Natural Treatment for Neuropathy

The symptoms of neuropathy span a wide spectrum of pain. At one extreme are burning, stabbing, stinging, and shooting sensations that can strike various parts of the body. At the other is the complete loss of sensation. Recurring numbness, weakness, and diminished reflexes are also common manifestations.¹Hammi C, Yeung B. Neuropathy. StatPearls. 2022;Oct 15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542220https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542220

Behind these contradictory symptoms lies faulty signaling. Cells within the peripheral nervous system serve as communication pathways between the brain and spinal cord. When these cells are damaged, misfiring can occur, resulting in abnormal messaging to the brain. The changes in nerve–brain correspondence may cause significant pain.¹Hammi C, Yeung B. Neuropathy. StatPearls. 2022;Oct 15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542220https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542220

Types of neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is associated with multiple chronic diseases. Although diabetes is the leading cause, some chemotherapy treatments, excessive use of alcohol or other toxic substances, immune conditions, and inherited conditions, such as Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, can also contribute.²Lehmann HC, Wunderlich G, Fink GR, Sommer C. Diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy. Neurol Res and Pract. 2020;2(20). https://neurolrespract.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42466-020-00064-2

About 50% of people with diabetes will develop some form of neuropathy, typically in the feet. Diabetic neuropathy is described as deep-seated, severe, and unrelenting pain that often worsens at night.³Yang Y, Zhao B, Wang Y, et al. Diabetic neuropathy: cutting-edge research and future directions. Signal Transduct Target Ther. 2025;10(132). https://www.nature.com/articles/s41392-025-02175-1 Loss of sensation can become dangerous, as it may affect balance and lead to falls or other injuries.⁴Kohle F, Stark C, Klunter H, et al. Peripheral neuropathy, an independent risk factor for falls in the elder, impairs stepping as a postural control mechanism: a case-cohort study. J Peripher Nerv Syst. 2024;29(4):453-463. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jns.12656 Extreme cases increase the risk of lower-limb amputations.⁵Bodman MA, Dreyer MA, Varacallo MA. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy. StatPearls. 2024;Feb 25.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442009

Chemotherapy is another cause of neuropathy. Various chemo drugs, including cisplatin, paclitaxel, and vincristine, are linked to peripheral neuropathy, with occurrence rates ranging between 19% and 85%.⁶Tao Z, Chen Z, Zeng X, et al. An emerging aspect of cancer neuroscience: a literature review on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Cancer Lett. 2025;611(28). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217433

“The frequency and severity of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy are contingent upon the drug used, cumulative dosage, mode of administration, and patient’s individual health status,” says naturopathic oncologist Lise Alschuler, ND, FABNO. “This form of neuropathy can last for weeks, months, or even years after treatment and [may] significantly and negatively affect day-to-day quality of life.”

Traditional neuropathic pain treatment focuses mainly on controlling the underlying cause. With diabetic neuropathy, for example, regulating blood sugar is the primary strategy. However, aside from physical therapy, effective pain relief is somewhat limited.¹Hammi C, Yeung B. Neuropathy. StatPearls. 2022;Oct 15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542220https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542220 Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) usually cannot alleviate neuropathic pain.⁷Gore M, Brandenburg NA, Hoffman DL, Tai KS, Stacey B. Burden of illness in painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: the patients’ perspectives. J Pain. 2006 Dec;7(12):892-900. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2006.04.013 For severe cases, a doctor may prescribe an antiepileptic (e.g., gabapentin) or opioid.²Lehmann HC, Wunderlich G, Fink GR, Sommer C. Diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy. Neurol Res and Pract. 2020;2(20). https://neurolrespract.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42466-020-00064-2

Neuropathy can progress into a long-term condition, which may come with bouts of anxiety or persistent depression. Many people seek therapy, and some find antidepressants beneficial.⁸Ginsberg L. Acute and chronic neuropathies. Medicine. 2020;48(9):612-618. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mpmed.2020.06.009

Natural treatments for neuropathic pain

When treating neuropathy-related pain without OTC or prescription medicine, the goal is to reduce symptoms while supporting nerve health and overall quality of life.

