Numbness, aka Hypoesthesia, indicates a lack of sensation in some particular area of your body. Everyone, at some point, goes through this numbness for a while. This is a very common phenomenon that causes tingling or sharp pain in the affected area. Numbness can be caused due to many reasons like nerve compression, nerve injuries, constant pressure on hands and feet, lethargy, fatigue, excessive drinking, smoking, exposure to cold compress, lack of vitamin B12, magnesium, and nutritional deficiency. Medical conditions like diabetes, migraine, thyroid, carpal tunnel syndrome and multiple sclerosis may also increase the risk of hypoesthesia. This condition is usually not a big matter of concern, but if it is repetitive, painful and remains for longer periods, then clinical help is necessary. Fortunately, a few home remedies would prove as a natural treatment for numbness in hands and legs. Let us go through this article to see how to cure numbness right from the very comfort of your home.
Home Remedies for Numbness in Hands and Feet
1. Hot Compress
Dip a cloth in hot water and place it on the affected area for 5-10 minutes. Repeat until numbness goes away.
- Alternatively, you can also take a hot water shower.
2. Epsom Salt
Mix one tablespoon of Epsom salt in a tub filled with warm water. Soak your hand and feet in it for ten minutes. Repeat it every day.
Note: Patients suffering from diabetes and kidney problems should not use this remedy.
3. Massage
Take any cream and massage onto the area slowly and softly, till it warms up a little. It regulates the blood circulation and prevents numbness.
4. Exercise
Do regular exercise which involves hand and foot movements. Exercises like aerobics, cardio workout, etc., help a lot. Try swimming and jogging for an improved blood circulation.
Note: Avoid high-impact exercises if they cause numbness in your toes and feet.
5. Turmeric
Add a spoon of turmeric and honey in a glass of milk, and drink it daily. Or else, combine turmeric and water to make a paste and apply it on the affected area. Massage it for a few minutes. The presence of a compound, called curcumin, improves the blood flow.
6. Cinnamon
Mix one tablespoon of cinnamon powder in a warm glass of milk and drink it daily to prevent numbness.
- Alternatively, mix honey with one tablespoon of cinnamon powder. Consume it daily in the morning, for a couple of weeks.
7. Elevate the Area
In order to prevent numbness in hands and feet at night, place them on a pillow or elevate as per your convenience, to increase the blood flow in that particular area.
8. Yoga
Do pranayama for twenty minutes every morning, on an empty stomach. This will keep you healthy and improve the blood circulation, which, in turn, will avoid numbness. It is a very effective treatment for numbness in feet, resulted due to diabetes.
9. Mustard Oil
This remedy is an answer for how to cure numbness in hands.Just warm some mustard oil and massage your hands with it, for twenty minutes. Do it thrice a day.
10. Indian Gooseberry
Mix one tablespoon of Indian gooseberry powder in a glass of milk and consume it daily, in the morning. You can either mix it with water and drink the solution or swallow the powder followed by a glass of water.
11. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil consists of all the useful nutrients that help strengthen your muscles. Just massage the numb area with coconut oil for twenty minutes, thrice a day. For the best results, warm the oil a little before massaging.
12. Avocado
Avocados are rich in magnesium, which is an essential mineral to improve the blood flow in our body. Hence, consume avocado on the daily basis, to get rid of numbness.
Note: Patients suffering from diabetes and kidney problems should consult a doctor first, before consuming avocados.
13. Soybeans
Soybeans increase the bone and muscle strength. Consume them on the daily basis for the desired results.
Note: Diabetic patients and people suffering from kidney problems must consult a doctor first.
14. Olive Oil
Massage the affected area with some olive oil for 15-20 minutes. Do this twice a day, to alleviate the numbness.
15. Cayenne
Boil some water and add cayenne, ginger and garlic to it, to make a broth. Consume this broth at least thrice a week, to get quick relief.
Herbal Remedies for Numbness in Hands and Feet
16. Rosemary
Apply rosemary oil to the affected area as and when the numbness occurs. Mix any carrier oil before using this herbal oil.
- Or else, prepare rosemary tea and sip it slowly.
17. Lavender Oil
Massage the affected area with lavender oil for 15-20 minutes. Do this twice a day to get rid of numbness. Lavender also leaves your skin smelling great and makes it softer.
18. Primrose Oil
Apply primrose oil on the affected area and massage it gently for twenty minutes, 2-3 times a day. You will see quick results with this remedy.
19. Thyme
Include thyme in your meal. It not only works wonders for hand numbness, but also add a unique flavor to food.
20. Sage
Sage is a very important herb to improve the blood circulation in our body. Thus, increase the intake of this herb in your diet.
21. Gingko Biloba
Gingko biloba is also effective in improving the blood circulation. The leaves of the herb are used to avoid numbness.
22. Chamomile
Brew its herbal tea or apply a cream made from chamomile flowers on the affected area. Besides preventing numbness, chamomile also cures mouth sores, indigestion, and skin ailments.
23. Bryony
Bryony plant is packed with medicinal properties. It regulates the blood flow and activates the nerves. Hence, reduces numbness.
Note: Do consult a healthcare practitioner for its usage.
24. St. John’s Wort
Take 300 mg of this herb thrice a day, to prevent the problem of numbness. It not only improves the blood circulation, but also treats insomnia, depression, and other medical conditions.
Note: Avoid over dosage of this herb.
Do’s
- Be active and involve in some light physical activities.
- Eat fresh fruits and leafy vegetables.
- Drink lots of water.
- Wear proper fitted footwear.
- Keep your hands and feet warm in cold conditions.
- Increase the intake of magnesium-rich food.
- Keep your weight in check.
- Say no to smoking.
Don’ts
- Avoid over consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
- Do not eat a lot of refined and processed foods.
- Don’t sit for very prolonged periods.
- Do not overlook the problem if it happens very frequently.