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Eye Care & Supportive Supplements

Eye Care

Until your ability to blink is restored you will need to keep it hydrated

Use a preservative free dry eye therapy for day time drops and a tear-gel for nighttime. 

Keeping the eye closed during rest

Although taping is suggested many find it frustratingly ineffctive or develop sensitivity after reoccuring taping.  I used a long magic bag just room temperature to keep my eye closed while sleeping.  Taping did not seem to work for me but the weight did.  Others have recently suggested using Glad 

Protection

Protect your eye by wearing an eye patch or safety glasses when you're outdoors in windy conditions or doing any activity where dust, dirt, or debris could enter the eye.

Supplements That May Support Bell's Palsy Recovery

While no supplement can cure Bell's Palsy, good nutrition and targeted supplementation may help support nerve healing, reduce inflammation, and optimize the body's natural recovery processes.
 
This is an extensive list of supplements that may support different aspects of Bell's Palsy recovery. It is not intended as a recommendation to take all of them at once.
Instead, consider this a resource to help you identify the supplements that best match your individual needs and stage of recovery. Some may resonate with you immediately, while others may be worth exploring later as your symptoms change or your recovery progresses.
Recovery is rarely a one-size-fits-all journey. Listen to your body, work with your healthcare provider when appropriate, and choose a thoughtful, individualized approach rather than trying everything at once.

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement program, especially if you are pregnant, have underlying health conditions, or take prescription medications.

Vitamin B12

Supports: Nerve regeneration, myelin repair, healthy nerve function

Vitamin B12 is one of the most important nutrients for nerve health. A deficiency can impair nerve function and slow healing. Even without a deficiency, many practitioners recommend B12 during nerve recovery because of its role in repairing the protective covering (myelin) around nerves.

Vitamin B Complex

Supports: Energy production, nerve health, stress resilience

The B vitamins work together to support the nervous system. Vitamins B1 (Thiamine), B6 (Pyridoxine), and B12 are particularly important for nerve repair and healthy communication between nerves and muscles.

Vitamin C

Supports: Tissue repair, collagen production, immune function, antioxidant protection

Vitamin C helps reduce oxidative stress, supports collagen formation for healthy connective tissue, and plays an important role in overall healing.

Vitamin D3

Supports: Immune regulation, nerve health, muscle function

Many people have low Vitamin D levels. Maintaining healthy levels may help regulate inflammation and support healthy nerve function and recovery.

Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids

Supports: Nerve regeneration, inflammation control, brain health

Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) help reduce inflammation and provide important building blocks for healthy nerve cell membranes. They may also support regeneration after nerve injury.

Magnesium (Evening)

Supports: Muscle relaxation, nervous system regulation, improved sleep

Magnesium helps calm overactive muscles, supports nerve signaling, and promotes restful sleep. It may be especially helpful if facial muscles feel tight or you experience synkinesis during recovery.

Calcium (Often Taken with Magnesium)

Supports: Muscle contraction, nerve communication

Calcium works alongside magnesium to support healthy muscle and nerve function. Many people find taking them together in the evening supports overall relaxation.

Turmeric (Curcumin)

Supports: Healthy inflammatory response, antioxidant protection

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has well-known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may help support the body's natural healing response following nerve inflammation.

Look for formulations that include black pepper extract (piperine) or enhanced absorption technology.

Zinc

Supports: Immune function, tissue healing

Zinc is involved in hundreds of enzymatic processes and supports tissue repair, immune health, and wound healing. It also works closely with Vitamin C during recovery.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Supports: Nerve protection, antioxidant activity

Alpha-lipoic acid is often used to support nerve health and may help reduce oxidative stress around injured nerves. It has been studied extensively in diabetic neuropathy and may offer similar benefits during nerve recovery.

Mullein Root (Verbascum thapsus)

Supports: Mullein root has long been used in traditional herbal medicine to support nerve health and ease muscle tension. It is valued for its gentle antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular herbal support for conditions involving nerve irritation, facial muscle spasms, and tension.

