Carpel tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a pain and tingling in your hand because of the median nerve in your wrist, the median nerve runs from your forearm through your hand and then through your wrist called carpal tunnel which enables the movement of fingers. the syndrome causes inflammation to compress this nerve as it passes through this narrow passage. This condition causes pain and numbness in the index and middle fingers and weakness of the thumb. Carpal tunnel receives its name from the eight bones in the wrist, called carpals, which form a "tunnel" through which the nerve leading to the hand extends.
The condition most frequently occurs when a person is between 40 and 60 years of age and it affects more women than men. It may be associated with other health conditions like rubella, Lyme disease, pregnancy or menopause. Smoking, injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, oral contraceptives, hypothyroidism, alcoholism, obesity and diabetes can lead to carpal tunnel. Symptoms of carpal tunnel include numbness, pain in fingers, pregnancy, weakness, tingling or pain in hand. Symptoms are usually noticeable in the night and temporarily relieved, by shaking out your hands. Carpal tunnel is a temporary condition that completely resolves or it can progress. Herbal remedies are often used in the treatment of this condition, to reduce pain as well as inflammation. Below given are few herbs that will get rid of carpal tunnel.
HOME REMEDIES FOR CARPAL TUNNEL
1.Cat’s Claw
Cat’s claw is an effective herbal remedy for treating the pain and inflammation associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and many more types of plant chemicals that help to reduce swelling and inflammation of CST. The recommended dosage of Cat’s Claw standardized extract is 20 mg 3 times a day daily, for inflammation. You can even prepare a tea out of it, just take 10 gm of bark leaves and boil it in 8 oz of water for 15 minutes. Let it cool down, strain and drink it 3 times a day. Cat's claws can interact with certain medications, including blood pressure medications. Cat's claw may worsen autoimmune conditions and Leukemia. Pregnant mothers should strictly avoid cat’s claw as it may cause miscarriage.
2.Boswelllia
Boswelllia has powerful properties to ease CST symptom like pain, joint inflammation and numbness. The herb has a unique anti-inflammatory action, and acts much like the conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is a natural pain- killer because it has boswellic acid which is a chemical substance that exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Boswellia, also called frankincense, is believed to work by blocking the inflammatory molecules known as leukotrienes. Leukotrienes can attack healthy tissue in people with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. The daily intake of this herb is 300 mg twice daily. You can use boswellia as a topical cream or take the herb orally in tablet form. People are advised to take 400-800 mg of extract in capsules or tablets three times per day. In certain cases, mild side effects such as nausea, itching, allergies or diarrhea may occur. In such cases, you must seek medical help in order to combat these symptoms.
3.Green tea
Green tea is believed to help with all types of ailments, making it one of the most popular herbal remedies of all time. For antioxidant and immune effects it has been used to treat everything from acne to inflammation. Green tea is taken orally as a beverage, tablet or tincture. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb or take standardized extract, 250 - 500 mg daily. Use caffeine-free products. You can also soothe your joints and entire body in a warm green tea bath. Green tea has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal supplement.
4.Turmeric
Turmeric is another anti-inflammatory herb that helps in reducing wrist pain and inflammation. Curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric suppresses pain through a mechanism similar to drugs. Turmeric can have a blood thinning effect and can increase the effectiveness of blood thinning medications, such as aspirin and Coumadin. Take 400 to 500 milligrams in standardized extract form three times daily. Turmeric can be made into a tea or added to a spoon of honey.
5.Ginger
Ginger is an herb that is best used to reduce swelling and inflammation associated with several conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties that help to ease carpal tunnel symptoms. You can either eat raw ginger, as a supplement or ginger tea for reducing pain and inflammation associated with this condition.
6.Feverfew
Feverfew is considered an effective herbal remedy for treating carpal tunnel syndrome, as it has been used extensively for reducing pain and inflammation associated with numerous conditions. Feverfew helps in reducing the levels of chemicals that trigger inflammation in the body. The leaves and flowers are used to make extracts and infusions. They may also be dried to use in capsules. It can be combined with white willow to create a mixture that works similar to aspirin. A cold infusion can be made by steeping one ounce of the herb in a pint of boiling water. Allow it to cool. A half teacup at a time as often as needed is a good dose. Although this herb does not cause stomach upset, which is a symptom that is associated with NSAIDs, it may trigger allergic reactions in individuals allergic to ragweed. Before using this medication for treating pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, inform your doctor if you take any other medications for the treatment of any particular health condition.
7.White Willow
Willow bark has anti-inflammatory properties and works as a painkiller. White willow bark contains salicin, a close chemical relative of aspirin. 240 mg a day of willow bark worked better than conventional therapeutic options. Like aspirin, willow bark can cause stomach distress, and it shouldn't be given to children. You should also avoid this herb. Likewise, if you use NSAID drugs or blood thinning prescriptions, be sure to consult your physician before adding bark to any herbal remedies you may use. Willow bark can be found commercially prepared as tinctures, capsules, tablets, powders or tea. Typical doses of willow bark would be 4 to 6 ml of tincture three times per day, or 60 to 240 mg of standardized salicin in the form of powdered herb in capsules or liquid per day, or 3 to 4 cups a day of tea made with 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried bark in 8 ounces of water. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes and then let it steep for a half an hour before straining and drinking.
