External Herbs for Peripheral Neuropathy

[Guest guest]

Has anyone used herbs externally for peripheral neuropathy (diabetic

or chemo-induced)? I am thinking of trying a foot-soak with a few

patients that I have.

 

Some of the specific questions that I have regarding this are:

 

What are the dosages of herbs relative to a typical decoction for

internal use?

How much water is used? Cooking time - any different than typical?

How long should patient soak their feet? Once or twice a day?

Is there a reference out there with more info along these lines?

 

Thanks in advance for any input.

 

-Adam

[Guest guest]

Adam,

 

I have had good results with Hypericum (St. John's Wort) as an oil or a

liniment for peripheral neuropathy, mostly due to diabetes. I also use

Scutellaria laterifolia (American Skullcap) as a tincture internally.

 

There are a number of other medicinals that I might consider depending on the

pattern. However, in all cases I would consider warm Castor oil packs,

especially on the most severely effected areas. Sometimes I simply combine the

Hypericum with the Castor oil and have the patient apply it 1-3 time a day

depending on their life patterns and willingness to deal with oil on their legs.

 

The best time to apply the oils is at night. Then is can be wrapped and a long

sock can be wore to avoid oil on the bed sheets. This gives a prolonged

application and is relatively easy without the PITA of dealing with it during

the day.

 

Good luck,

Thomas

 

 

 

Faculty Department of Complementary and Alternative Medicine

John Burns School of Medicine University of Hawai'i Manoa

Honolulu, HI

 

www.sourcepointherbs.org

 

 

[Guest guest]

I would be VERY surprised if external herbs have an effect on peripheral

neuropathy. If you do try it, just make sure that the decoction isn't too

hot. It is very easy to burn people who have peripheral neuropathy.

.............................................

Bill Schoenbart, L.Ac.

P.O. Box 8099

Santa Cruz, CA 95061

 

office phone: 831-335-3165

email: plantmed

.............................................

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Very good advice - these patients easily burn themselves. Internal

herbs work very well and acupuncture is also very helpful. We used

herbal soaks with lots of added Huang Qi for very chronic patients

with excellent results.. but in my practice, I don't use many raw

herbs, so just internal and acupuncture - and seems to be just fine.

Geoff

 

 

, " Bill Schoenbart "

<plantmed2 wrote:

>

> I would be VERY surprised if external herbs have an effect on

peripheral

> neuropathy. If you do try it, just make sure that the decoction

isn't too

> hot. It is very easy to burn people who have peripheral neuropathy.

> ............................................

> Bill Schoenbart, L.Ac.

> P.O. Box 8099

> Santa Cruz, CA 95061

>

> office phone: 831-335-3165

> email: plantmed

> ............................................

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Never have used it myself by have heard anecdotes of geranium

essential oil being effective for treatment of peripheral neuropathy.

Good luck,.

Joe Curcio, L.Ac.

www.acupoint.net

[Guest guest]

Hi Joe, Bill, & All,

 

> Never have used it myself by have heard anecdotes of geranium

> essential oil being effective for treatment of peripheral neuropathy.

> Good luck,. Joe Curcio, L.Ac.

 

See article by Bob Flaws (Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy). The formula

(oral) used was Zhi Gui Hua Yu Tang which included Shuizhi, Chuanxiong,

Huainiuxi), and Jianghuang, 10g each, Danggui 15g, and stir-fried

Yanhusuo 20g. If there was LU-ST Exuberant Heat, Shigao, Zhimu,

Tianhuafen, Huanglian, Shengdiguang and Maimendong were added. If

there was KI Yin Depletion and Vacuity, Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Six Flavors

Rehmannia Pills) were added. If there was Qi and Yin Dual Vacuity,

Renshen, Huangqi, Maimendong, Tianmendong, Zhimu & Fuling were

added. If there was Yin and Yang True Vacuity, Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan

(Golden Cabinet KI Qi Pills) was added. One packet of these medicinals

was decocted in water twice to obtain 400ml of liquid and administered

warm bid, morning and evening; 30d = 1 course; 1-2 courses were given

before outcomes were analyzed. For details, see http://tinyurl.com/yj8h7s

 

Best regards,

 

HOME + WORK: 1 Esker Lawns, Lucan, Dublin, Ireland

Tel: (H): +353-(0) or (M): +353-(0)

<

 

 

 

" Man who says it can't be done should not interrupt man doing it " - Chinese

Proverb

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Just wanted to thank everyone for their input/answers to my query.

You've given me lots to chew on. Not sure what I am going to try yet

but I will keep you posted.

 

Adam Schreiber