Alternative (herbal) treatments for Neuralgia

Here is a short list of several herbal supplements that people have used to augment treatments for neuralgias. Keep in mind that few (actually, none that I could find) of these herbal remedies have been scientifically proven to aid neuralgia; they are on this list because I have encountered them in the course of researching possible neuralgia treatments. Additionally, all of the alternative treatments are most effective when used in conjunction with other, more conventional treatment courses (typically, a combination of herbal supplements and anticonvulsants or antidepressants).

1) Zanthoxylum clava-herculisis. Also known as "toothache tree," this spiny tree can reduce pain from a toothache because chewing on the bark or leaves numbs the teeth and tongue. It can be helpful for trigeminal neuralgia patients because of its "antispasmodic" properties for the face and mouth.

2) Matricaria recutita, commonly known as German Chamomile, is typically used to treat stomachache and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), because it is a mild laxative. It is also helpful for sleeping (hence the inclusion of chamomile in many "sleeping" teas), and is anti-inflammatory. Most importantly, in studies with animals the plant has exhibited anti- inflammatory and convulsant properties (as stated above, research is lacking to confirm similar results in humans).

3) Arctium lappa (Burdock) is traditionally used to treat respiratory disorders, joint pain and urinary problems by stimulating cell regeneration. It helps protect against cell damage and abnormal growth, but it is better applied to joint pain and sciatica, rather than neuralgia.

4) Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw) is also good for treating (chronic) joint pain. It contains harpagoside and beta-sitosterol, which have anti-inflammatory properties, and is good for chronic lower-back pain. Doloteffin is a standardized preparation of Devil's Claw. Unfortunately, Devil's Claw promotes the secretion of stomach acids, so side effects involve gastric complications such as ulcers and stomach discomfort.

5) Asperula odorata (sweet woodruff) also has anti-spasmodic and sedative effects.

Concerning the treatment of neuralgia, these supplements (although not tested in a loarge-scale, scientific setting) are good because they promote general health, and also tend to have minor side effects. Rare side effects include nausea and vomiting, as well as allergic reactions to chamomile (if you are allergic to pollen). Lastly, keep in mind that none of these treatments are specifically promoted as a means to aiding neuralgia- the properties they exhibit for other symptoms can likewise be helpful with certain forms of neuralgia.

Looking to purchase these alternative treatments? They should be available at most native remedy or herbal supplement stores. I looked online and had difficulty finding any "name brand," alternative products for neuralgia, although one product "SciatiGon" contains the first four supplements I mentioned above, and claims to reduce nerve pain, specifically for sciatica.