Essential Oils for Nerve Pain: Neuralgia, Neuropathy, CTS

By Caryn Gehlmann, Clinical Aromatherapist

Using essential oils for nerve pain is a hot topic! If you or a loved one have experienced nerve discomfort, whether it shows up as tingling, burning, or shooting pains, you know how disruptive it can be.

Conditions like neuralgia (nerve pain without damage) and neuropathy (nerve pain caused by damaged or impaired nerves) are increasingly common in today’s world. Frequently, we get asked,  “What essential oils are good for nerve pain?”.  So I thought this would be a great topic for this month’s Q & A with Caryn.

For example we received this question: Are there essential oils that I can use to help ease the symptoms of my 83 year old grandmother’s neuralgia?

Given that she’s in her 80’s I recommended they start with a 3-5% dilution of essential oils in a carrier oil such as Rose Hip or Tamanu. It is generally best to start with a lower dilution rate and increase if needed.  (See dilution guidelines below.) After taking into consideration her age and health status. I chose the following essential oil for their beneficial properties, and because when used in proper dilution are safe for her to use.

Safety First! Before you begin using essential oils for nerve pain, I always recommend you do a small patch test of a properly diluted essential oil on the inside of an elbow,  cover it and leave it for 24 hours. If redness or irritation occurs, apply a vegetable oil, then wash with soap and water. It is always best to check for any reactivity before applying essential oils to larger areas such as in a compress or massage.

Our modern lifestyles place a heavy load on our nervous system.

Common contributors to nerve pain, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, neuralgia or neuropathy, include diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, chemotherapy, chemical exposure, alcoholism, injury, oxidative stress, or poor circulation. While essential oils can’t repair nerves, they may bring comfort, improve circulation, and support relaxation. Best of all, they can support better lifestyle choices so we can avoid nerve pain.

Caring for Nerves Before Damage Occurs

Preventative care is so important. You can help your nerves stay healthy by:

Moving daily: walking, stretching, or yoga boosts circulation.
Eating for nerve health: foods rich in B vitamins, Omega-3s, and antioxidants.
Staying hydrated: water helps flush toxins that may irritate nerves.
Managing stress: aromatherapy, deep breathing, and mindfulness calm the nervous system.
Protecting feet: especially if diabetic or working at a demanding job — check daily, wear good shoes, massage and moisturize.

Suggested Essential Oils for General Nerve Pain

Helichrysum Dilute– helps to ease nerve pain, support immune & lymphatic systems, and has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Lavender, E. Europe or French – antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory. Lavender is known for its calming and soothing properties both physically and emotionally and is considered an adaptogenic (helps to restore balance).
Geranium– immune and lymph support, antibacterial, anti fungal, skin tonic and also known as an adaptogenic
Peppermint – analgesic, cools over heated skin, eases nerve pain

Suggested essential oils for neuralgia

Peppermint – antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory
Nutmeg – analgesic, antirheumatic, antispasmodic
Geranium – adaptogenic, stimulating, astringent, sedative
Rosemary  – analgesic, antidepressant, digestive, nervine
Sandalwood – anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, sedative
Clove – analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic
Ginger – analgesic, antispasmodic
Lavender – analgesic, anti-depressant, adaptogenic, sedative
Basil – analgesic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, balancing
Clary Sage – antispasmodic, sedative, nervine

Suggested essential oils for neuropathy

Peppermint  – antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory
Juniperberry – anti-rheumatic, antispasmodic, astringent
Geranium – adaptogenic,  stimulating, astringent, sedative
Helichrysum – antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, nervine
Lemongrass – analgesic, antidepressant, sedative, anti-inflammatory
Lavender – analgesic, anti-depressant, adaptogenic, sedative
Basil – analgesic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, balancing
Cypress  – antispasmodic, vasoconstrictor, sedative
Marjoram Sweet – anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic
Tangerine – antispasmodic, sedative, calming
Patchouli – stringent,  sedative and tonic
Blue Tansy – anti-inflammatory, analgesic
Ylang Ylang Extra – nervine, sedative

Another  option is to look at the Synergy Blends such as Head Soothe (I personally use this essential oil blend a lot. I use it for headaches, muscle aches and sometimes when I am just feeling stressed.) and Inflammation Blend.

