches" and there will be a lot of internet sites that sell them. I get the ones that are offered by a Dr. I am praying that this helps you because I know how painful and hopeless you can feel with that pain and nothing seems to work. I will buy the patches before I buy food.... that is how much they have helped me. Namaste

Investigating the benefits of the amino acid Serine, says that myelin is comprised of much Serine. Serine is a non-essential amino synthesized from the essential amino Glycine in the human body. Supplementing Serine would likely provide some relief w/ neuropathy considering it's derivative Phosphatidylserine, is also one of the most beneficial nutropic (brain & nervous system) substances.

Helllo again Tinydancer from Ohio, I checked out the B-12 on line and found one from a Dr. D----. Is that your brand? Also did you find your B-12 deficiency by experimenting or did a dr tell you that you were deficient? My Dr says I have too much B-6 and B12... But I've also been told their tests don't accurately tell the story. Thx again.

I will order B-12 patches today from Dr. D.... I eat 99% organic and have tried many different types of magnesium. Mag malate, chloride, citrate, glycinate and still have horrendous cramps..... Thanks for telling me about your test results with B-12. My dr said the same hing. I was "high and do not have a problem with low B-12"... From what I know it's water suoluable and can't hurt you regardless. I will let you know how I make out... I wake up every morning screaming in pain with multiple cramps all over my calves from a dead sleep ay 5:00AM...... My neuropathy is creepin up my thighs and I occasionally have cramps in my leg biceps... I have poly neuropathy... Which means I have it in my arms as well... I had cramps in my forearsm the other morning, but they're not nearly as painfull as calf cramps which are crippling... Thank you so much for your time and information. You are a saint...

Karen from Tampa: I feel so bad that you are going through that endless pain. When it would wake me up in the early morning hours I would just sit and rock and cry..... Nobody knows how bad it hurts unless they have experienced it. I thought that I was going to have to go through life like that. When I would leave the house, people would ask what was wrong with me because I had so many patches on me. I had them everywhere..... I laugh now to think about how I must have looked to people. But when I woke up naturally one morning and realized that I had slept through the night without pain, I knew I was on the right track. Keep adding patches until you start feeling some relief. I pray that help is on your way. Did you know that a lot of MS patients have been misdiagnosed and actually are vitamin B12 deficient? That's what I've read at least. Lack of vitamin B12 can have you curled up in the fetal position..... But until I asked no doctor had ever checked my B12 levels. I am asking God to surround you in his light and asking that your healing will be swift.

Namaste

Tinydancer, Should I start by taking one 5000 mcg B-12 patch and after 5 days if nothing happens add one which would mean I am now wearing 2 patches... Then continue to add patches until how many patches, or until I get relief. How would you know if it were not working? What was the final count of your patch wear. Just trying to get an idea of what to do. Thank you so much for the blessing. I am in deep doo and have this neuropathy all over my body pain 24/7 everywhere... I dread going to bed at night... I cannot move a millimeter because I get cramps.. I have to sleep directly on my back with my hands beside me..

Karen from Tampa to Tinydancer... You have worn 3 or 4 patches at a time.. Do you wear them for a week or just one day... I ordered some and the directions says to put one on for just 24 hours then take it off and put anohter one on in 5 days.. Is that how you do it? I thought you wore it for a week, then took it off and put on another one. Thank you for reading and your feedback. I can't thank you enough..

Karen from Tampa: When I started with the vitamin B12 patches, I started with one and the next day I would put on two fresh ones and the next day 3 fresh ones and so on. I would not wait 5 days, you want to find relief as fast as you can. I have had as many as (5) 5000mcg patches on at once. I wore 5 patches (fresh ones) every day for weeks and then I was able to reduce the amount of patches. Now I wear two patches for 24 hours and I don't apply any more for about 4-5 days. There are times when I will get a tingling feeling in my hands and I go back to 2 patches daily. The tingling always comes first with me and if I ignore it the pain comes next.

