Carpal tunnel syndrome is a medical condition linked to a compressed nerve located in the carpal tunnel – a passageway that runs along the wrist on the inside of the arm. This condition causes mild to moderate pain, with tingling and numbness that runs from the wrist to the palm of the hand and up the arm. Caused by repetitive hand motions and often associated with manufacturing, office, or other physical jobs. The recommended treatment for carpal tunnel is immobilization and rest, as well as herbal remedies. In more severe cases, surgery may be your only option.
7 Effective and Natural Remedies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
1. Epsom Salt
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition that causes weakness and numbness in the area of the wrist and hand. To ease these symptoms, try Epsom salt soaks. Now, this all-natural remedy will not cure your condition, but it may help relieve the symptoms associated with it.
To make the soak, add one cup of Epsom salt to one gallon of warm water. Allow enough time for the salt to dissolve before beginning the treatment. Place your hand up to your elbow in the solution and let it soak for five to ten minutes, or until the water becomes cold.
Epsom salt contains magnesium, which absorbs into the body to relieve the pain. Repeat the treatment at least twice a day to receive the maximum benefits.
2. St. John’s Wort
Please note that all of these natural remedies should be combined with rest to get the maximum benefits. However, if you work a full-time job that requires repetitive movement, it may be impossible to rest your hand and wrist, so be sure to do it on your downtime.
St. John’s wort, or Hypericum perforatum, relieves nerve pain, according to previous studies. The researchers who conducted the study noted that further research is needed to confirm the results of the study. If you are looking for a natural pain reliever, try St. John’s wort, a plant in the Hypericaceae family.
Follow the recommendations on the back of the bottle. Remember that this herb is similar to prescription medications, so taking too much can lead to an accidental overdose.
3. Chamomile Tea
Many people refer to chamomile tea as a “herbal aspirin” since it reduces pain associated with a wide range of conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome. The anti-inflammatory properties in chamomile also reduce swelling, redness, and the pain associated with this condition.
Chamomile tea makes for a great natural remedy for carpal tunnel syndrome. Consume two cups of warm chamomile tea, two to three times a day. Since carpal tunnel pain tends to be more bothersome at night, you may want to consider consuming the tea before bedtime.
4. Passionflower
Passionflower has been utilized for many centuries to treat a wide variety of medical conditions, including insomnia, anxiety, pain and muscle spasms. Many naturalists and herbalists recommend passionflower to people who have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel. Its nerve-calming properties are capable of easing pain. You should take it prior to going to bed, since the pain will be more noticeable when you are trying to sleep.
Passionflower contains what is known as alkaloids, which replicate the monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. The alkaloids boost the production of neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and serotonin that are responsible for producing a calm and sleepy state.
5. Exercise
No matter what type of natural remedy you utilize to treat your condition, you should combine it with exercise. There are several types of exercises that are capable of strengthening and stretching the muscles and tendons in the lower arm and wrist. These exercises will also help alleviate carpal tunnel symptoms, so you can live a normal life.
One particular exercise that will target the transverse carpal ligament located above the carpal tunnel is hand rotation. You can perform this exercise with or without a dumbbell. All you need to do is make a fist and rotate your hands clockwise. You can also follow up with clockwise circles to receive the maximum benefits.
When performing the exercise be careful to not overdo it. In the very beginning, you should only complete five to 10 repetitions once or twice a day. When you get out of bed and before you go to bed will be the best time to perform the exercises.
6. Arnica
Arnica is a perennial flower that belongs to the sunflower family and often referred to as “mountain daisy.” This homeopathic medicine has been utilized for many decades as a painkiller, without the risk of addiction. The great benefit of arnica is you can combine it with your favorite cream or lotion and utilize it as a pain relieving treatment. If you have difficulty swallowing pills, you will appreciate this option. If you cannot access the dried flower head, you can purchase the supplement or essential oil instead. Just break open the capsule or crush the tablet and add it to a lotion or cream.
Apply the concoction on the skin near the transverse carpal ligament. The medicine will penetrate the skin, reaching the most vital components that are responsible for the pain. You can apply the concoction as often as needed until your pain becomes obsolete.
7. Turmeric
The inflammation that can build up in the wrist can cause stiffness and pain. By relieving these symptoms, it is possible to improve your performance, regardless of your activity level. Herbalists recommend taking one to three grams of dried turmeric root daily. You do not need to do anything special with the turmeric power. Just sprinkle the powder on your foods to receive the maximum benefits.
Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory properties that work effectively in relieving pain. By reducing the inflammation in the carpal tunnel, you will see improvements in your wrist range of motion and pain.
You can combine the turmeric with honey or milk to a warm cup of water to create a delicious tea.
If your symptoms persist after trying a natural remedy, consult your healthcare professional.
Do you know of any other natural remedies for carpal tunnel syndrome? Share them in the comments section below!
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