23 Home Remedies for Bell’s Palsy

 

Bell’s palsy usually affects one side of the face. It has been recognized as a form of paralysis, even though it is temporary in nature. It normally results from the inflammation of the seventh cranial nerve. The age group it commonly affects is the 15 to 45 years range.

Once it is in effect, Bell’s palsy creates numbness, such that the affected side of the face will lose it the ability to blink the eye. It is common also with sufferers of the upper respiratory ailments as well as diabetes.

 

Home Remedies for Bell’s Palsy

1. Garlic

Using garlic makes it possible to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation suffered by Bell’s palsy patients. This herbal remedy provides a huge boost for blood circulation as well as cranial nerves stimulation. Using up to four cloves per day is recommended. The easiest way to use this home remedy is to add garlic to your meals.

 

2. Castor Oil

Similar to garlic, castor oil also assists in lessening inflammation and restores the cranial nerve to its normal condition. To use this home remedy, heat the castor oil in a pan. Apply the warm (but not hot) castor oil to the face using some cotton. It is recommended that you apply this daily until the Bell’s palsy disappears.  This also improves the elasticity of the facial muscles. Patients who have recovered will be able to control their facial reactions on the disturbed sides.

3. Ditch Buffalo and Camel’s Milk

It is recommended that you use cow’s milk when treating Bell’s palsy. Reduced quality of milk from buffaloes and camels should not be used. You may resume drinking these other kinds of milk once you have recovered from your Bell’s palsy.

 

4. Leafy Greens

Try eating lots of leafy greens, but try and avoid cold vegetables. Leafy greens, like kale and spinach, provide loads of nutrients that will work against irritation and inflammation.

 

5. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is recommended as it assists in stimulating the nerves and muscles. This home remedy provides an array of positive effects and has shown significant results in relieving patients affected by Bell’s palsy, causing a visible change in the brain. Treatments consist of several local points removing wind, regulating qi (chi or energy) and blood. This assists to destroy the weaknesses and fix the facial nerve. If you know someone who is experienced in this, you can use this treatment at home. However, if not, you can also see a specialist. Acupuncturists can often be found working in spas.

 

6. Avoid Smoking

It is important to stop smoking while nursing your health to optimal status. After you’ve fully recovered try to stay away from tobacco for your facial health, as well as your overall health. Quitting smoking is suggested for many ailments.

 

7. Celery

Celery has the ability to decrease the effects of nerve damage. Both the leaf and the leaf stalk can be consumed raw at least several times a day by patients who have Bell’s palsy. Celery also assists to manage blood pressure and increases immunity.  

 

8. Avoid Cold Foods and Drinks

Cold foods such, as ice cream and cold drinks, should be evaded until you have fully recovered. You may introduce cold foods and drinks into your diet once you are fully healed.

 

9. Avoid Yellow Pumpkin

Try to avoid yellow pumpkin while doctoring your ailment; consuming yellow pumpkin will worsen your condition. Only once you are fully healed should you reintroduce this food to your diet.

 

10. Blackgram

Blackgram contains facial balancing elements. This can be used as an effective treatment for Bell’s Palsy. It can either be in the form of food or as medicated oil.  When using the oil, use it as directed on the bottle.

11. Turmeric

Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antibiotic, and antioxidation elements. This encourages good health and can improve immunity. It also assists to cure various other infections and offers relief from numerous complications. The easiest way to use turmeric is to add it to your meals. It is most often used in Mexican and Indian dishes.

 

12. Eye Cover

Your eyes are imperiled when the eyelids lose the ability to close on an involuntary basis or personal prompting. This can cause dryness of the eyes and in some cases, it will necessitate the use of eye pads to provide protection. Doctors often resort to prescribing eye drops so that the eyes can stay moist. Pushing down the eyebrows while you sleep is another tip you can use.

 

13. Ginger

Ginger, like turmeric and garlic, is a common ingredient used in Indian recipes. This natural ingredient can be used to reduce swelling and inflammation in patients suffering from Bell’s palsy. It can also cure other symptoms relating to Bell’s Palsy but only to a certain extent. It can limit headaches and other issues related to the ailment.

 

14. Cayenne

Cayenne is said to increase blood circulation. Increased blood flow limits the inflammation in the patient affected.  You can use this spice by simply adding it more to your meals. It tastes best with “spicy” meals. Cayenne can also be taken as a supplement. It can also be used to treat various other infections, pain, and issues to a massive magnitude.  Despite the fact that Bell’s Palsy is a temporary disorder proper management is required to evade any more connected issues.

 

15. Echinacea Mix

Echinacea can be used to calm the pain of the nerves and also can calm the patient suffering from Bell’s palsy. This can be combined with goldenseal to construct a cure for the ailment.

16. Heat Compress

Applying heat will help to relax the facial muscle and will evade deterioration. It is advised that you apply a washcloth immersed in warm water to the face three times daily at least. If the washcloth is uncomfortable, wait for it to cool down slightly and try again.

 

17. Olive Oil

You can use olive oil for facial massages in order to increase the circulation of blood around the outline of your face. This has the effect of improving your condition as it stimulates the damaged nerve endings.

It is advised that you begin the process starting from the segment of the lower parts of the face. Use your thumb along with the index finger around the fringes of the mouth before pushing forward your lips. You can repeat the process for 15 consecutive times. Start with your facial fore before going through the eyebrows outline. Progress to your cheeks and use a circular motion to apply pressure. Stay at least three minutes on each spot as you massage. Do this as often as needed.

 

18. Yoga

Start practicing relaxing methods such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to assist in limiting any pain or tension in the muscles. These practices can help to relax both the body and mind.

 

19. Vitamin B12

One of the most effective treatment for Bell’s palsy is perhaps sitting in your medicine kit or in one of your supplement cupboards. Vitamin B12 meticulously protects nerves, reduces nerve inflammation, and diminishes the amounts of nerve pains such as the toxic chemical glutamate.

 

20. Licorice Root

This plant boasts of antioxidants, anti- viral, and anti-inflammatory elements, which prevent the nerves from, damage. They also assist in relaxing the facial muscles. This can be found in capsule form. It is recommended in many cases that a dose of ten – fifteen gm be taken per day. However it’s advised that you consult with a medical professional about the recommended dosage, they should advise you on what the required amount is.

21. St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort will work exceptionally well with inflammation and mucous drainage. This remedy is considered admirable for bell palsy. Take this home remedy as directed on the bottle.

 

22. Succession of Abhyanga and Mridu Swedana

Abhyanga involves using a hot steam therapy using various medicated herbs. Also known, as the Panchakarma method,  is the next step after Abhyanga. This involves facial oil massage, improving blood circulation, and relieving any inflammation related with it.    

 

23. Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 fatty acids are commonly used to treat many types of ailments. This can be found in cold-water fish like tuna, salmon, herring, and various other marine life. They can assist to limit the symptoms caused by the disease. It is advised that you first consult with a medical professional before using Omega 3 fatty acids as a remedy for your ailment.

Cod liver oil is also very rich in Omega 3s and contains antioxidant associations, which may relief you from the symptoms of your ailment. It is suggested that you take one teaspoon of cod liver once per day to help improve your health ailment.

 

References

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/bell’s-palsy/

http://www.planetayurveda.com/ayurvedic-treatment-for-bells-palsy.htm

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/nervous_system_disorders/bells_palsy_85,P00774/

http://patient.info/health/bells-palsy

http://www.healthcommunities.com/bells-palsy/treatment.shtml

Cover photo/ Bell’s Palsy drawing by Patrick J. Lynch.