On a personal note: I have been telling my brother and sister-inlaw about B12 supplementing for a long time and it fell on deaf ears. My sister-inlaw is now in the hospital for respirator problems and the doctor was discussing her lab results with her. Her doctor told her that her B12 was so low that she is surprised that she was still able to stand. B12 makes a difference in our lives. You're in my prayers Karen.

Namaste

Hello again Tinydancer, Can you give me a guestimate of how many patches you went through in a week? So I can order a similar amount... I only ordered a small amount but it would appear I am going to need much more... They come from Canada and I don't know how long it takes to get here. I'm also guessing that no one gave you this protocol... You just experimented and found what worked for you... Did you have any side effects when you were up to 5 patches a day??? I'm a bit concerned as I have hepatitis-c... On another note I absolutely had to put on a fentenyl patch last night (# 50) I was in such pain I couldn't sleep. Today I have laryngitis from yelling so much when the stabbings and shocks hit all night long-every 5 mnutes... Thank you and much blessings sent to you. I need to get out of the hell that I'm in...

Hello again Tinydancer, Are you using the B-12 patches with the 10 vitamins or the plain B-12 patches? Don't want to make a mistake. Thank you much.

Karen,

Sorry for the delay in responding..... Been away for a minute. I use the B12 patches only. You don't want to overdo it on the other B's. I wanted to ask you what medications do you take?

I will look in my "Can It Be B12" book and see if it addresses anything about your issues. Only do this if you feel comfortable enough to share that information with me. I wish there was a way that we could send each other our email addresses without them being visible to the world and we would not have to wait until it appears on EC. But right now this is the best that we have.

I used about 5 patches a day for probably the first 2 1/2 weeks, after I knew 5 patches was the magic number for me. I felt so sure that it would work because of the webinar that I saw and I was not going to be defeated again like with the pills and shots. After that I was able to taper down to 3 patches/day for another 2-3 weeks and I just kept eliminating until I found the amount that worked for me. I was following my own guidelines and flying by the seat of my pants but it finally worked. Your condition sounds so much more serious than mine. I feel like I would have ended up like you if I had not found out about the patches when I did. My sister-inlaw and I met for lunch one day and I was shocked at how she was walking..... Kind of stumbling and unsteady. Now she knows why..... She said that she thought that it just was old age creeping up on her. She is getting daily B12 shots in the hospital and she is walking better already. I'm surprised that she was not in severe pain but she said that she wasn't. I think that it affects everyone differently. Gotta run but when I get back I'm going to look up Hep C in my B12 book and see what it says. Take care.

Namaste

Hello again Tiny dancer, The only drug I'm taking is fentenyl opatches (50) and I just started taking then 4 days ago... I was up until 5:00A.M. and getting shocks and stabbings everywhere.. I had the patches from the drug store and had to put one on.. It is helping with the shooting pains, but I wonder how bad it's eff3ecting my liver and liver enzymes? My Dr. said I would be OK, but of course I don't trust dr's. Too many bad experiences which could fill up a book between me and my family... 4 Death close experiences for me... I have a friend who owns a health club and writes for fitness magazines... Maybe I could give you his e mail address and he could forward it to me then it's kind of muffled.. Do you think this would work on your end?... If so I'll contact him...

Hello Tinydancer, I already ordered the B-12 patches with the "essential 10 vitamins. I ordered the 5 pack then they give you 2 free packs with it... I also ordered "Could it be B-12?" from my library...

I would like to correspond with you directly also... Maybe I could find a person that would let me use their e mail address and they would forwad it to me.. Get a middle man??? Don't know what else to do.. Any suggestions? Thank you for your much needed help and your time.

Karen,

Don't bother your friend. That would probably open him up for a lot of spam mail. Earth Clinic is fine for corresponding. I get the same amount of patches that you ordered. It doesn't take long.... They ship them right away. I'm happy that you ordered the book from your library..... A lot of information in that book. I am praying that you find relief with this. Almost everyone that I have recommended these to and they actually used them, found some relief. I can't tell you how much money I spent on B12 supplements and shots trying to find something that worked. I chewed pills, I put them under my tongue, I had expensive drops that I put down my throat and I got numerous shots..... To no avail. It is always darkest before the dawn.... hang in there.

