Trigeminal Neuralgia

Why it works: Mechanism: ALA is a mitochondrial cofactor and antioxidant that can regenerate other antioxidants (e.g., glutathione) and modulate redox-sensitive inflammatory pathways (e.g., Nrf2...

Instructions: There are no TN-specific dosing trials. When ALA is tried off-label for neuropathic pain, clinicians often borrow regimens from diabetic neuropathy studies:. • Oral ALA 600 mg once...

Warnings: Diabetes / low blood sugar: ALA can augment hypoglycemia risk when combined with antidiabetic drugs...

Studies: Related/adjacent evidence (neuropathic or orofacial pain)Bur...

Why it works: TRPV1 activation → desensitization of pain fibers. Capsaicin activates TRPV1 channels on nociceptors; with sustained exposure, this produces prolonged desensitization and reduced n...

Instructions: There are two very different products/approaches:. A) Over-the-counter (OTC) low-dose creams (0.025%–0.075%). • Where/How: Apply a tiny amount to intact skin over the painful derma...

Warnings: Face/eye/mucosa risk (critical): Capsaicin can cause severe irritation of eyes, mucous membranes, an...

Studies: Case report (trigeminal postherpetic neuralgia): A patient w...

Why it works: Active component = menthol (TRPM8 agonist). Menthol activates cold-sensing TRPM8 channels on sensory neurons— including neurons in the trigeminal ganglion— which can dampen pain si...

Instructions: There’s no standardized, TN-specific “dose.” If you and your clinician decide to try a cautious topical approach, common aromatherapy safety practice is to dilute before skin use a...

Warnings: Skin & eye irritation: Peppermint oil can irritate/burn skin and eyes; avoid broken skin and mucosa;...

Studies: TN-specific data: I could not find randomized trials or robu...

Why it works: Neuro-inflammation & glial modulation. Curcumin down-regulates NF-κB signaling and related inflammatory cascades implicated in neuropathic pain, and can suppress microglia/astrocyt...

Instructions: There’s no established TN-specific regimen. The following reflects what’s been used in neuropathic-pain studies and general safety guidance:. Form & dose (oral). • Standard curcumi...

Warnings: Bleeding risk / drug interactions. Curcumin can have antiplatelet effects and may increase bleeding...

Studies: Animal TN/orofacial pain: Curcumin reduced orofacial allodyn...

Why it works: Proposed mechanisms (preclinical): Extracts and constituents (notably hypericin and hyperforin) have antinociceptive actions in animal models of neuropathic pain, including inhibit...

Instructions: Typical standardized extract dose (for depression, not TN): Many commercial studies and monographs use 900 mg/day of standardized extract (e.g., 300 mg three times daily), often st...

Warnings: St. John’s wort has major drug–drug interaction potential—principally via CYP3A4, CYP2C9, other CYPs...

Studies: Single case report: A 2017 peer-reviewed case report describ...

Why it works: Neuro-immune & microglial modulation (key in neuropathic pain): Network-pharmacology and experimental work suggest L. chuanxiong constituents (e.g., ligustilide, senkyunolides, fer...

Instructions: Because TN patterns differ in TCM, dosing/formulation should be individualized by a practitioner. If you and your clinician decide to try it:. • Typical single-herb dose (oral): 3–...

Warnings: Bleeding risk / interactions: CX and its constituents have antiplatelet effects; use caution and see...

Studies: Direct TN clinical data: One small Chinese clinical report (...

Why it works: Active alkaloids with antinociceptive activity. Corydalis contains multiple isoquinoline alkaloids (notably dehydrocorybulbine [DHCB] and l-tetrahydropalmatine [l-THP]) that reduce...

Instructions: 1) Form & dose (traditional use):. • Raw herb (decoction): Common TCM references list 3–9 g/day of Yan Hu Suo (often vinegar-processed, which TCM texts associate with stronger anal...

Warnings: Liver injury risk (rare but real): Recent case reports link Corydalis-containing products to drug-in...

Studies: Preclinical / mechanistic / general pain (key sources):DHCB...

Why it works: TCM rationale: TMGTY “calms the Liver, extinguishes internal wind,” a pattern often applied to head/face pain and neurovascular hyperexcitability. Standard references list its 11-h...

Instructions: Classical composition (typical adult decoction gram ranges): Tian Ma 9g; Gou Teng 12–15g; Shi Jue Ming 18–24g; Zhi Zi 9g; Huang Qin 9g; Yi Mu Cao 9–12g; Chuan Niu Xi 12g; Du Zhong...

Warnings: Pregnancy: TMGTY contains Yi Mu Cao (Leonurus japonicus), a blood-moving herb contraindicated in pre...

Studies: Related evidence supporting plausibility (not direct proof f...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory & glial modulation. The major constituent paeoniflorin reduces microglia/astrocyte activation and pro-inflammatory signaling (e.g., HMGB1/HSP90AA1, NF-κB), which...

Instructions: Typical TCM decoction dose for Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba): commonly 6–15 g/day in decoction, adjusted to pattern and formula. (Traditional materia-medica references.) activeher...

Warnings: Anticoagulants/antiplatelets (e.g., warfarin): Peony may increase bleeding risk; professional intera...

Studies: Related human evidence (other conditions): TGP has RCTs and...