Bell’s palsy is a facial disorder that causes sudden paralysis in the facial muscles. It attacks only one side of the face at a time, making half of your face to droop. You can’t even blink your eyes if that happens. [1]
Also known as facial paralysis, it happens without warning and leaves you in an uncomfortable situation.
Most people recover from this disease within a week or two without treatment. Some essential oils for Bell’s palsy may also help you to get rid of the discomfort.
If the facial paralysis happens due to some other disease or facial injuries, you must see a doctor.
Read on to learn about some essential oils that may reduce the inflammation, and speed up the healing process with their medicinal properties.
Causes & Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy
The exact cause of Bell’s palsy is not sure. But, doctors think it’s because of the damage to the facial nerve. This facial nerve goes through a narrow area within the skull. [1]
The swelling nerves push against the skull’s hard surface and may cause facial paralysis.
Some viral infections may also trigger the symptoms of Bell’s palsy. Researchers suggest that the herpes simplex one virus can be responsible for the disorder. [2]
The symptoms of Bell’s palsy are very painful as they tend to occur suddenly and without any warning. The possible symptoms include:
- Unable to close the eye or blink.
- Watery eye.
- Drooling.
- Numbness and pain behind the ear.
- Difficulty is chewing.
- Reduces sense of taste.
The symptoms of Bell’s palsy go away within a couple of weeks for most people. Some of them recover completely within three months. Some people may develop some permanent symptoms.
So, it’s very crucial that you keep your face from getting traumatized or reinjured further. Inhaling or massaging with some pain relieving essential oils may help you with the discomfort.
Remember, Bell’s palsy is a painful disorder and require proper treatment. These essential oils are complementary remedies. You need to consult a physician if the condition gets worse.
5 Essential Oils for Bell’s Palsy That You May Try
1. Helichrysum Essential Oil
Helichrysum oil is one of the most effective essential oil for treating Bell’s palsy. [3]
The oil can help you get rid of skin bruising. It’s a potent pain-relieving oil that can ease the pain
due to the facial paralysis.
Helichrysum oil is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, it can reduce the inflammation and pain in the nerves and muscles. [4]
2. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is a popular remedy for pain relief. It can relieve excruciating pain due to nerve disorders. [5]
This essential oil is rich in analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation of your injured nerve.
The pain and discomfort of Bell’s palsy can leave you in a frustrating situation. The relaxing properties of lavender oil can soothe your mind and help you keep calm.
Read More: Lavender Oil for Hair Problems: 5 Ways to Use It
3. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil is derived from the peppermint tree, a cross between water mint and spearmint. It is commonly used for flavoring food and beverages. But, this essential oil is also great in healing a wide array of ailments. [6]
Peppermint oil is rich in so many therapeutic properties. The menthol in peppermint can reduce the pain and discomfort of your face due to Bell’s palsy.
The oil also has antispasmodic components. Therefore, it can soothe your facial nerves.
Read More: 12 Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil + (How to Use It)
4. Rosemary Essential Oil
If you have recurring pain and discomfort due to facial paralysis, then you can rely on rosemary oil.
This essential oil has an excellent effect on the brain and central nervous system. Therefore, it can help ease the symptoms of facial paralysis.
Rosemary oil can improve blood circulation. So, it heals your nervous system and reduces the symptoms of Bell’s palsy. [7]
Read More: 13 Health Benefits and Uses of Rosemary Oil (Backed by Evidence)
5. Sweet Marjoram Oil
Sweet marjoram oil originates from the flowering tops of the marjoram plant through steam distillation. [8]
The sedative properties of this oil can help create a numbing effect over the pain. Besides, it can treat pain and inflammation due to several injuries, sprains, fractures, and nervous disorders.
How to Use Essential Oils for Bell’s Palsy
You can try this pain relieving essential oil blend to soothe the pain and discomfort:
- Mix 20 drops helichrysum oil, eight drops of lavender oil, six drops peppermint oil, four drops rosemary essential oil, and two drops sweet marjoram oil.
- Add 2 ounces of jojoba oil to the mix.
- Take a few drops from the oil mix and massage your affected area.
- Repeat this process 3-4 times per day.
Things to Remember While Using Essential Oils
You need to be cautious while using essential oils on your face. Although they are safe, using them in the wrong way can harm your skin and muscle.
- Always dilute the essential oils with a good carrier oil. Coconut oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil are some of the good carrier oils.
- Always test the oil on the skin before using any of them on a regular basis.
- If you are allergic to any oils, avoid using them.
- Always ask the doctor before using any essential oils, especially if you’re pregnant.
Does Bell’s Palsy Require Medical Treatment?
Bell’s palsy is extremely painful and can leave you with utter discomfort. Essential oils may help soothe the pain, but can’t heal the disease completely.
You need to see the doctor and start immediate treatment if the following symptoms occur:
- You have weakness of muscles in your face.
- You develop a hearing problem after Bell’s palsy attack.
- You have trouble chewing.
- You can’t close your eyes.
- You have a recurrent attack.
End Note
Bell’s palsy is a serious disorder. You may develop some severe damage to your facial muscle if you don’t treat it properly.
The recovery time of this disease may vary due to the severity of the damage of your facial muscle. The early you start the treatment, the better result you’ll get.
You can also try these essential oils to ease some of the symptoms. Also, include vitamin D, vitamin B and magnesium in your daily diet.
Read Next: 10 Best Essential Oils for Bone Healing & How to Use Them