Rich in flavonoids, iridoids, and saponins, mullein root may help create a more supportive environment for facial nerve recovery. While research specific to Bell's Palsy is limited, many herbalists have found it beneficial for easing muscle tightness, spasms, and the feeling of restriction that can accompany facial nerve dysfunction.

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

Supports: Nervous system health, muscle relaxation, stress resilience

Skullcap is a traditional herbal remedy known for its calming effects on the nervous system. It has been used to help relax muscle tension, soothe nerve irritation, and support the body's response to stress—all of which may be beneficial during Bell's Palsy recovery.

While research specific to Bell's Palsy is limited, Skullcap is valued by many herbalists for helping ease muscle tightness and promoting a more relaxed nervous system, particularly when recovery is accompanied by stress, tension, or facial muscle overactivity.

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)

Supports: Nerve comfort, healthy inflammatory response, nerve regeneration

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a naturally occurring fatty acid that helps regulate inflammation within the nervous system. It works by calming overactive immune cells around nerves, which may reduce neuroinflammation and support healthy nerve signaling.

Research suggests PEA may help reduce neuropathic pain, ease tingling, burning, or hypersensitivity, and support nerve regeneration. While it is not a cure for Bell's Palsy, it may be a valuable addition to recovery, particularly for those experiencing lingering facial sensitivity, shooting pains, or delayed nerve healing.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Supports: Nerve regeneration, cellular energy

This amino acid derivative supports mitochondrial energy production and has shown promise in supporting regeneration of damaged nerves.

Lion's Mane Mushroom

Supports: Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), brain and nerve health

Lion's Mane has gained attention for its ability to stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a protein involved in the growth and repair of nerve cells. While research in Bell's Palsy is limited, many people use it as part of a comprehensive nerve recovery program.

Marshmallow Root

Supports: Healthy inflammatory response and tissue soothing

While there is currently little research specifically relating Marshmallow Root to Bell's Palsy, I personally noticed improvement after adding it during my recovery. Traditionally, Marshmallow Root has been used to soothe irritated tissues and support the body's natural healing processes.

Topical Support

St. John's Wort Oil

Supports: Nerve comfort, healthy inflammatory response, circulation, facial massage

St. John's Wort oil has long been valued in herbal medicine for supporting the nervous system. When applied topically, it may help soothe nerve discomfort, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and soften tight facial muscles.

Used during gentle facial massage, it can also create a calming ritual that helps reconnect you with areas of the face that may feel numb, tight, or unfamiliar. While research specific to Bell's Palsy is limited, many herbalists value St. John's Wort oil as a supportive addition to facial nerve recovery.

Note: St. John's Wort may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid excessive sun exposure on treated areas, and discontinue use if skin irritation occurs.

Castor Oil

Supports: Tissue mobility, circulation, hydration, facial massage

Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. When used during gentle facial massage, it may help improve tissue mobility, support circulation, and soften areas of tightness or restriction.

Its thick, nourishing texture provides excellent glide for myofascial release and facial massage, helping to reduce friction while supporting healthy skin and connective tissue.

Arnica

Supports: Healthy inflammatory response, muscle comfort, circulation

Arnica has long been used topically to help ease muscle soreness, bruising, and localized inflammation. During Bell's Palsy recovery, arnica gel or cream may help soothe overworked facial muscles and provide comfort in areas of tension or tenderness.

Note: Arnica should only be applied to intact skin. Avoid use on open wounds or broken skin.

Magnesium Cream

Supports: Muscle relaxation, nerve function, facial comfort

Topical magnesium creams or lotions may help relax tight facial muscles and support healthy nerve and muscle function. Many people find them especially helpful when dealing with muscle tension, jaw tightness, or synkinesis during recovery.

Applied as part of a gentle massage routine, magnesium cream can encourage relaxation while complementing other facial rehabilitation techniques. As with any topical product, discontinue use if skin irritation occurs.

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Disclaimer

This site offers health, fitness and nutritional information and is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have read on this site. The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk.

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