Stress management is first and foremost, as chronic stress can exacerbate nerve pain.⁹Alexander JK, DeVries AC, Kigerl KA, et al. Stress exacerbates neuropathic pain via glucocorticoid and NMDA receptor activation. Brain Behav Immun. 2009;23(6):851-860. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2009.04.001 There’s also a correlation between perceived stress and poor sleep in people with neuropathy.¹⁰Tong S, Marini C, Greenberg J, et al. Perceived stress and its association with sleep quality in patients with neuropathic pain and distal symmetric polyneuropathy. Neurology. 2024;102. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000208343 Research shows improved sleep has a positive effect on stress resilience, depression, and well-being in general.¹¹Lo Martire V, Berteotti C, Zoccoli G, Bastianini S. Improving sleep to improve stress resilience. Curr Sleep Med Rep. 2024;10:23-33. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40675-024-00274-z

A balanced diet can also help control peripheral neuropathy pain,¹²Ellikci R, Arslan S. Peripheral neuropathy and lifestyle factors in women with breast cancer receiving taxane-based chemotherapy: pathway analysis. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2023;66. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37769541 especially with whole foods rich in magnesium and protein, which may lower inflammation and regulate blood sugar. The right nutrition could also reduce the need for medication.¹³Storz MA, Kuster O. Plant-based and diabetic neuropathy: a systematic review. Lifestyle Med. 2020;1(1). https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lim2.6

“Exercise can often help from both a preventive and treatment standpoint,” adds Dr. Alschuler, “as it can [improve] blood flow, strength, and balance.”

Dietary supplements & topical pain relievers

“One of the advantages of using nutrients and herbs is that they usually have multiple benefits,” notes Dr. Alschuler. “For example, when it comes to treating chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, saffron can help reduce neuropathic pain¹⁴Bozorgi H, Ghahremanfard F, Motaghi E, et al. Effectiveness of crocin of saffron (Crocus sativus L) against chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Ethnopharmacol. 2021;281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.114511 [and] depression, and [it] has other health-promoting effects.” In a 2025 randomized controlled trial, saffron diminished pain and other symptoms (such as motor weakness) in people with diabetic neuropathy. Neuroprotective and antioxidant benefits were also reported.¹⁵Sahebnasagh A, Feizi M, Khalilzadeh S, et al. Therapeutic effects of crocin in alleviating diabetic neuropathy: a preliminary randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled trial. J Pharm Health Care Sci. 2025;11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40780-025-00484-9

Dietary supplements like alpha lipoic acid could lower the risk of neuropathy and ease associated pain. A daily dose of 600 mg may take effect in as few as three weeks; however, long-term therapy (six months or more) might be necessary for continued improvement, depending on the condition’s severity.¹⁶Mangarov I, Voynikov Y, Petkova V, et al. Alpha-lipoic acid in diabetic peripheral neuropathy: addressing the challenges and complexities surrounding a 70-year-old compound. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2025;47(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47060402

Vitamin B12, alone or in combination with other vitamins or conventional treatments (such as gabapentin), can also help reduce peripheral neuropathic pain.¹⁷Julian T, Syeed R, Glascow N, et al. B12 as a treatment for peripheral neuropathic pain: a systematic review. Nutrients. 2020;12(8).https://doi.org/10.1186/s40780-025-00484-9

Essential fatty acids (especially DHA and EPA) may help prevent chemotherapy-induced nerve pain and pain resulting from traumatic spinal cord injuries. Healthy fats support overall nerve health and reduce inflammation.¹⁸Ghoreishi Z, Esfahani A, Djazayeri A, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids are protective against paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. BMC Cancer. 2012;12. https://bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2407-12-355^,19Galan-Arriero I, Serrano-Munoz D, Gomez-Soriano J, et al. The role of omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids for the treatment of neuropathic pain after neurotrauma. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2017;1859(9):1629-1635. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.05.003

Preliminary research suggests that vitamin D supplementation as an adjuvant treatment could reduce the risk of neuropathy or slow its progression.²⁰Li M, Lai KW. Vitamin D deficiency–associated neuropathic pain examined in a chronic pain management program. Perm J. 2024;28(3):180-184. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/24.026^,21Putz Z, Tordai D, Hajdu N, et al. Vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of diabetic neuropathy. Clin Ther. 2022;44(5):813-823. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinthera.2022.03.012

For immediate pain relief, some people find high-dose (8%) capsaicin patches beneficial.²²van Haren F, Steegers M, Cornelissen P, et al. The effect of topical capsaicin 8% on pain in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Pain Manag Nurs. 2025;26(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmn.2024.10.021

Comprehensive pain management

Dr. Alschuler recommends a multifaceted plan to manage the pain of peripheral neuropathy. “An integrative approach to [prevent and treat] nerve pain that includes dietary and lifestyle strategies along with targeted dietary supplements can help reduce the risk of the condition becoming chronic and debilitating,” she says.

