Diabetic neuropathy is a complication of diabetes that causes nerve damage. This condition is progressive, meaning the pain, numbness, and burning symptoms get worse over time. If you have a history of diabetes or kidney disease, you’re at risk. Other risk factors for developing neuropathy include high BMI and a history of smoking. Thankfully, there are effective remedies to manage neuropathic pain:

1. Acupuncture 
More Western doctors are turning to acupuncture to treat pain. Many patients who suffer from neuropathic pain benefit from this alternative treatment. The goal of this therapy is to reduce pain and improve mobility. The treatments are drug-free. Therapists use fine needles to stimulate the release of feel-good hormones called endorphins. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine says millions of people receive this treatment each year, with no reports of complications.

2. B vitamins 
Most of us are B vitamin-deficient. No surprise then that people suffering from the worst effects of neuropathy often have an underlying B vitamin deficiency. For peripheral neuropathy patients deficient in B vitamins, adding them to the diet can lead to a rapid reduction in the worst of the aches, pains, cramps, and numbness.

3. Cayenne pepper 
Cayenne pepper’s secret ingredient is capsaicin. This chemical compound gives cayenne its kick. Isolated from chili peppers, capsaicin is a potent analgesic. It’s sometimes used as a numbing agent in a topical patch or cream. Besides its use for numbing and reducing pain, the capsaicin in cayenne pepper has a strong impact on blood circulation. Research is still uncovering new ways to use this delicious spice in the battle against diabetes-related neuropathy.

4. Lavender essential oil
Lavender oils can help soothe a sleepless neuropathy patient into rest. They can also reduce the symptoms of patients with peripheral neuropathic pain. More than 93% of patients in a 2010 study by the National Institutes of Health felt relief within half an hour of using lavender essential oil. Combining the healing effects of lavender oils with a gentle massage can go a long way toward relieving the worst acute symptoms of neuropathy.

5. Warm baths 
People suffering from pain, cramping, and numbness often report a reduction in those symptoms during and after a warm bath. Sometimes all people need to get rid of their worst symptoms is a calm space to relax. Using warm water improves circulation, which leads to the immediate relief of pain and numbness. Studies suggest adding mineral salts to the bath increases relief of the worst symptoms of neuropathy.

Controlling your blood sugar is the most effective way to avoid neuropathic symptoms related to diabetes. Once the symptoms of pain and numbness begin, patients can try the above natural remedies to reduce diabetic neuropathy pain, numbness, and aches.