8.Devil's Claw
Devil's claw root is a natural anti- inflammatory and is known to be effective in reducing the inflammation of connective tissues, as it used to treat the inflammation of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Devil's Claw has performed well in trials studying pain; it was most effective for people who had the most severe, radiating pain, with numbness in the extremities. Devil's claw comes in capsule, tincture, and tea form. For inflammation and pain, devil's claw is usually taken in capsule form. A standard dose of devils claw would be 0.10 to 0.25 ml of liquid extract taken three times per day. Take 1-2 g devil's claw root 3 times per day or take one 400 mg devil's claw root tablet thrice daily. Possible side effects include upset stomach, headache, ringing in the ears, loss of appetite and taste, diarrhea, low blood pressure and abnormal heart beat (possibly tachycardia or an increase in heart squeezing effects). Devil's claw is not recommended during pregnancy since it causes contractions of the uterus.
9.Gingko Biloba
Ginkgo biloba has been suggested as a response to carpal tunnel syndrome. Ginkgo may also provide relief from numbness by increasing blood flow and improving circulation in the fingers and hands of those with carpal tunnel syndrome. Ginkgo biloba, taken in capsule, tablet form, or as an extract, reduces swelling and also protects the nerves and helps them heal. Gingko biloba has more than 40 components including flavonoids and terpenoids, these two components are plant based antioxidants and it’s an effective tonic that aids all conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome.
10.Cayenne
Cayenne contains capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers, a substance that appears to inhibit the release of neurotransmitters responsible for communicating pain sensations. It is thought to temporarily relieve pain and may be one of the best topical therapies for fibro. Using cayenne oil in combination with menthol works like an herbal "icy/hot" treatment. Topical applications of cayenne (capsicum) powder mixed with wintergreen oil can help relieve muscle pain. Use 1 part cayenne powder to 3 parts wintergreen oil. Or add a teaspoon of powdered cayenne to a quarter-cup of skin lotion and rub it on your wrists. Cayenne can also be taken orally, in capsule form.
11.Skullcap
Skullcap treats the nervous system. Skullcap in extract form, take as directed on label, has been used with some success for relief of muscle spasms and pain, and may help relax the tendons surrounding the carpal tunnel.
12.Horse Chestnut
Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), helps increase vascular circulation by strengthening veins and capillaries, and has used successfully for treatment of some circulatory disorders. It also contains aescin, a phytochemical that is said to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may be helpful for treatment of inflamed tissues surrounding the carpal tunnel, and is available in both topical creams and oral supplements.
13.St. John's wort
St. John’s Wort, a natural antidepressant, is found to be used in which helps to alleviate pain, affects nerves and is effective for sharp, shooting nerve pains. Most of the herbal remedies for carpal tunnel syndrome act by helping to ease pain and inflammation; however, St. John’s wort may actually help to improve the function of the median nerve itself. St. John’s wort is thought to have a protective and calming effect on the central nervous system, and may be of great benefit both physically and emotionally to those suffering from chronic pain as a result of carpal tunnel syndrome. St. John's wort, when applied to the wrists as a topical cream, can reduce inflammation of connective tissues and muscles and reduce pain in cases of carpal tunnel syndrome. St John's wort is usually well tolerated.
The most common side effects are stomach upset, skin reactions, and fatigue. St. John's wort should not be mixed with antidepressants or any other supplement, as the combinations can cause illness. Choose a standardized extract containing 0.3 percent hypericin and take 300 milligrams three times daily. St. John's wort herbal oil, extracted by macerating the flowers in vegetable oil, is excellent applied externally for fibromyalgia and can ease the nerve pains.
Topical Herbal Formulations
Therapeutic Herbal Massage Oils
- Some herbal formulations may be applied topically for fast, short-term relief of painful carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Make therapeutic massage oil, using two ounces of carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond oil, and eight drops of essential oil. Treat carpal tunnel by rubbing the massage oil on hand, wrist, and forearm once a day. Use a blend of peppermint, juniper, and cypress.
- Regular massages with relaxing aromatherapy oils took an herbal nerve-pain formula and slathered liberal amounts of herbal oils especially anti-arthritic. Wintergreen and St. John's wort in oil may be massaged into the skin to increase circulation and relieve painful muscles and joints.
- Add a few drops of lavender oil to the red pepper salve. Lavender oil is a mainstay of aromatherapy, useful for treating inflammation and burns. Its aroma is quite relaxing, which helps when you're feeling the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Add 3 drops of nutmeg essential oil to 50 ml carrier oil, such as jojoba or sweet almond oil and apply to affected area 2 - 3 times a day. It can also be used in the bath
- Creams containing arnica (Arnica montana) or capsaicin from cayenne (Capsicum annuum) may provide relief from pain and inflammation when applied directly to the affected area.
- Mustard oil Castor oil has been found to bring long lasting relief in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. These oils have overpowering healing qualities. Warm some mustard oil or castor oil and Massage thoroughly the wrists, thumbs, fingers and the back of the hand for quite some time. Wrap your hands in flannel and keep for an hour. It helps alleviate the pain and swelling, strengthens the muscles and infuses fresh energy into them. Do this on a regular basis.
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