Bell’s palsy is a nervous disorder that causes one side of the face to droop. Also known as Idiosympathic Facial Paralysis, Bell’s palsy is characterized by muscle weakness in one side of the face owing to paralysis of the facial nerve. Bell’s palsy usually gets healed independently; nevertheless, physiotherapy can expedite the recovery. The condition is often associated with diabetes, high blood pressure, injury, Lyme disease, and multiple sclerosis. Bell’s palsy natural remedies can work to reduce Bell’s palsy symptoms.
What Is Bell’s Palsy?
Bell’s palsy is “acute facial palsy of unknown cause.” It’s a condition in which the muscles on one side of your face become weak or paralyzed. It affects only one side of the face at a time, causing it to droop or become stiff on that side. It’s caused by some trauma to the seventh cranial nerve. This is also called the “facial nerve.” Bell’s palsy can happen to anyone. But it seems to occur more often in people who have diabetes or are recovering from viral infections. Most of the time, symptoms are only temporary.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of Bell’s palsy come on suddenly and may include:
- Rapid onset of mild weakness to total paralysis on one side of your face — occurring within hours to days
- Facial droop and difficulty making facial expressions, such as closing your eye or smiling
- Drooling
- Pain around the jaw or in or behind your ear on the affected side
- Increased sensitivity to sound on the affected side
- Headache
- A loss of taste
- Changes in the number of tears and saliva you produce
- In rare cases, Bell’s palsy can affect the nerves on both sides of your face.
- Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is associated with eye and nervous system health, making it essential to Bell’s palsy natural treatment. Foods rich in Vitamin B6 include chickpeas, potatoes, bananas, pistachios, avocado, sunflower, and sesame seeds.
- Zinc
Zinc is known for healing wounds and boosting immune system response. Adding zinc-rich foods to your diet can help your body recover from the underlying condition causing your symptoms. Try spinach, kidney beans, flax, pumpkin, and watermelon seeds.
- Massage
Many patients suffering from the condition find relief through massage therapy. Visit a licensed massage therapist with experience in Bell’s palsy treatment and book a full-body appointment.
- Castor oil
Castor oil is known to help improve circulation, prevent the growth of bacteria, and support the lymphatic system. A castor oil compress may help with healing by enhancing blood flow to the affected areas. Warm one tablespoon of castor oil and massage it onto your face. Cover your face with a warm, damp washcloth and leave it on for 20-30 minutes. Use the compress twice a day.
- Elderberry
Elderberry work as a Bell’s palsy natural remedy thanks to its potent anti-viral properties. It can be used to fight inflammation and illness. Elderberry is available in different forms, including tea, syrup, ointments, tablets, and pills.
- Moist heat
A warm cloth can help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with Bell’s palsy. Add an essential oil such as lavender, rose, ylang, ylang, or chamomile to a warm cloth and use the compress whenever pain appears or you want to relieve tension.
We hope this information was helpful, do let us know any other remedies you learned to prevent it.
