What are some folk remedies for treating trigeminal neuralgia?

Coping with Trigeminal Neuralgia: Treatment and Self-Care Tips

Trigeminal neuralgia, a condition known for its excruciating pain, can be incredibly challenging to endure. Navigating how to alleviate this disease requires a comprehensive approach to treatment and care. Today, we have compiled a list of folk remedies for trigeminal neuralgia, hoping to offer support and relief to patients and their loved ones.

Folk Remedies for Trigeminal Neuralgia:

1. Application Therapy

Ingredients: 12g each of Chuanwu (Aconitum carmichaeli) and Caowu (Aconitum kusnezoffii), 15g each of Chuanjiao (Zanthoxylum bungeanum), Banxia (Pinellia ternata), Mahuang (Ephedra sinica), and Nanxing (Arisaema erubescens), and 30g of Jianghuang (Curcuma longa). Blend these into a fine powder and soak in a small amount of alcohol. After 2 days, apply the solution to the affected area whenever pain occurs, and continue three times daily after symptoms ease.

2. Medicinal Liquor Therapy

Honghua Xiezi Jiu (Safflower Scorpion Wine): 10g Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), 10g Chuanxiong (Ligusticum wallichii), 3g Xuejie (Dragon's Blood Resin), 2g Scorpion, and 100ml Shaoxing wine. Soak the first four ingredients in the wine for 3 days. The scorpion can be reused twice. Take 10ml each morning and evening. This recipe promotes blood circulation, relieves pain, and is suitable for trigeminal neuralgia caused by blood stasis and obstruction of meridians.

3. Dietary Therapy

Stir-Fried Assorted Vegetables: Cook bamboo shoots, vegetarian chicken, carrots, yam slices, mushrooms, and gluten in a wok with oil. Season with soy sauce, sugar, ginger juice, and broth. Serve once cooked.

4. Fumigation Therapy

Ingredients: 30g of Tougucao (Phryma leptostachya), 15g each of Xixin (Asarum sieboldii), Chuanxiong (Ligusticum wallichii), and Baizhi (Angelica dahurica), and 10g of Baijiangcan (Bombyx batryticatus). Place the herbs in a sandpot and boil for a few minutes. Cover the pot with a thick paper sheet and make a small hole in the center, roughly the size of a finger. Fumigate the affected ear and pain areas for 10-20 minutes, 2-3 times daily. Each dose can be used for 2-3 days, and avoid drafts for 1 day after fumigation.

Final Note of Caution

It's crucial to remember that while these folk remedies may offer some relief, they should be regarded as complementary treatments. Their effectiveness varies depending on individual conditions, and patients should exercise caution and consult with healthcare professionals before use.