Thanks again for your time and information. I have spent about $15,000.00 on supplements over the last 2 years with no resolution for my Peripheral Neuropathy... Do or DID you have neuropathy?... It sounds like you had it in your hands maybe it was reynauds syndrome?

In any event I have the B-12 coming and the book you recommended is coming from the library and am hoping for a cure... This is something that my very poor (2) neurologists have told me CANNOT happen. Even if it were true they shouldn't tell someone that. Of course they want to keep me on drugs as there is no profit in recommending supplements. I have seen many people over the last 2 years who have overcome neuropathy with various supplements. I do believe it's a lack vitamin or minerals... I had stage 4 chirrosis in July of 2011 and the same time my neuropath surfaced... I believe my because of the chirosis my liver was not producing some vitamin or mineral or fatty acid and the neuropathy came on...

And by the way there are many supplements that are very questionable with regard ot their effectiveness. There are as many cooks in the alternative world as there are in the medical profession, which in my mind if packed with liars and frauds...

They told me that IF I didn't take interferron and have a biopsy I would die... I didn't take interferron (thank God and lloyd wright) but I had a biopsy and my liver enzymes went for being in the 30's to being in the mid 300's... I could go on and one... But again thatnk you for your time.. And by the way I just started taking fentenyl 4 days ago... It's the only drug I am on.. I haven't been on any drugs for many mnay years... The last time was for food poisoning...

Karen,

My condition is neuropathy.... It is not gone, only contained as long as I keep my body supplied with the B12. I feel like I will always have it unless I learn something new about it. As long as I am on the medications that I am on then it will always cause my B12 to be low. I do not have Raynaud's disease. The treatment is entirely different and my condition does not have any thing to do with the temperature and the color of my extremities have remained the same. I know that my lower half was starting to show signs of neuropathy when I got involved with the B12 patches... So I was able to avert that dagger. And I feel like if this was not neuropathy then the B12 would not be working for me.

I do believe there is a lot of information about interferon in "Can it Be B12". I have been running back and forth to the hospital (sister-in law) and have not had a chance to look up information in my book. I believe that man has limited knowledge about what is going on with our body's. Most of what they say is guessing. I think sometimes that if man has not seen or witness something for themselves then they don't think that it is possible. When my doctor could not tell me what was going on with my pain then she just dropped the ball. I had no other choice but to find my own answers. The Creator will be the only one that would be able to say whether or not you can be cured..... Put your faith in him. That is what I did.

Namaste

Thank you Tom..... Any advice is welcomed and appreciated. Namaste

I have had monthly B12 injections for over 30 years, with pernicious anaemia.

When I was unable to get the injections I required, I relied on Dr D's patches, sublingual tablets and sprays for 8 months. Ended up with severe irreversible peripheral neuropathy. The patches and sprays helped, but now I take daily Methylcobalamin injections. If you suspect B12 is a cause of your problem, I strongly recommend you check out b12.org or pernicious anaemia society.

My progress is slow, but definitely some improvement after 18 months.

Connect with each other on FB and instant message each other things like email addresses phone # etc. I have been reading this thread and have some homeopathy and and finding the info helpful. Mine is in my feet only and its just numbness and warmth. I find mine flairs up 30 minutes after I eat carbs that may have GMO or Glyphosate. its is always 30 min after. Chocolate which can be full of carbs does not make it flair up so I find it is more grains that do. I have used B12 sublingual but maybe it is not enough. My neuropathy has gotten better not so uncomfortable but not all gone yet. Thanks for the info.

Sending healing and Blessings, Deborah

I have epilepsy and take Keppra, Lamictal, and Klonapin to control the three types of seizures. I also have restless leg syndrome and polysensorymotor neuropathy. The only thing that helps me is Neurontin, an anti-seizure medication. I just make sure I leave a three hour gap prior to taking my next combination dosage of Kkeppra, Lamictal, and Klonapin. When the pain is mild I take 400 mg at bedtime and when it is severe I take 1,200 mg. Check with your neurologist. My primary care came up with taking Neurotin while my neurologist wanted me to take Mirapex. Mirapex would last four then symptoms were back. Then suddenly augmentation occurs in which Mirapex no longer works then have to go to Requip and then Mirapex then Requip again and it is a never ending cycle. Neurontin has been a life saver for me for fibromyalgia, restless leg syndrome, and neuropathy. It doesn't help me with epilepsy but it helps me with everything else. Depending on the brand or generic version it can make you tired so I get the brand only so I know what to expect. Now I have a good night sleep. No pain, burning, tremors, etc.

