If you’ve been dealing with tingling, numbness, or nerve pain, this is for you. We’re counting down ten natural oils that may help reduce discomfort, improve circulation, and support healing, gently and naturally.
Let’s get started!
Number 10 – Olive Oil
Let’s kick off our list with something you probably already have in your kitchen—extra virgin olive oil. This golden liquid isn’t just great for cooking; it can also help support your nervous system.
Olive oil is packed with healthy fats and antioxidants, especially something called polyphenols. These natural compounds help fight inflammation, which is one of the main reasons nerves get damaged in the first place.
You see, when your body is inflamed—whether from poor diet, stress, or illness—your nerves can become irritated or injured over time. But olive oil has been shown to calm that inflammation and protect nerve cells from oxidative stress. That’s basically a kind of wear and tear on your cells caused by free radicals—unstable molecules that can cause a lot of damage inside the body.
According to a study published in the journal Nutrients in 2020, the polyphenols in olive oil can actually reduce this kind of stress and may help prevent further nerve damage.
So when you drizzle olive oil over your salad or cook your veggies with it, you’re not just adding flavor—you might also be doing your nerves a favor.
Number 9 – Castor Oil
Castor oil—an old remedy that’s making a comeback for more than just digestive health. This thick, plant-based oil contains a special compound called ricinoleic acid, known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. When applied to the skin and gently massaged over areas where nerves feel sore or irritated, castor oil can help soothe discomfort.
What makes castor oil especially helpful is its ability to boost blood flow in the area where it’s applied. Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients reaching the damaged nerves, which may support healing over time.
It’s a simple, natural option that many people find comforting, especially when used as part of a warm compress or massage routine.
Number 8 – Argan Oil
Now let’s talk about argan oil—often called “liquid gold,” and for good reason. This oil, traditionally used in Morocco, is loaded with vitamin E and essential fatty acids that help feed and protect your body’s cells, including nerve tissue. These nutrients play a role in keeping nerves strong, especially when they’ve been injured or are under stress.
What sets argan oil apart is its potential to calm nerve inflammation, which can make symptoms like tingling or burning feel worse. A 2018 study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity found that argan oil helped reduce nerve inflammation and supported recovery in rats with neuropathy.
While more research is needed in humans, it’s a promising and natural option that’s easy to include in massage routines or even as part of your skin care, offering healing benefits inside and out.
Number 7 – Black Seed Oil
Also known as Nigella sativa. This powerful oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and modern science is now catching up to its potential. Its key active compound, thymoquinone, has been shown to protect nerve cells and reduce the kind of pain that often comes with nerve damage.
One study published in the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine found that black seed oil was especially helpful for people with diabetic neuropathy—a condition where high blood sugar levels damage the nerves. What makes this oil especially promising is that it doesn’t just relieve pain; it may also support the nerves’ ability to recover.
It’s often taken orally in small amounts, but make sure to check with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Number 6 – Avocado Oil
Avocado oil—the creamy companion to guacamole that turns out to be just as kind to your nerves. It’s rich in monounsaturated fats and oleic acid, which help nourish nerve cells and reduce irritation. But what really makes avocado oil stand out is its high vitamin E content.
Vitamin E is known for its protective effects on the myelin sheath—that’s the outer layer that wraps around your nerves and helps them send signals properly. When this layer gets damaged, nerve function slows down or misfires. By supporting myelin health, avocado oil may help keep those signals clear and steady. It’s a gentle, natural way to support the nervous system from the inside out.
Number 5 – Peppermint Oil
At number five, we have peppermint oil—a refreshing remedy that does more than just wake up your senses. This cooling oil contains menthol, a natural compound that interacts with nerve receptors and creates a soothing sensation. It doesn’t just feel good—it can actually help calm overactive nerves and reduce the burning or tingling often felt with nerve damage.
While it doesn’t repair nerves directly, peppermint oil can provide much-needed relief by easing discomfort and relaxing tight muscles around irritated areas. Many people find it helpful when massaged (diluted with a carrier oil) onto the skin, especially during flare-ups. It’s a simple, accessible way to make everyday nerve pain a little more manageable.
Number 4 – St. John’s Wort Oil
It is best known for its mood-lifting properties, but it also has impressive benefits for nerve-related pain. Traditionally used to soothe conditions like sciatica and neuralgia, this oil contains natural compounds that help calm nerve irritation and reduce discomfort.
What makes it especially helpful for nerve damage is its mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. When applied topically, it may support the healing of superficial nerve injuries and provide a gentle numbing effect to ease pain. It’s a natural go-to for those dealing with nerve pain after surgery or injury, offering both relief and repair in one powerful plant extract.
Number 3 – Evening Primrose Oil
Now let’s talk about evening primrose oil—a gentle yet powerful oil that’s especially useful for nerve pain caused by diabetes.
It’s rich in gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, an omega-6 fatty acid that the body uses to reduce inflammation and support nerve function.
Studies have shown that GLA may help improve nerve conduction and reduce symptoms like tingling, numbness, and burning. For people with diabetic neuropathy, evening primrose oil has been found to offer real relief when used regularly. It’s often taken in capsule form, but always be sure to check with your doctor before adding it to your routine, especially if you’re managing a medical condition
Number 2 – Coconut Oil
A well-loved natural remedy with more benefits than we often give it credit for. While it’s popular for skin and hair, coconut oil also plays a surprising role in supporting nerve health.
What makes it so special? It’s packed with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat that your body can quickly turn into energy, especially for the brain and nervous system.
Coconut oil also contains antioxidants that help protect nerve cells from damage. Oxidative stress, as we mentioned earlier, can wear down nerve tissue over time. The antioxidants in coconut oil may help neutralize these harmful effects, offering a protective barrier against further nerve deterioration.
Another bonus? Coconut oil supports better circulation, which is key for nerves to receive the nutrients and oxygen they need to repair and function well. It’s also anti-inflammatory, meaning it may help reduce the swelling and pain that often come with nerve issues. Whether used in cooking or applied directly to the skin with a gentle massage, coconut oil is a simple yet powerful addition to any nerve-healing routine.
And because it’s so versatile, you can easily make it part of your daily life—whether you’re cooking with it, blending it into smoothies, or using it as a natural massage oil for areas where you feel nerve discomfort.
Number 1 – Essential Oil Blend: Frankincense & Myrrh
At the top of our list is a powerful duo: frankincense and myrrh oil. These two ancient oils have been used for thousands of years—not just in rituals and perfumes—but also for healing. When combined, they form a dynamic blend that supports nerve repair, reduces inflammation, and eases pain in a way that’s both natural and effective.
Frankincense contains compounds like boswellic acid, which studies have shown can reduce inflammation and protect nerve cells from damage. It also has mild analgesic properties that may help with chronic nerve pain. Meanwhile, myrrh brings its own benefits to the table—mainly its ability to improve blood flow and reduce oxidative stress, both of which are key for nerve healing.
What makes this blend really stand out is how it works on multiple levels. It soothes irritated nerves, promotes healing from within, and helps improve overall circulation—creating an environment where the body can begin repairing damaged tissue.
A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that a blend of frankincense and myrrh significantly reduced nerve pain and inflammation in animal models, showing real potential for human use as well.
To use it, many people mix a few drops of each oil with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and apply it to affected areas. It’s not just the scent that calms—it’s the therapeutic compounds that work beneath the surface. If you’re looking for a natural way to support nerve recovery while also relieving pain, this ancient combo might be the modern-day solution you’ve been searching for.
And there you have it—10 of the best oils to support nerve healing and reduce discomfort.