Footnotes

• 1
  Hammi C, Yeung B. Neuropathy. StatPearls. 2022;Oct 15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542220https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542220
• 2
  Lehmann HC, Wunderlich G, Fink GR, Sommer C. Diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy. Neurol Res and Pract. 2020;2(20). https://neurolrespract.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42466-020-00064-2
• 3
  Yang Y, Zhao B, Wang Y, et al. Diabetic neuropathy: cutting-edge research and future directions. Signal Transduct Target Ther. 2025;10(132). https://www.nature.com/articles/s41392-025-02175-1
• 4
  Kohle F, Stark C, Klunter H, et al. Peripheral neuropathy, an independent risk factor for falls in the elder, impairs stepping as a postural control mechanism: a case-cohort study. J Peripher Nerv Syst. 2024;29(4):453-463. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jns.12656
• 5
  Bodman MA, Dreyer MA, Varacallo MA. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy. StatPearls. 2024;Feb 25.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442009
• 6
  Tao Z, Chen Z, Zeng X, et al. An emerging aspect of cancer neuroscience: a literature review on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Cancer Lett. 2025;611(28). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217433
• 7
  Gore M, Brandenburg NA, Hoffman DL, Tai KS, Stacey B. Burden of illness in painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: the patients’ perspectives. J Pain. 2006 Dec;7(12):892-900. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2006.04.013
• 8
  Ginsberg L. Acute and chronic neuropathies. Medicine. 2020;48(9):612-618. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mpmed.2020.06.009
• 9
  Alexander JK, DeVries AC, Kigerl KA, et al. Stress exacerbates neuropathic pain via glucocorticoid and NMDA receptor activation. Brain Behav Immun. 2009;23(6):851-860. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2009.04.001
• 10
  Tong S, Marini C, Greenberg J, et al. Perceived stress and its association with sleep quality in patients with neuropathic pain and distal symmetric polyneuropathy. Neurology. 2024;102. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000208343
• 11
  Lo Martire V, Berteotti C, Zoccoli G, Bastianini S. Improving sleep to improve stress resilience. Curr Sleep Med Rep. 2024;10:23-33. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40675-024-00274-z
• 12
  Ellikci R, Arslan S. Peripheral neuropathy and lifestyle factors in women with breast cancer receiving taxane-based chemotherapy: pathway analysis. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2023;66. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37769541
• 13
  Storz MA, Kuster O. Plant-based and diabetic neuropathy: a systematic review. Lifestyle Med. 2020;1(1). https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lim2.6
• 14
  Bozorgi H, Ghahremanfard F, Motaghi E, et al. Effectiveness of crocin of saffron (Crocus sativus L) against chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Ethnopharmacol. 2021;281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.114511
• 15
  Sahebnasagh A, Feizi M, Khalilzadeh S, et al. Therapeutic effects of crocin in alleviating diabetic neuropathy: a preliminary randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled trial. J Pharm Health Care Sci. 2025;11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40780-025-00484-9
• 16
  Mangarov I, Voynikov Y, Petkova V, et al. Alpha-lipoic acid in diabetic peripheral neuropathy: addressing the challenges and complexities surrounding a 70-year-old compound. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2025;47(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47060402
• 17
  Julian T, Syeed R, Glascow N, et al. B12 as a treatment for peripheral neuropathic pain: a systematic review. Nutrients. 2020;12(8).https://doi.org/10.1186/s40780-025-00484-9
• 18
  Ghoreishi Z, Esfahani A, Djazayeri A, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids are protective against paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. BMC Cancer. 2012;12. https://bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2407-12-355
• 19
  Galan-Arriero I, Serrano-Munoz D, Gomez-Soriano J, et al. The role of omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids for the treatment of neuropathic pain after neurotrauma. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2017;1859(9):1629-1635. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.05.003
• 20
  Li M, Lai KW. Vitamin D deficiency–associated neuropathic pain examined in a chronic pain management program. Perm J. 2024;28(3):180-184. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/24.026
• 21
  Putz Z, Tordai D, Hajdu N, et al. Vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of diabetic neuropathy. Clin Ther. 2022;44(5):813-823. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinthera.2022.03.012
• 22
  van Haren F, Steegers M, Cornelissen P, et al. The effect of topical capsaicin 8% on pain in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Pain Manag Nurs. 2025;26(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmn.2024.10.021