MSM should be somewhat helpful. I believe there are also some good nerve rejuvenation tonics out there like Dr Schulze's. You should be able to find some good nerve rejuvenation tonics on google as well.

Check out the benefits of magnesium oil for neuropathy. You rub it into the areas of pain and it helps to relieve the pain.

Steve from Las Vegas. I am using magnesium oil and R-lipoic acid, and acetyl L carnitine, fish oil, sunflower lecithin and many other supplements but I am not improving. I will try the nerve regeneration suggestion... Every doctor I speak to tell me there's no cure... Then I see many people curing themselves with supplements...

Nina, recent studies have shown Lion's Mane mushroom as being beneficial in restoring nerves and Myelin sheath. It is helpful with MS symptoms so I am wondering if it would help with repairing the nerves in neuropathy? It may be an avenue to investigate. I imagine you would want a full spectrum product, and I have recently learned that kits can be purchased to grow your own mushrooms. Full spectrum, multi-mushroom products can also be found online. Best wishes.

RSW from Uniontown, OH. Thank you much for the response. Would you elaborate with regard to what you mean by, "Full spectrum product" for Lion's Mane?

Nina, full spectrum means all the parts of the mushroom, not just some of the mushroom. Full-Spectrum (Primordia, Mycelia, Fruiting Bodies & Extracellular Compounds). I imagine that way, you will benefit from everything that the mushroom has to offer and not miss out on any of the individual component attributes. Generally, the seller will say if the product is full spectrum. Best wishes!

I have hepatitis c and peripheral neuropathy... My neuropathy is very painful with many different types of pain. I have tried everything- believe me... My doctor said I should try fentanyl patches.. They don't bother the liver and will remove much pain.. Does anybody have any experience in this? I just don't want my liver enzymes to go up through the roof. thank you for reading.

Bill from Phillipines or anyone who knows... I have hep-c and peripheral neuroapthy which I believe was caused by the hep-c.. I read where most people are taking fish oil for P.N. Is Salmon oil just as good and what about the vitamin A I'll be injesting with the oil? I heard that it can be detrimental to my compromised liver... If I decide to take it, what dose whould I consume? Thanks for reading.

I have peripheral neuropathy and my neurologist wants me to take an EMG test which is a nerve conduction study... Of course I am hesitant because I have had problems with most tests I have taken... Does anyone out there have any experience with this test?... He says he would stick a needle in the nerve and shoot electrical shots thorugh the nerve to see how far it transmits. It doesn't sound pleasant... Call me very cautious... I had a liver biopsy and walked bent over for 6 months and my enzymes went from normal to close to 300 each. He says this test will tell him if the problem is in the myelin sheath or the axion(sp?) Thank much.

Joanne: I have had this procedure twice. It's not nearly as dangerous as other invasive procedures like biopsies or surgery. The pain is not-so-bad, somewhat tolerable; but it sure feels good when it's over. No near or long-term side effects.

I had that test done its painful but it tells you how much nerve damage has been done to the nerves. My left leg has worse damage than my right but it hurts. I will never have it done again but try it once to see what your results tell your doctor.

I had an emg for my PN and it was not anything that I expected it to be. Did not hurt as the needle is so small. Confirmed the neuropathy but couldn't find the cause. I am searching for relief for my feet and I am tired of spending money for something that does not work.

Hi Bill, Do you know if either cayenne or ginkgo will open arteries and help with peripheral neuropathy? I have burning, stabbing pains, cramps etc. etc. and don't want to make the situation worse with the wrong remedy. Thank you much.

