Cerebral palsy is a devastating movement disorder, but there are several home remedies and natural treatments that can mitigate the symptoms, including the use of acupuncture, fish oil, echinacea, ginger, physical therapy, dietary therapy, peppermint essential oil, and apple cider vinegar, among others.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that occurs due to developmental issues of the brain while the baby is still in utero or shortly following birth. This disorder affects a child’s motor skills, muscle tone, and movement. In some cases, there may also be cognitive impairment. [1] [2]
There are, however, some home remedies and lifestyle choices that can be made to lessen the impact of cerebral palsy and improve the quality of life for those suffering from this disorder.
Natural Ways To Help With Cerebral Palsy
Let’s take a look at the best natural remedies that give relief from cerebral palsy:
Ginger
When it comes to the body not behaving properly, particularly the muscles, it can often be caused by a lack of oxygenated blood. Ginger has long been considered a circulation-stimulating remedy and can send more blood to the extremities and limbs, helping regrowth of tissues, additional energy and flexibility, a reduction in inflammation and pain, and eliminating numbness. Ginger can be consumed in a raw form or as tea and can be applied directly to the site of pain or muscle impairment for quick results. [3]
A cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect movement & muscle tone or posture. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Acupuncture
Few alternative therapies have been as successful in treating cerebral palsy than acupuncture. By focusing on key nerve centers and pressure points, acupuncturists can not only help to reduce the pain caused by this condition, but also improve flexibility and muscle control. [4]
Physical Therapy
Consistent physical therapy to improve flexibility and muscle control is an essential part of living a normal life with cerebral palsy. Physical therapy can also help with fine motor control problems like the inability to feed oneself due to which the patient often requires around-the-clock care. [5]
Echinacea
This powerful herb has some effects on cerebral palsy, most notably an increase in circulation, meaning that fresh, oxygenated blood is delivered to the limbs and extremities more readily for increased muscle control. Secondly, the active ingredients in echinacea have been linked to stronger neural connections and a reduction in nervous disorders. [6]
Peppermint Essential Oil
Anecdotal evidence suggests that peppermint essential oil is great for relieving the pain and inflammation associated with cerebral palsy. You can apply this oil diluted in a carrier oil to joints and muscles to provide analgesic relief and additional blood flow to the extremities. [7]
Speech Therapy
Since the damage to muscle development in cerebral palsy takes on many different forms, speech therapy is often required, or recommended, so that those muscles are kept in shape, and communication can continue for the sufferer. This is also important for feeding oneself and maintaining the ability to chew and swallow on one’s own. [8]
Dietary Alterations
Cerebral palsy affects many different systems in the body, including the digestive and excretory systems, so certain changes should be made to one’s diet and eating habits. For example, the time required for meals can be longer due to challenges with chewing or swallowing, broths and gravies can help with constipation. Hard, stringy foods, as well as nuts and seeds, should be avoided, as swallowing is often difficult for those with cerebral palsy. [9]
Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV is often used to reduce the muscle spasticity associated with cerebral palsy. This popular home remedy is effective as a topical agent for muscle spasms and malfunctions, as well as a digestive stimulant. [10]
Fish Oil
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are integral anti-inflammatory agents in the body, are also important for neural connections and communication between the brain and body. Furthermore, brain tissue development can be stimulated by an excess of these “good” fats in the body. Other great sources of omega-3s are salmon, tuna, walnuts, soybeans, spinach, and flaxseed oil. [11]
Epsom Salt
To relieve the pain and inflammation caused by this movement disorder, many have turned to Epsom salt baths. Simply add Epsom salts to your bath water, along with some sea salt and essential oils of your choice, and soak in this mixture. Relief should be quick and long-lasting!
Prebiotics and Probiotics
The effects of cerebral palsy on digestion and the body’s ability to absorb nutrients are quite serious, so improving these functions is very important. Adding prebiotic and probiotic foods to your diet can help ensure a healthy gastrointestinal environment so nutrients can be effectively absorbed and used by the body. [12]
Yoga and Meditation
Many people suffering from cerebral palsy have found relief and comfort in mental therapies and approaches like yoga and meditation. These embrace the idea of the body and mind being linked and have shown the ability to improve the strength of the immune system, boost circulation, lower stress hormones, and relieve inflammation. If a patient can do the requisite movements, these strategies are highly recommended. [13]
Word of Caution: Cerebral palsy is a lifelong affliction, and these remedies are considered complementary treatments and lifestyle adjustments, not cures. Again, it is highly important to speak with a medical professional if you believe your child is developing at a reduced rate, and from there, appropriate therapies and treatment approaches can be discussed.
