Choosing Alternative Therapies/PEPPERMINT OIL VS NEUROPATHY

Advertisement

Expert: - 12/3/2011


Question
My dr recommended I try using Peppermint oil-100%- on my foot neuropathy. I did get some and tried to find out how to use it. Some articles say to use it with a carrier oil, others don't mention that. Dr. is gone so can't ask him. What is your advise for massaging my feet with it?
Thanks

Answer
Hello, joan,

This is slightly outside the scope of this topic, and I personally don't have any experience using peppermint oil in this way. Here's why. Peppermint oil dries out mucus membranes (so a person who is having cough and other such symptoms should never use a product that has it). Just to what extent it would dry out intact skin, I don't know. But to be on the safe side, try it with a carrier oil. That way, if it causes any adverse effects, they will be milder. If it isn't effective, you can try diluting it with a lesser amount of carrier oil.

Putting peppermint oil on it only addresses the symptoms. It is better if you can find the underlying problem and correct it. There are possibly other treatments that will work. If you have the bones in your foot somewhat misaligned, this might cause pain or other symptoms. Look for someone in your area who is familiar with low velocity manipulation, who can put the bones back. Some osteopaths have these skills. Also, people who have studied certain other natural modalities of manipulation may be able to help. In particular, go to this web site: http://www.iahp.com/pages/search/index.php  and look for a practitioner who has taken multiple courses in visceral manipulation. There are other modalities that may help that I am not familiar with. Cranio sacral therapy probably won't help much. Qigong is probably not a good idea; it might have spiritual implications you may not want to get into. Lymph drainage might or might not help, depending on the reason for your problem. But start with the visceral manipulation.

Good luck! Let me know what happens.

Choosing Alternative Therapies

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

PatG

Expertise

I can answer questions about which modalities are effective, and which are less effective, or outright quackery. I can answer questions about which modalities have a spiritual component, and explain why they do. I can advise Christians on which modalities they can practice without violating their faith. I can locate resources, that will help a person find a practitioner. I can help a person figure out what questions to ask of a practitioner, and what kind of practitioner to seek. I can also recommend internet resources for various health problems. I can discuss various martial arts, explain the theories behind them, and explain which require a spiritual component, and which rely on physical forces for their effectiveness. I have studied various religions for a number of years, and can talk about meditation techniques from a Christian point of view.

Experience

I have experience as a patient with a number of alternative therapies. I have researched many of them, and know which ones are more effective than others. I particularly focus on which therapies would be compatible with the Christian faith. Some modalities have a spiritual component, which is not compatible. I have also practiced herbalism with my family and friends for a number of years. I have experienced various kinds of physical manipulation for dislocated joints and other similar problems, and I have trained in the martial arts, which is relevant to some therapies. Martial arts are also therapeutic. I have also been writing a book on the uses of Sonoran Desert herbs, which already has 900 pages. It is a review of information in the literature, coupled with some of my personal experience. I have done the research for this book in eight languages. I also have done strength training and weightlifting. I am familiar with some technique and nutrition.

Education/Credentials
I studied the use of Sonoran Desert herbs with Peter "Bigfoot" Busnack. I studied midwifery with Norman Casserley, aka Mister Midwife. Three of my children were born at home. I have a second degree black belt in taekwondo and have also played judo and studied Kem Scrima Do.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.