Dilution Guidelines

• Always dilute oils: start with 1–3% (6–18 drops per oz carrier oil).
• Patch test before wider use.
• If irritation occurs, apply plain carrier oil or vegetable oil, then wash.

It is generally best to start with a lower dilution rate and increase if needed.

1% would be 6 drops drops of essential oil in 1 oz of carrier oil
2% would be 12 drops of essential oil in 1 oz of carrier oil
3% would be 18 drops of essential oil in 1 oz of carrier oil
4% would be 24 drops of essential oil in 1 oz of carrier oil
5% would be 30 drops of essential oil in 1 oz of carrier oil

Massage and Other Tips for Nerve Pain

Massage encourages circulation, relaxes muscles, and eases tension. And when you add essential oils, their soothing, therapeutic properties make it all the more effective. Mix 6-60 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil or fragrance-free, natural lotion. Apply to the specific area in need.

• • Use gentle, slow strokes with diluted essential oils.
  • Warm the oil slightly for extra comfort.
  • If direct touch is tender, massage nearby areas instead.
  • Reflexology (especially for feet) can be calming for neuropathy.

  Bath: Mix 4-8 drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil. (You can also add the essential oil to 1/2 cup of whole milk or heavy cream. Never add essential oils straight to bath water.) Set aside. If you have muscle aches, add Epsom or Dead sea salts. Fill the tub with warm water and immerse yourself. Add the essential oil mixture and swirl the water around you. Massage your skin and breathe in the aroma. Remain in the tub for 10-15 minutes.

  Compress: Fill a basin with water. (Warm water relaxes and increases circulation. Cool water invigorates and relieves inflammation.) Add 3-5 drops of essential oil and briskly stir. Lay in a washcloth, wring, and apply to the area in need. Dip, wring, and apply 3 more times. Leave the last compress in place for 3 minutes.

   

  Essential Oil Recipes for Nerve Pain

  Massage Oil for Daily Support

  • 10 drops Juniperberry
  • 10 drops Geranium
  • 10 drops  Helichrysum

  Blend into 1 oz carrier oil (Tamanu or Rosehip). Massage gently 1–2 times daily.
  

  Cooling Relief Blend

  • 15 drops Geranium
  • 10 drops Helichrysum
  • 6 drops Cypress
  • 10 drops Juniperberry
  • 5 drops Peppermint 

  Mix into 1 oz Sweet Almond or unscented lotion. Apply up to 3 times daily.
  

  Soothing Foot Soak

  • 4–6 drops Lavender
  •  4–6 drops Peppermint 

  Mix in 1 tsp of carrier oil. Add to warm water and soak feet for 10–15 minutes.

  Gentle Care For Daily Comfort

  Whether you’re supporting your own body or caring for a loved one, simple habits like massage, circulation-boosting practices, and calming essential oils can make each day more comfortable. Sometimes, the smallest rituals, like a warm soak, a gentle touch, a soothing scent, are what bring the most relief.

  Now that you have a list of essential oils for nerve pain, how do you combine them so they’re effective together AND you like the smell? You can either request our Recipe Done For You Service  — one recipe, one fee (including shipping and handling), one ready-to-go remedy! We hope to have it available soon. Is that a service you’d take advantage of? Leave us a comment and let us know!

  Or for a DIY approach, download our free ebooks: Listen to Your Nose – An Introduction to Aromatherapy and  The Art & Science of Blending Essential Oils.

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• Related Articles and Research

  Essential Oils as a Potential Neuroprotective Remedy for Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Review

  WebMed: Can Essential Oils Treat Neuropathy?

  Botanicals and dietary supplements in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

  Antioxidant activity of linalool in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.
  This study was designed to determine the effects of linalool inhalation on oxidative stress in patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). CTS is a common peripheral neuropathy injury; oxidative stress is considered a major cause of CTS.

  Recommendations in this post are intended for adult use only and are not a substitute for medical care. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.