Hi, I was wondering does Bill have an opinion on the use of ALA with mercury fillings. There seems to be a lot of conflicting articles on the net but I would really like to get his opinion. I know other users have asked this question. I am guessing it is safe to use ALA with medication? Thankyou Bill in advance.

Thanks for the info Bill. I started ALA more than a decade ago at 30 mg daily. At that time I got upset stomach or irritations and was limited to that amount. After improvements in digestion, I took a whopping 300 mg 2x tonight with only little irritation. For supplements or drugs that cause irritation I usually take with a bite of food, but to my surprise the ALA is best on an empty stomach, and a few more drinks of liquid seem to help. Lately I pre-dose with 500 mg Vit-C, then 3 gms MSM, then 200 mg ALA for maximum effect.

If I might back up a bit on the facts of ALA, it is, as Bill states, an antioxidant, BUT it is first a metabolic antioxidant, that is, ALA is a key nutrient, and sometimes referred to as a coenzyme, in cellular respiration and energy production.

As an addendum to the health advantages of ALA, I would also recommend supplementing Co-E1 NADH. NADH is the end product of the Niacin vitamin. At one time, I experienced quite profound effects in recovery w/ as little as 5mg daily. Fast forward a few yrs and NADH is available in 20 mg doses. Like ALA, NADH benefits are numerous and worthy of consideration for everyone seeking health and vitality. Here's a link to one of the major proponents of NADH touting the virtues of this coenzyme: http://www.nadh-priceinfo.com/nadh_doctor_birkmayer_interview.cfm

Hi Bill, Thank you for the reply. I recently bought 2 bottles of R-lipoic acid. Is it as good as ALA? Also is Acetyl-L carnitine the same as L-carnatine? Thank you again.

Hi Bill, many thanks for your in-depth response. Are there any hard and fast rules as regards using ALA, I read an article that said to increase vitamin c and drink lots of water. Any other considerations? Also wondering if you know of anything to regenerate nerves say for sensory nerve damage, I bought helichrysum to apply topically but it just made the tingling hyperactive

Thank you again.

HI Bill, I was on your magnesium oil on body for peripheral neuropathy and it worked for a couple of days then stopped. I'm still doing that therapy and today am on day 13..I have hep-c and PN. I feel my PN was caused by Cipro but I had cold extremities previously from Atenolol. (drugs have not been good to me)I take many supplements for both conditions and just included your magnesium oil treatment..I had been getting phlebotomies to lower my liver enzymes. I find when my ferritin level lowers, so does my liver enzymes...I stopped the phlebotomy last month and just did Lugols exclusively at 50 mgs/day and occasionally went to 150 mgs/day...According to Stephanie Buist there is not problem going that high...I found that my ferritin went from 28 to 18 with no phlebotomy and I made it a point to eat a lot of red meat when it was it 28, yet it still went down...I feel 18 is about as low as I should go and maybe even not that low...My neuropathy just got horrendous...Is this because of the lowered ferritin.? Does ferritin carry oxygen? Should I lay off Lugols for a few days or weeks? I am freezing from my knees to my feet 24/7. 3-7 AM is absolutely terrible....The neuropathy has also recently gone to my forearms and hands. Recently started taking Cats Claw for pain, Nucleotide inosine to build myelin sheath and inositol hexanicotinate to open capillaries per Dr. Atkins. Your advice has been invaluable to me.Please advise...Thank you very much.

Great info. Do you or does anyone have experienced having a flair-up on their feet when: drinking soda (either diet or regular), wine, or Honest Iced tea! If so, do you know if it's the phosphoric component, or why? Please advise. Ellen

Does anyone know if physical therapy will help with my peripheral neuropathy. I have tried everything to no avail. Thank you and God bless this site.

Paula, search google for "Katy Bowman" and ask her. She seems to be an expert in body alignment, which might help.

To Art from Vancouver: Art, I also have hep-c and peripheral neuropathy. I see where you take oxycodone or oxycontin?. I am considering taking it as I have tried everything and have much much pain 24/7 and stabbing things all day and night.. It's horrendous.. How much oxycodone or whatever are you taking and how do you deal with constipation? How are your liver enzymes doing taking that? And what are they now if you don't mind sharing. Thank you much...

