10 Best Herbal Baths For Numbness In Hands

Herbal baths can be a soothing and therapeutic way to alleviate numbness in the hands by promoting circulation and reducing inflammation.

Certain herbs such as lavender, eucalyptus, and ginger are commonly used for their calming and warming properties that may help improve blood flow. Soaking the hands in a warm herbal bath for 15 to 20 minutes can help relax tense muscles and ease nerve discomfort. These baths are especially beneficial for individuals with conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or poor circulation.

While they may not replace medical treatment, herbal baths can serve as a complementary remedy to support overall hand health and comfort.

1. Field horsetail (Equisetum arvense)

Equisetum arvense, commonly known as field horsetail, has been traditionally used in herbal baths to alleviate numbness in the hands due to its high concentration of silica and other minerals.

The silica content in horsetail is believed to improve circulation and support nerve function, which may help reduce tingling and numbness. To prepare a horsetail bath, the dried plant material is steeped in hot water and then used to soak the hands, allowing the beneficial compounds to be absorbed through the skin. This practice is often combined with other herbal remedies to enhance its effectiveness.

While some studies suggest potential benefits, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using horsetail baths, especially for individuals with existing health conditions.

2. St. john's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St. John's Wort, has been traditionally used in herbal baths to alleviate numbness in the hands, particularly in cases of nerve-related conditions or circulation issues.

When infused into warm bath water, the active compounds in hypericum, such as hyperforin and hypericin, may help to reduce inflammation and stimulate blood flow, potentially improving sensory function. These baths are often recommended as a complementary therapy to support overall nerve health and relieve tingling or numbness. The calming properties of the herb can also promote relaxation, which may further aid in reducing stress-induced symptoms.

However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using St. John's Wort, as it can interact with certain medications.

3. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)

Urtica dioica, commonly known as stinging nettle, has been traditionally used in herbal baths to alleviate numbness in the hands due to its anti-inflammatory and circulatory stimulating properties.

When prepared as a bath, the plant's compounds may help improve blood flow and reduce nerve irritation, potentially easing symptoms of tingling or numbness. To use stinging nettle for this purpose, the leaves are typically steeped in hot water and then added to warm bath water, allowing the skin to absorb the beneficial compounds. While some anecdotal evidence supports its effectiveness, more scientific research is needed to confirm its role in treating neuropathic conditions.

As with any herbal remedy, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before use, especially for individuals with existing medical conditions or those taking medications.

4. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as rosemary, is a medicinal herb often used in herbal baths to alleviate numbness in the hands.

The essential oils derived from rosemary leaves contain compounds like cineole and camphor, which are believed to improve circulation and stimulate nerve function. When infused into bath water, rosemary can help soothe tingling and promote a warming sensation in the hands, potentially reducing feelings of numbness. This traditional remedy is often recommended for individuals experiencing symptoms related to poor circulation or nerve compression.

However, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using rosemary baths, especially for those with sensitive skin or underlying medical conditions.

5. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Achillea millefolium, commonly known as yarrow, has been traditionally used in herbal baths to alleviate numbness in the hands by promoting circulation and reducing inflammation.

When infused into warm water, yarrow's essential oils and flavonoids may help improve blood flow, which can be beneficial for individuals experiencing peripheral numbness. The anti-inflammatory properties of yarrow may also reduce swelling and pressure on nerves, potentially easing tingling or loss of sensation. To prepare the bath, steep a handful of dried yarrow in boiling water for 15-20 minutes, then add it to a basin of warm water before soaking the hands for 15-20 minutes.

While herbal baths can be a soothing complementary therapy, they should not replace professional medical advice, especially if the numbness persists or is related to a serious underlying condition.

6. Salvia (Salvia officinalis)

Salvia officinalis, commonly known as sage, has been traditionally used in herbal baths to alleviate numbness in the hands by promoting circulation and reducing inflammation.

When infused into warm water, sage's essential oils and compounds such as thujone and camphor can stimulate blood flow, helping to restore sensation in the hands. The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of sage may also help ease any underlying conditions contributing to numbness, such as poor circulation or nerve compression. To prepare a sage bath, simply steep fresh or dried sage leaves in hot water for 15–20 minutes, then soak the hands for 10–15 minutes.

While herbal baths can offer soothing relief, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using them for persistent or severe numbness.

7. Cancer bush (Sutherlandia frutescens)

Sutherlandia frutescens, also known as "cancer bush," is a traditional African herb that has been used in herbal baths to alleviate numbness in the hands.

This herb is believed to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that may help improve circulation and reduce nerve-related discomfort. When used in a bath, Sutherlandia frutescens can be infused into water to create a soothing solution that promotes relaxation and may enhance blood flow to the extremities. While there is limited scientific research on its effectiveness for numbness, many practitioners and users report positive experiences with its calming and therapeutic effects.

As with any herbal remedy, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating Sutherlandia frutescens into a treatment regimen.

8. White water lily (Nymphaea alba)

Nymphaea alba, commonly known as white water lily, has been traditionally used in herbal baths to alleviate numbness in the hands.

The plant contains bioactive compounds such as alkaloids and flavonoids, which are believed to possess anti-inflammatory and circulatory-stimulating properties. When infused into bath water, these compounds may help improve blood flow and reduce nerve-related discomfort. Herbal baths with Nymphaea alba are often recommended as a complementary therapy for individuals suffering from conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or poor circulation.

However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using such treatments, especially for those with underlying medical conditions.

9. Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

Cinnamomum verum, commonly known as true cinnamon, has been traditionally used in herbal baths to alleviate numbness in the hands due to its warming and circulatory stimulating properties.

The essential oils and compounds found in cinnamon, such as cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, are believed to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation, which may help ease tingling and numbness. To prepare a cinnamon herbal bath, a few drops of cinnamon oil or a handful of ground cinnamon can be added to warm water, creating a soothing and invigorating soak. Regular use of such baths may support nerve function and relieve symptoms associated with conditions like peripheral neuropathy or poor circulation.

However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using cinnamon baths, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or underlying medical conditions.

10. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Mentha piperita, commonly known as peppermint, is often used in herbal baths to alleviate numbness in the hands due to its stimulating and cooling properties.

When added to warm water, peppermint essential oil or dried leaves can enhance circulation, helping to reduce tingling and improve sensory function in the hands. The menthol in peppermint acts as a mild analgesic and vasodilator, promoting blood flow and potentially easing nerve-related discomfort. A 15- to 20-minute soak in a peppermint-infused bath can provide soothing relief and may be particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or poor circulation.

However, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using peppermint baths, especially for those with sensitive skin or underlying medical conditions.