Facial Neuralgia
(from 1975, updated 2003)

from the Jeanne Rose case files mentioned in The Herbal Studies Course

by Jeanne Rose

INTRODUCTION: Facial neuralgia is pain that occurs along the path of a facial nerve. Some of these treatments mentioned are a result of analysis of the herbal literature from many countries. Facial neuralgia caused by drugs is an iatrogenic (caused by a physician) disease. These treatments are not meant as a prescription.

This treatment was designed for L.T. sometime about 1975 and then added to in 2003. Her story is: "I have severe pain in a triangle from the center side of my head. The doctors say it is an inflammation of the facial nerves caused by an over-administration of novocaine during oral surgery. I have been x-rayed and there are no brain tumors. I have been prescribed many drugs including percodan and various shots for nausea and pain. I do not know the names of the drugs. The pain is acute and I feel that many of my symptoms are the result of the drugs. They also want me to use Dilantin and tegretol that are epilepsy drugs to slow the nerve impulses. I prefer to try some herbs and more natural methods of healing. Can you suggest some herbal methods for me?"

HERBAL TREATMENTS:

1. See Facial Massage.

2. Poultice of freshly grated Apple, Lettuce and Comfrey leaf. Use as needed in the evening. This is an old-time recommendation.

3. YEGG Formula. Take equal parts of Yellow Dock, Echinacea, Golden Seal and Ginseng. Fill size 00 capsules. Take 2 capsules 3X/day after meals. Take for 10 days. Stop for 2 week and take again for 10 days, needed. Do not repeat more than once in a 6-month period of time.

4. Tea. A combination of Chamomile, Thyme and Peppermint is calming and relaxing and a delicious treatment. Drink as often as you please throughout the day. For a tasty tea, use only a pinch of each herb per cup of water. Sweeten with Thyme honey.

5. Hand and Foot Baths are a good addition to the treatment. Maurice Mességué was a strong proponent of these specific baths for all sorts of pains. Use 2 handfuls each of Buttercup, Yellow Mullein flowers and leaves, Roman Chamomile, Celandine, Cabbage leaves, Thyme flowers and leaves. These or whatever you can get of these should be fresh, if possible, or not more than 2 weeks old (fresh picked and dried). Bring to a boil two quarts (8 cups) of water. Turn off the heat. Add the herbs. Cover the pot and steep 4-5 hours. Strain out the liquid and pour into 4 clean, sterile 1-cup size jars. Refrigerate and use this over the course of 2 days.

Foot Bath: Bring to a boil 2 quarts of water. Pour into a container large enough for your feet. Let the water stand for a few minutes to cool. Add 1 cup of your above herbal mixture and bathe your feet for 10 minutes in the morning. Dry and massage them with an infused herbal oil.

Hand & Arm Bath: Bring to a boil two quarts of water. Pour into a container large enough for your hands and arms. Let the water stand for a few minutes to cool. Add 1 cup of your herbal mixture and bathe your hands & arms for 10 minutes in the evening.

Try to use these bath treatments daily for at least one week.

AROMATHERAPY TREATMENTS

HYDROSOLS: Spray the face as often as desired with the hydrosol of Violets and Violet leaf. [Violets need to be distilled when they are in full flower (February-March)]. Hydrosols such as Owyhee and Lemon Balm may also have some use.

ESSENTIAL OILS: Use the Violet leaf absolute, 1 drop mixed with 1 T. of Calophyllum oil and massage this above, around and behind the ear using a Shiatsu type of massage.

50% Calophyllum + 50% Calendula infused oil. To 20 drops, add 1 drop each of Ravensara and Petitgrain. Apply directly along the nerve path whenever needed. These items are also available as a Special Order.

Other essential oils that can be used are in the Travel Kit for Colds & Flu. We included Ravensara as well as some Conifer oils.

EXTERNAL MASSAGE:

Facial Massage whenever wanted. Use an infused Comfrey root oil. Use 2 ounces of the Comfrey root infused oil to which you have added 2 ounces of Calophyllum oil and a pinch (1/2 tsp.) of Golden Seal Root. Mix thoroughly. Use regularly.

DIET: Use natural, organic foods with lots of fish, fresh vegetables, and fruits.

SUPPLEMENTS:
    HERBS: Use the YEGG formula occasionally as mentioned above.
    VITAMINS: A complete B formula in the morning and calcium in the evening along with at least
        400 mg of Magnesium, 50 mg of Zinc, and B6

EMOTIONS OR Other Complementary Treatments. Research other complementary treatments. The inhalation of soothing, calming essential oils such as Lavender and Ylang-Ylang during an episode will help. These oils are available in our Stress Relief Kit.

BATHS: Take full-body baths with an infusion of Rosemary, Lavender. You will need at least 1 cup of the herbs per quart of water. Bring to a boil. Steep for 20 minutes and strain the infusion into the tub. Soak for at least 20 minutes.

ALWAYS USE baths, essential oils, hydrosols, dietary supplements and anything that you can possibly think of that will help with your condition. Use these treatments together for the best results. Read common sense information.

Remember our motto of Health - S.A.L.E.M.

Bibliography:
Messegué, Maurice. Of Men and Plants. New York. The Macmillan Company, 1973.
Rose, Jeanne. 375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols. Berkeley. Frog Ltd., 1999.
_______. Herbal Body Book. Berkeley. North Atlantic Books, 2002.
_______. Private Notes from 1973.

DISCLAIMER: This work is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for accurate diagnosis and treatment by a qualified health care professional. Dosages are often not given as that is a matter between you and your health care provider. The author is neither a chemist nor a medical doctor. The content herein is the product of research and some personal and practical experience. Institute of Aromatic & Herbal Studies - Jeanne Rose©

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