Dear Denise. I take Oxycodone for a problem related to Rhumatoid Arthritis in the knees. 10mg 3 times at night. My liver enzymes have returned to the normal range below 40 since taking Chanca Piedra 500mg once daily at different times with food. I have been taking BHT for over a year now at 350mg once in the night. My Liver Enzymes were over 300 previous to that. This Peripheral Neuropathy is new to me with a burning sensation above the knees with very sensitive toes making cutting toe nails painful. There is also a pressure sensation in the back of my hands. I use R-ALA at 200mg 3t times a day with food and B12 1, 000mcg near 9pm on an empty stomach. This seems to have it under control but not healed, if I miss a dose I will have the symptoms return, being very unpleasant.

The Oxycodone does not help with Peripheral Neuropathy, at least not my kind but it may help you. The thing is you will have to try it to find out but I would not recomend it. In the event you do, there is a generic supeudol very cheap and fast acting. The patent OxeNeo is 4 times the cost and very slow to act. As for the constipation, I have had it for over 30 years and can go for 4 days without a bowel movement, at which point I need a laxative to help. Eating bran in the morning helps but I am not regular. Good luck with your situation.

Art.

For arthritis pain, I take serrapeptase several times during the day away from food--it really helps with pain.

Dear Trudyg. From what I know, the Serrapeptase you are taking is only recommended for 4 weeks use and has drug interactions with blood clotting.

How long have you been taking it?

Art.

Dear Art, your information is incorrect. I have been taking Serrapeptase daily for about a year now. Not only is it fine to take long term... It thins the blood. In fact, it is recommended that a person discontinue it a week before elective surgery for that reason.... I researched the daylights out of it before I started taking it. It is totally safe, and has been used in Europe for the past twenty five years. It is amazing stuff. I plan on taking it every day for the rest of my life.

Please do not spread misinformation. Read more, from websites that are credible... Not just blogs some people put their opinion on. Facts and reliable sources are needed when saying things such as you did. Thanks.

Dear Carley, I thought I posted the link on this, from webmd which I would trust more than some one who has no data to back up what they say. Again read here. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1115-SERRAPEPTASE.aspx?activeIngredientId=1115&activeIngredientName=SERRAPEPTASE

Also one from lef. com http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2003/sep2003_report_aas_01.htm

Says it MAY DO THIS AND THAT, and it acts like other nsaids thinning the blood and relieving the pain. Thing is it does not relieve all pain, and only works for short duration.

It may be your miracle drug, but I really hope visitors here do their research.

Art.

Hi Art, while I agree with you that you should check your sources of information, no where on either of those links that you posted does it say that you shouldn't take Serrapeptase for longer than 4 weeks. All it says it that long term effects are not known. That just means that the only clinical trials done so far have been short term (<4 weeks) and long term efficacy studies have not been conducted. Absence of study does not mean that it doesn't work or shouldn't be taken. It just means that we don't have information currently to assess the risks or side effects, so caution is warranted. However, on the webmd link you posted, there are about 20 anecdotal reviews from people taking it, some for much longer, with mostly good effects. This is Earth Clinic, after all, which is based almost entirely on anecdotes!

Have you tried Alpha Lipoic acid? It really works for me and not too expensive. I think the directions say two a day. I take three a day and NO PAIN!

Hi Danielle, Ocean Shores: You say you use ALA -- can you tell me if you have mercury fillings in place and if so have you had any adverse reactions while using ALA? Thanks

Day 7 of the Borax and water: Drinking the 1 liter a day faithfully but DR. changed my meds from neurontin to Lyrica 2x daily, so can't really say if this drug is actually helping the neuropathy in my feet or it's the Borax or combo of both. Open to any comments, other remedies as feet are numb, burning etc. But at least I have not had the shooting pains through feet and toes in the last few days. Question: How long should I continue the Borax? Taking 1/8th tsp. In 1 liter water per day. Woman, weigh 125. Thank you.

Paula, the burning sounds like b12 deficiency.... and your numbers could be low and your dr just not being proactive.

