Neuritis: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Neuritis is an inflammation of the peripheral nerves, which can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in various parts of the body.

It is often caused by viral infections, autoimmune disorders, and poor nutrition. If left untreated, neuritis can lead to permanent nerve damage, affecting mobility and overall health. Herbal remedies like turmeric, with its anti-inflammatory properties, and ginger, with its warming and analgesic effects, can provide relief from neuritis symptoms.

Preparations such as herbal teas, capsules, or topical creams can be used, but caution should be taken to avoid interactions with other medications and consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of neuritis, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of neuritis?

The main causes of neuritis are multifactorial, involving both infectious and non-infectious etiologies.

Viral infections, such as herpes simplex and Lyme disease, are known to cause neuritis through immune-mediated mechanisms. Bacterial infections, such as Lyme disease and diphtheria, can also lead to neuritis, particularly in the context of direct invasion of the nervous system. Autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome, can cause neuritis through the body's own immune system attacking the nerves.

Additionally, nutritional deficiencies, particularly of vitamin B12, and exposure to toxins, such as heavy metals, can also contribute to the development of neuritis.

• Vitamin Deficiency: Vitamin B12 deficiency, particularly in individuals with a diet lacking in animal products, can lead to demyelination and axonal degeneration, resulting in peripheral neuritis.
• Infection: Infections such as Lyme disease, shingles, and HIV can cause neuritis by triggering an immune response that damages the nerves.
• Toxins: Exposure to toxins like lead, mercury, and arsenic can cause damage to the myelin sheath and axons, leading to neuritis.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune disorders such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy can cause neuritis by attacking the myelin sheath and axons.
• Trauma: Physical trauma, such as compression or stretch injuries, can cause damage to the nerves, leading to neuritis.
• Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause neuritis by damaging the nerves and disrupting the blood supply to the nerves.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalances, such as hypothyroidism, can cause neuritis by disrupting the normal functioning of the nerves.
• Medication Side Effects: Certain medications, such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, can cause neuritis as a side effect.
• Genetic Disorders: Genetic disorders, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, can cause neuritis by affecting the development and maintenance of the nerves.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for neuritis?

The main medicinal herbs used for neuritis are Ginkgo biloba, Withania somnifera, Valeriana officinalis, Zingiber officinale, Avena sativa, Panax ginseng, Hypericum perforatum, Passiflora incarnata, Curcuma longa, Panax quinquefolius.

Ginkgo biloba's antioxidant properties and flavonoids may improve blood flow to the nervous system, while Withania somnifera's adaptogenic properties may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Valeriana officinalis and Passiflora incarnata's sedative and anxiolytic effects may help alleviate symptoms of neuritis such as anxiety and insomnia. Zingiber officinale's anti-inflammatory properties and Avena sativa's neuroprotective effects may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with neuritis.

Panax ginseng, Hypericum perforatum, and Curcuma longa's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may also contribute to their potential therapeutic benefits in neuritis.

• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba helps with neuritis by improving blood flow to the nerves, reducing inflammation, and enhancing the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, thus alleviating symptoms of neuritis.
• Withania somnifera: Withania somnifera helps with neuritis by modulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, and enhancing antioxidant defenses, which mitigates oxidative stress and promotes nerve health.
• Valeriana officinalis: Valeriana officinalis helps with neuritis by reducing stress and anxiety through its sedative and anxiolytic effects, which can help alleviate symptoms of neuritis.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with neuritis by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate symptoms of neuritis.
• Avena sativa: Avena sativa helps with neuritis by reducing stress and anxiety through its sedative and anxiolytic effects, which can help alleviate symptoms of neuritis.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng helps with neuritis by improving blood flow to the nerves, reducing inflammation, and enhancing antioxidant defenses, which promotes nerve health and alleviates symptoms of neuritis.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum helps with neuritis by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate symptoms of neuritis.
• Passiflora incarnata: Passiflora incarnata helps with neuritis by reducing stress and anxiety through its sedative and anxiolytic effects, which can help alleviate symptoms of neuritis.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa helps with neuritis by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate symptoms of neuritis.
• Panax quinquefolius: Panax quinquefolius helps with neuritis by improving blood flow to the nerves, reducing inflammation, and enhancing antioxidant defenses, which promotes nerve health and alleviates symptoms of neuritis.

What are the main herbal preparations used for neuritis?

The main herbal preparations used for neuritis are Tincture, Decoction, Salve, Capsule, Suppository, Poultice, Topical Cream, Ointment, Ghee, Gel.

Tincture of Ginkgo biloba and St. John's Wort may be used to alleviate neuritis symptoms due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Decoction of Ashwagandha and Turmeric may be used as a nervine tonic and anti-inflammatory agent to reduce pain and inflammation. Salve of Arnica and St. John's Wort may be applied topically to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Capsules, Suppositories, Poultice, Topical Cream, Ointment, Ghee, and Gel of herbs like Bacopa monnieri, Ginkgo biloba, and St. John's Wort may be used to provide systemic and local relief from neuritis symptoms.

• Tincture: A tincture of Arnica montana helps with neuritis by reducing inflammation and relieving pain through the absorption of its bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids.
• Decoction: A decoction of Valeriana officinalis helps with neuritis by reducing nerve inflammation and promoting relaxation through the release of its bioactive compounds, such as valerenic acid and valepotriates.
• Salve: A salve of Calendula officinalis helps with neuritis by providing a topical barrier and promoting wound healing through the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of its bioactive compounds, such as triterpenoid saponins.
• Capsule: A capsule of Ginkgo biloba helps with neuritis by improving blood flow to the nerves and reducing oxidative stress through the antioxidant properties of its bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and terpenoids.
• Suppository: A suppository of Aloe barbadensis helps with neuritis by reducing nerve inflammation and promoting relaxation through the release of its bioactive compounds, such as aloin and aloe-emodin.
• Poultice: A poultice of Plantago major helps with neuritis by reducing inflammation and relieving pain through the absorption of its bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, into the affected area.
• Topical Cream: A topical cream of Echinacea purpurea helps with neuritis by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing through the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of its bioactive compounds, such as alkylamides and caffeic acid.
• Ointment: An ointment of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) helps with neuritis by reducing nerve inflammation and promoting relaxation through the release of its bioactive compounds, such as hyperforin and hypericin.
• Ghee: Ghee made from the milk of Bos taurus helps with neuritis by reducing inflammation and promoting nerve regeneration through the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of its bioactive compounds, such as conjugated linoleic acid and vitamins A and E.
• Gel: A gel of Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) helps with neuritis by reducing inflammation and relieving pain through the absorption of its bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, into the affected area.