Kildonon (Ohio) on 06/08/2023
Tom (Livingston, Tx) on 12/21/2022
Probably 10 years ago, what got rid of numbness and tingling (I assume peripheral neuropathy, PN) in my toes was taking unrefined or virgin macadamia oil.
It took about 2 months and one 16 oz bottle at 1 or 2 measuring tablespoons per day after a meal. Interestingly, my fungal great toenail dropped off or lifted off of the nail bed at the same time the numbness and tingling stopped in my toes. Then the toenail grew in healthy over the next year.
It was the NOW brand 16 oz unrefined macadamia oil, but NOW discontinued the product at the time.
So I now take PipingRock's 16 oz virgin macadamia oil or the Carlyle 16 oz virgin 3 bottle pack through Amazon.
However, the fungal toenail came back recently, so I have restarted taking the macadamia oil internally with good results. I take a flatware tablespoon of the oil, which is about a half measuring tablespoon, every 6 hours or 4 times per day. So that is about 2 measuring tablespoons per day, which is 1 oz per day. So I take it (plus or minus 2 hours) at 6 AM, 12 PM, 6 PM and 12 AM.
Macadamia oil is the highest food source for palmitoleic acid, at about 18%. Palmitoleic acid is antimicrobial, so that is what I think extinguished my fungal toenail and PN.
The macadamia oil internally also works wonders for some jaw-related pain that I have.
Next I may order a gallon of virgin macadamia oil from TheSulu.com in Chicago. That would be 16 pints which, if ordering a gallon, would save about 2/3 of the cost if ordering 16 separate pints.
Or The Sulu on Etsy:
Lynn Greene (Penticton, BC, CAN) on 12/20/2022
Changed my diet because of pain in feet, with a constant battle against Shingles. Taking antivirals too much. No sugar, no wheat products (and of course no gluten) and no milk. Buttermilk and cream, butter, homemade ghee are fine. Results: In one month my husband and I lost our huge bellies. Still some pain in feet, but way less. Increase in energy, less body pain, Shingles seem to be gone. We still have buttermilk and 0 sugar ice cream, buckwheat and other non-wheat related foods.
The Wheatbelly cookbook is very helpful. I can't wait to see what happens next in our changes. My husband's allergies and Parkinson are improving, too.
Milk is high in lactose (just plain sugar). No itchy skin, either.
ekvaughn (mcneal az) on 12/20/2022
You listed 5 vitamins that are good for peripheral neuropathy. Are there any combo pills out there so that I would not have to take so many pills at once?
Preston (MA) on 10/07/2022
Preston (MA) on 10/07/2022
Art (California) on 09/15/2022
The following two studies show that Melatonin can be helpful in the fight against Peripheral Neuropathy (PN). I am adding this post because Melatonin is not currently on the EC list for PN supplements, but it clearly belongs there.
In this first study / Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) it is shown that melatonin provides benefits against PN even at the low dose of 6 mg / day :
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00228-021-03170-5
Here is a relevant quote from the RCT :
' At the study endpoint, treatment with melatonin resulted in a considerably higher reduction in the mean NRS pain score in comparison with placebo (4.2 ± 1.83 vs. 2.9 ± 1.56; P-value < 0.001). In terms of treatment responders, a greater proportion of melatonin-treated patients satisfied the responder criterion than placebo-treated patients (63.5% vs. 43.1%). Melatonin also reduced pain-related sleep interference scores more than did placebo (3.38 ± 1.49 vs. 2.25 ± 1.26; P-value < 0.001). Further, at the endpoint, more improvement was also seen in terms of PGIC, CGIC, and Health-related QOL in patients treated with melatonin than placebo. Melatonin was also well tolerated. '
In this next study, melatonin is shown to actually repair peripheral nerves :
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0891584922001691?via=ihub
Here is a relevant quote from the study :
' Collectively, these findings indicate that melatonin upregulates Parkin-mediated mitophagy and promotes peripheral nerve repair. The results provide a basis for the development of effective drugs for PNI treatment. '
Admittedly, a 6 mg/day dose is rather modest considering they are trying to treat PN in the first study. Considering the results obtained in the study, future studies should use higher dosing to answer the question of whether more melatonin will have an even greater and faster effect, as shown in other studies not involving PN. In any case, working toward actual repair of peripheral nerves as opposed to trying to kill the pain, burning, tingling and numbness seems much more important IMO.
