Bells Palsy Cured Naturally with Cayenne

What is Bell’s Palsy?

According to the Mayo Clinic, each year over 40,000 Americans develop Bell’s palsy. Characterized by facial paralysis to one side of the face, Bell’s palsy develops quickly and mysteriously. Sufferers may wake up feeling fine and by the end of day find themselves stricken with this puzzling neurological disease.

Because the symptoms of Bell’s palsy mimic a stroke, you must see a doctor right away if you experience any of the common Bell’s palsy symptoms. Strokes can affect anyone at any age, and call for immediate emergency medical treatment. See your doctor immediately to rule out other neurological diseases if you experience any of these symptoms.

Symptoms of Bell’s palsy include:

• Sudden onset of facial paralysis. The paralysis strikes only one side of the face. The right or the left side may be affected.
• Facial droop, again on only one side of the face.
• Mask-like feeling to one side of the face, due to muscle paralysis
• Pain, usually on the affected side
• Headache, also felt on the affected side and sometime with pain radiating into the face
• Loss of taste
• Drooling
• Dry eyes or uncontrollable tears from the affected side
• Hearing changes, either sounds being too loud or not being able to hear well from the affected ear

Facts About Bell’s Palsy

If your doctor rules out a stroke, here’s what you need to know about Bell’s Palsy.

• No one knows for sure what causes Bell’s palsy. Scientists believe a virus may cause Bell’s Palsy. The suspected viruses include the herpes zoster or meningitis virus. Damage to the seventh facial nerve may also causes Bell’s palsy. Damage can occur from an accident, a blow to the head, or even extended dental work.
• Bell’s palsy affects men and women equally, and affects people of all races, creeds and colors. It seems to occur most frequently in people over age 40, but may strike anyone, at any age.
• Bell’s palsy is a temporary condition. Do not panic if you’re diagnosed with it. Symptoms usually peak within 48 hours, and while mild to moderate symptoms may persist for several weeks, it goes away on its own.
• Bell’s palsy can reoccur. The same symptoms and treatment are used each time.
• Some doctors prescribe prednisone drugs or drugs such as acyclovir, which treats viral infections. Most doctors simply prescribe rest, good nutrition, and treatment for symptoms, such as eye drops if sufferers cannot close an eye due to muscle paralysis.

Bells Palsy Cured Naturally with Cayenne Pepper

Some people swear by a treatment of Bells palsy cured naturally with cayenne. Cayenne pepper has a long and distinguished history in herbal medicine.

Cayenne

Cayenne pepper (Capsicum) improves blood flow. Herbalists use it to treat a variety of disorders, and consider it a powerful healing agent. Although no one knows for sure what causes Bell’s palsy, the theory behind using cayenne is that blood flow has somehow been restricted to the nerves in the face and head. This causes the characteristic one-sided facial paralysis found in Bell’s palsy victims. Cayenne thus restores blood flow to the affected nerves.

Patients typically take capsicum pills to improve blood flow. Pills are readily available in health food stores or online. Capsicum pills may cause increased blood pressure, so if you suffer from high blood pressure or take medication to reduce high blood pressure, consult a qualified herbalist or physician before taking any remedies containing capsicum.

Another form of capsicum is a topical cream rubbed into the skin. Companies typically market such creams to treat arthritis. As with all topical preparations, test it on a patch of skin on the arm or inside the elbow area first, waiting twenty-four to forty-eight hours before using on the face, and be sure to consult with an herbalist if you’re uncertain about using any herbs.

Holistic Remedies for Bell’s Palsy

There is no proof that cayenne, or any herbs, cure Bell’s palsy. Most treatments for Bell’s palsy include various herbs taken as tinctures, teas or capsule. Herbs used to treat viral infections may also improve outcomes for Bell’s palsy. These herbs include Echinacea and goldenseal. Consult a qualified herbalist for the appropriate herbs, since Bell’s palsy manifest different among individuals and thus calls for individualized treatment.

Doctors often tell patients that episodes of Bell’s palsy occur when the immune system is compromised. The herpes virus, once contracted, remains dormant in the nervous system. It may resurface as shingles, herpes outbreaks, or other diseases. One theory is that the dormant herpes virus causes Bell’s palsy as it attacks certain facial nerves. To prevent viral outbreaks, maintain overall good health. Follow healthy eating guidelines, incorporate healing foods, get plenty of sleep, and reduce stress through meditation and other stress management techniques. All of these will go a long way to reducing Bell’s palsy symptoms and prevent future attacks.

Resources

• The National Institute of Neurological Disorders features fact sheets on Bell’s palsy.
• Visit the Mayo Clinic’s website for detailed information Bell’s palsy.
• A fellow sufferer publishes the Bell’s palsy information net. It includes personal experiences, traditional medicine, and alternative health information.