Paula,Dr. David Brownstein writes a book Vitamin B12 for Health. He put all of his patients on B12 supplements even if their blood tests revealed within normal ranges. He found in all his years in the practice that the levels that they state may not be the levels our bodies really need. All in all, all of his patients showed remarkable improvements.

Dr. David Brownstein has not taken on new patients in well over 4 years or more. I called to get in there and asked if his partners would accept me. They too are overwhelmed with patients. The receptionist gave me the name of a website that will direct you to doctors that will test your levels and get you back onto the right path. They test for hormones, digestive issues, and vitamin and mineral absorption levels. The bottom line to any health issue is... are you absorbing your nutrients and do you have inflammation going on in your body.

View this webpage --- acam.org for finding a doctor like Dr. David Brownstein recommends. I am forever grateful I found this book and this webpage. I have already went for my first appointment and am awaiting my test results to get my health back onto the right track. Currently my feet are showing signs of neuropathy... And it is so painful!!!!! Blessings to all of you who try to find the cure... and who wish to use natural stuff.

Vitamin B 12 is best absorbed into the body by injection or sublingually, regular B12 pills are not easy for the body to assimilate. My advice is B12 AND MAGNESIUM . Magnesium in powder form dissolved in water is good . Magnesium is best absorbed through our skin, so add a gel magnesium rubbed on your feet . This has been most helpful to me. The neurologist told me about magnesium. I hope this helps you.

Do you take high blood pressure meds, or statins, or diet soda, a diabetic?

Why are you still taking your meds if you feel it is causing the problem?

I am a health researcher I find the leading cause of your problem is the above, in that order.

Hi, I suffer from extreme neropathy pain in both feet. I'm constanly trying new "cures' but haven't tried the transdermal magnesium therapy. Thanks for the tip, it will be the next thing I try ASAP. I always wish some brillant doctor or person could create some type of "cooling gel" that could be injected into my feet and have the substance cover my nerve endings so that the pain message wouldn't go to my brain. Isn't there any way someone can do research andcome up with a cure. I'd be willing to invest my time with anyone respectable to research cures. I even went and had surgery and had a Spinal Cord Stimulator trial implanted in my spine at the Lehey Clinic but it didn't work for me. Supposedly, it can help a lot of people but it didn't reach my feet (the toughest location to get at) and added a tingling in my back and legs I couldn't stand. Other patients with success swear by the SCS so it may be something others out there can look into, there is also a nerve root stimulator I'm investigating. Best wishes to anyone with this disease. I know first hand how difficult it is to live in constant pain 24/7.

Monique

Does anyone have any suggestions to ease the discomfort or to cure Peripheral Neuropathy? I have been using ACV(twice a day), Baking Soda(once a day), Vitamins B6, E, Selenium, NAC(N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine) and these are not helping yet. I am taking some prescription meds that are suppose to help, Gabapentin, and Amitriptyline and these are not helping either. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

This from Dr. Weil...Your first step should be a general medical checkup to determine if an underlying disease or injury is the cause of your symptoms, and if so, to determine its nature. Your doctor should do complete blood work and may refer you to a neurologist who will probably do an EMG (electromyelogram) to assess muscles and nerve conduction. If you have no underlying disease, you can try one or all of the following strategies:

Take one B-100 B-complex vitamin daily. The B vitamins are necessary for normal nerve function, and supplementing is a good preventive measure. Do not take more than 200 mg of B-6, as higher daily doses can actually cause symptoms of neuropathy.

Take 100 mg of alpha-lipoic acid daily. This antioxidant protects microcirculation to the nerves. You can gradually increase the dose to 300 mg twice a day over the next month.

Thanks to Rob, Selena, and Saba for your responses!

Yes I have an underlying disease that causes this, as well as the meds I take for this disease can also cause neuropathy. And yes I have had all the relevant tests. Will go by some B-100 B complex, and some Alpha-lipoic acid. I have taken the Cayenne in capsule form for other problems as well, and it worked for that. So will mix it with oil as well. The neuropathy is mostly from my knees down to my toes. This Neuropathy is very frustrating mentally more that anything else, and after 19 years with this disease, this has been my biggest challenge yet. Will let you know how these new ideas work. And thank you all again!