Art
Preston (MA) on 07/29/2021
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?
epeach (United States) on 05/07/2020
I fell over 2 1/2 years ago and broke my back herniated some discs, and twisted my leg in the fall. I reached out to Earth Clinic immediately for help and too many to name came to my aid with wonderful advice.
Thank you! Neuropathy pain began to develop my back, bottom, hip, leg, and foot. It was soon diagnosed as RSD commonly called Suicide Disease. I have researched for almost 3 years for a way to alleviate this unbearable pain and other symptoms associated with it. I couldn't complete any tasks and am using a cane.
Over 6 weeks ago, I found a blog about transdermal neuralgia and it sounded similar to my condition but located in the face.
A lady said that she began B12 injections 2 times a week and went into remission after 8 months. I called my doctor right away and he approved the treatment but told me not to try anything new while I am getting the injections. At first, I thought we chose the wrong treatment because I was exhausted and couldn't stay awake. After about 1 month that went away, and now my energy is out of the world and I have stamina. I have accomplished so many tasks in the last few weeks.
But the best part is my mood. I am laughing all of the time. My husband is so happy. He has his wife back.
I did not realize that I was depressed, but I guess I was. Even the cashier at the local grocery store noticed the changes. I am still in excruciating pain with storms and barometric pressure changes. But the overall pain has reduced. Hopefully, with continued use that will improve as well as the other symptoms have.
Thank you for letting me share. I pray someone reads this and will receive benefit as well. God bless.
Macademia Nut Oil for Numbness and Tingling in Toes Tom (Currently Yuma, Az) on 12/27/2020
NOW brand discontinued the macadamia oil, but PipingRock has excellent oils, including macadamia oil. Macadamia oil has the highest percentage of the antimicrobial, palmitoleic acid, at 18%, which I now believe is antifungal as well.
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That dosage for macadamia nut oil was just one measuring tablespoon after meals, up to twice per day.
That way, one 16 oz bottle would last about 32 days since there are 2 tablespoons to a fluid ounce.
However, just a half measuring tablespoon after meals might be enough, though, for the first two months. A half tbsp ended up being my maintenance dose for years, at once per day.
Assuming 13.3 grams per tablespoon of oil, 18% of that is 2.39 grams or almost 2400 mg of palmitoleic acid per measuring tablespoon.
At the time, I was using a flatware tablespoon that holds half of a measuring tablespoon, and I would take two of them after meals for the first two months. I no longer take macadamia oil, but the numbness in fingers and toes has never returned, nor has any fungal toenail.
Bandi (Oakland, Ca) on 12/20/2017
Cure? No :-(
But I am working on it :-)
Gabapentin 300 mg 1x/day. If I forget to take it before going to bed, while usually not excessive, the symptoms keep waking me up.
While during the day I often don't notice the symptoms, around 5 pm they start getting bothersome. At that time I rub some Chinese liniment called Zheng Gu Shui (avalable on ebay) on the ball and sole of my feet. It increases blood flow and the result its less sensitivity. It contains camphora among other ingredients, so wash your hands afterwords or your eyes may water :-)
Before going to bed, I use another Chinese liniment, called Shaolin I-Ching Ling. I used to get bruised while practicing Tae Kwon Do karate and had some remnant in a bottle. Sure enough, it calmed my nerves. Available on the Internet, just search on I-Ching Ling. I now make my own. Takes about 3 months but it is worth it. When my shoulder, knee, finger etc ache or I pulled a tendon or my muscles ache, a small application usually helps within minutes.
