Have you ever gone through severe, blinding pain to the side of your face?
If yes, then you might be experiencing a neuropathic issue called Trigeminal Neuralgia. [1]
Usually, the pain affects only one side of the face at a time but can affect both sides in rare cases.
The pain attacks like an electric shock and can last up to two minutes, leaving the patient paranoid.
The traditional treatment often involves medication or surgery. But you can try some home remedies for Trigeminal Neuralgia pain before you rush to the doctors.
Trigeminal Neuralgia, Causes & Symptoms
Trigeminal Neuralgia, also called Tic Douloureux or Facial Pain is a sharp pain that shoots from one or more trigeminal nerve branches. [1]
The trigeminal nerve is the primary nerve that controls the sensation to your face. [2]
You could feel a sharp, stabbing pain from your forehead to your jaw when the disorder attacks, and it could be so intense that the sufferer might get afraid of eating, talking, even moving when they are in pain.
It happens when there is an irritation to the trigeminal nerve. If any of your blood vessels press on the nerve and damages the protective coating around it, the nerve may trigger the pain. [3]
Diseases like multiple sclerosis can also injure the nerve, leading towards that inevitable pain.
If you ever had surgery, accident or stroke that could injure the trigeminal nerve, you might suffer from that facial pain.
You may feel the pain while doing such simple things like brushing your teeth, shaving, washing your face or doing makeup. Even a gentle breeze against your face can trigger the pain.
You can feel the pain several times a day or a week while going painlessly sometimes in the middle.
Home Remedies for Trigeminal Neuralgia Pain Relief
When the pain triggers, you may not have the time to consult a doctor and take medicines. Some home remedies can help you soothe pain during that time.
These remedies are 100% natural and may work slowly, but it will surely give you relief from the intense pain without any side effects.
1. Cayenne Pepper & Olive Oil
Cayenne Pepper or Capsicum is quite good at alleviating nerve pain. [4]
It contains Capsaicin that blocks the pain by reducing a pain-causing chemical named Substance P.
Olive oil can slip deep into the skin, making the healing quicker with its antioxidant properties. [5]
Its anti-inflammatory properties can help decrease the inflammation.
All you have to do is blend a pinch of cayenne pepper with olive oil and apply the mixture to the painful area.
Read More: 12 Anti-Inflammatory Herbs That You Should Know About
2. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary is a popular name when it comes to natural remedies.
People use the oil for so many reasons, to cure heartburn, liver, and gallbladder related problems, high blood pressure, as well as relieving pain. [6]
The analgesic properties of Rosemary can help alleviate pain, while its nervine properties can strengthen the nerves.
You can use it topically to reduce trigeminal neuralgia pain.
You can also take it as a tea, but should not drink it if you’re pregnant.
Read More: 13 Health Benefits and Uses of Rosemary Oil (Backed by Evidence)
3. Avocado & Carrot Juice
Avocado is rich in monosaturated fatty acid, a vital component for those who suffer from trigeminal neuralgia. [7]
It also contains Vitamin B5, Vitamin B3, and folic acid.
Carrot is full of antioxidant, and its root is useful for treating cancer, constipation, diarrhea, and any vitamin deficiency. [8]
Carrot is an important source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, B2, B5, and B6. Vitamin B1 can help maintain a healthy nervous system.
You can put them in a blender to make a juice and have it orally to reduce the pain.
Read More: 12 Cranberry Juice Benefits (Backed by Science Evidence)
4. Ashwagandha Oil
The root and berry of the Ashwagandha plant are used for medicinal purposes, primarily as a nervine tonic. [9]
It has inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and swelling.
Ashwagandha has antioxidant agents that boost the immune system, accelerating the healing process.
It contains sedative chemicals that help keep your brain calm. You can apply the oil topically to get relief from the pain.
5. Almond Milk
Almond milk is one of the most delicious of all remedies to get rid of facial pain. [10]
It has all the vital nutrients that are essential to cure trigeminal neuralgia. Making the milk at home will give you all the benefits of almonds. It contains Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, as well as Vitamin E. All these vitamins can help maintain a better nervous system, and synthesize several hormones.
Almond milk is an excellent source of antioxidants, meaning that it can protect your body from neurodegenerative diseases.
Including it in your regular diet can help you get relief from the pain.
Read More: Almond Oil for Dark Circle: 13 Natural Ways to Use
6. Press Heat or Cold
You can quickly soothe your pain by placing a heat pack or ice pack to the affected area.
For heat pack, place a hot water bag on your cheek for instant relief. You can also try a hot shower or if possible, a hot sauna.
Ice can also help reduce the pain. You can just put an ice bag on your cheek or take some ice cubes inside a piece of fabric and press them on the affected area.
However, ice therapy isn’t suitable for everyone.
For some people, cold triggers the symptom of trigeminal neuralgia. Avoid this method if you’re one of them.
Dos and Don’ts
In addition to these home remedies, you must follow some simple rules and maintain a healthy diet to get rid of the severe pain.
- Make sure your daily diet contains monosaturated fatty acids that help reduce inflammation. Avocados, groundnut oil, Hazelnuts, peanuts are full of these fatty acids.
- You must eat lots of fruits, vegetables, as well as dairy products that are rich in Omega 3, Vitamin B, and Vitamin A. Eggs, milk, yogurt, soymilk, flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, cheese, carrots, cabbage, spinach, kale, frozen peas contain all those nutrients.
- Avoid foods that are full of saturated fats and Trans fats. Saturated fats impede the body from repairing the damage created by the nerve in the face. Butter, ghee, tallow, suet, coconut oil, and palm kernel oil contain saturated fats.
- Try to relax when the pain triggers. Listen to music or try to do something positive. It will help you stay calm and reduce stress.
Bottom Line
Facial pain is annoying and can get worse if you don’t take any quick remedy. Try some home remedies to alleviate the pain, and consult the doctor if necessary.
We hope you’ve got your necessary information in this article. Give your valuable feed in the comment section below.
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