Hi there. I was reading your post and I wondered to myself: have you ever been tested for heavy metals? I have read plus spoken w/ several holistic practitioners that say heavy metal toxicity may, or even perhaps, be linked to many neuro-degenerative diseases. I raise the issue because about two years ago, I mysteriously "came down" with a neurological disorder that not only affected the quality of my life (I was fairly healthy and happy-go-lucky) but also my ability to walk w/ both a straight or defined gait. That is, my vestibular system suddenly became out of whack and I felt (and still feel) like I am walking on foam all day long. Initially, I was told it was labyrinthitis, then just simply vertigo, then Meniere's, then it was incurable, then specialists didn't know....and so, you get the picture. :0(

After much research (of my own - traditional docs became useless) - I learned I am indeed suffering from heavy metal poisoning (I have six old amalgams one fairly recent - yr old - root canal that may have stirred up some dormant issues or introduced more metals into my system to which my immune system could no longer handle things efficiently).....and so as my body hit a "tipping point" - I was left w/ a laundry list of symptoms that had me suffering from incredible fatigue and pain. One of these symptoms - like u - was nerve pain in my hands, legs and feet. I thought I was developing peripheral neuropathy (but since I didn't want to go to the doctor anymore) I researched some remedies and found improving my diet helped a great deal, alongside doing TRANSDERMAL MAGNESIUM THERAPY.

When I learned that magnesium (a salt) is such an important macro-mineral in the body - and is especially important for the nervous system (both for conduction and relaxation)....I tried the remedy and have never had any more nerve pain symptoms (in my extremities) to date. I still have the gait issue but that I am working on as I still have the metals in my mouth (saving for the dental procedure to remove them by a holistic dentist). [As a sidenote: heavy metals are known for depleting the body of vital minerals.] When dealing w/ prolonged heavy metal exposure (or overall toxicity) our biochemical/electrolyte make-up becomes seriously compromised. Magnesium is one of those minerals that needs to be replenished in the body almost everyday. The remedy I use is in the form of a foot bath. Magnesium oil or magnesium bath flakes are the ideal choice. Allow your feet to soak in warm water (w/ the oil or flakes) for 20-30 mins. The Mgn works almost immediately as it is quickly absorbed through the pores on your soles of your feet. Its a pretty simple treatment but IT WORKS. I did this for a duration of 5-7 days straight....took a break for a wk or two (symptoms were gone at this point)....but if I felt like I was experiencing any other heavy metal related symptom (ie. joint/muscle pain, chest pain, teeth grinding)....I did it again....and the symptoms subsided. In essence, its a staple treatment I use (in conjunction w/ cleaning up my diet) to both manage and sustain my day-to-day functioning.

God Bless You!

I have went through 2-6 weeks of chemo and then had a bone marrow transplant. The neuropathy in my feet and legs is horrible and has spread to the rest of my body. The doctors have tried almost all meds known to them, with no relief. At first they thought it may improve, then later they tell me the chemo damages the protective shaft around the nerves and their is not anything they can do, just keep me medicated. The transplant was 7 years ago and it just keeps getting worse. After reading the input about Acetyl-L- Carnetine and Alpha Lypoic Acid, I am going to give them a try. Any suggestions on starting with just one or doing both right from the start. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Dear Lynn. I have had good results with R-ALA 200mg with each meal 3x times daily and Vitamin B12 sublingual 1, 000mcg once daily. At the start I was taking anywhere up to 3, 000 to 6, 000mcg daily until I found my balance. You cannot overdose with the B12 as your body will just pee out what you don't need, but it did make me dissy upon laying down. You For now I have it under control. I do know the GabaPentin will make you very drowsy but I was unable to sleep because of the pain and it didn't help, and had to use ice packs for the burning. I tried the Gabba before with the same results.

Art.

I tend to agree with you. Not all "improvements" in supplements (or anything else) are necessarily better than old fashioned remedies.