Somewhat less effective, but still useful for neuropathy pains is a gel called Diclac. I bought them in Hungary but seen it on Internet. That one was made in Germany.
All of the above are effective shortly after application.
Since I am using several remedies simultaneously, I can not prove the effectiveness of the following 2 remedies. But they seem to slow the progress of neuropathy.
Twice a day I take 150 mg Benfotiamine. Read https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10219465. Appearently it has been used in Europe for a long time.
Twice a day I take 1300 mg Borage (for LA, GLA OA) + 300 mg timed release Alha Lipoic Acid + 500 mg Vitamin C
Read https://www.diabetesdaily.com/forum/neuropathy/29911-harvard-article-neuropathy-gla/ and do search on GLA
I know it may be boring BUT it is worth reading:
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/28/1/89.full
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00641953?term=neuropathy&rank=105
Ok the above is what I practice right now in December of 2017
So what else is there?
TENS unit helps. I used to attach it to my feet while working at the computer. Check the Internet. Not too expensive. I had it handy since I originally used it for my lower back pain.Successfully I might add.
I have a toilet brush :-) With it I keep hitting the sole of my feet for a couple of minutes at night to increase blood flow. Yes it helps.
Capsaicin in any form (liquid or cream) works but the skin gets sensitized after a while so I dropped it.
Physical theraphy felt good but helped none. Acupuncture did not do much good either. But the Chinese massage I received after the treatment was worth going for :-)
Future?
I am looking into MSM, stem cells but do not hold out much hope for either right now. And please, believe in valid research not wishful thinking cloaked in scientific sounding mambo-jumbo!
Well, have a Merry Christmas and no pain!
Gord235 (Vancouver, British Columbia) on 12/18/2017
Gord235 (Vancouver, British Columbia) on 10/03/2017
Serrapeptase is a relatively new treatment utilising an enzyme to remove non-living cells. This has a dramatic effect on reducing pain and inflammation. It has been used successfully in Europe for thirty years but is just becoming known in North America.
I have started with 120,000 SU (2 capsules) - twice a day and plan to gradually increase the dosage after watching several clips on youtube. I would be interested in hearing about any experiences by members who have tried it.
Gord235 (Vancouver, British Columbia) on 09/07/2017
Next; after considering several options I settled on the following protocol: B12 5,000 mcg/day, Acetyl-L-Carnitine 750mg/day, R+Alpha Lipoic Acid 100 mg/day, Calcium Magnesium D3 333/167 mg/day 2:1 Ratio, Enhanced Absorption. This combination worked fast and very well for me, eliminating 90% of my pain.
Fortunately, I am one with a B12 deficiency brought about by a series of diets including Paleo, Vegan, Starch-based and finally Low Carb, Moderate Protein. I am now back on track thanks to members like Al and Art who have shared their experiences here. I hope this information is helpful to those who are new to the site and trying to find their way. There are several causes for Peripheral Neuropathy and not everyone is B12 deficient but it should be worthwhile to try to determine if you are by trying this simple plan. Hopefully you are one of the lucky ones.
All the best,
Gord
Rick (Chicago) on 06/12/2016
BTW, I once used r-lipoic acid to cure my loss of taste (taste only, not smell) from taking an anti-fungal rx (never again). EENT specialist gave me prednisone which helped nothing but gave me road rage and fluid retention. Google led me to ALA and RLA studies. Cured in days. EENT doctor refused to even look at the published research articles. It was a pleasure to tell him "Your services are no longer required."
Roxicross (Uk) on 06/11/2015
Betsy (San Diego, CA) on 02/25/2015
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.
Bonnie (Ravenna, Ohio) on 09/03/2014
Faith (Oregon) on 04/03/2014
Betsy (San Diego) on 01/21/2014
