Facial paralysis is a common neurological disorder affecting the facial nerves. Patients must seek immediate treatment upon onset, as delayed intervention significantly worsens prognosis. Facial nerve dysfunction severely impacts appearance. Some patients explore folk remedies for peripheral facial paralysis. What are the common traditional treatments for facial paralysis?
Folk Remedies for Facial Paralysis
1. Decoction: 12g white aconite, 9g dried ginseng, 6g whole scorpion, 15g each of raw rehmannia and red peony root, 9g chuanxiong, 15g angelica root, 50g cinnamon twig, 9g loofah fiber, 30g chicken-blood vine. Simmer in water, take one dose daily divided into two servings.
2. 10g Gentiana macrophylla, 9g each of Notopterygium incisum, Saposhnikovia divaricata, and Angelica dahurica, 10g Rehmannia glutinosa, 9g Angelica sinensis, 10g Ligusticum chuanxiong, 9g each of Aconite radix and whole scorpion. Decoct in water, take one dose daily. Concurrently use Western medicine for anti-inflammatory effects and combine with acupuncture for facial nerve paralysis treatment.
3. 200g soybeans, 50g Angelica pubescens, 10g Aconite radix, 1000ml rice wine. First roast soybeans until cooked, then grind with the latter two ingredients. Add to wine and boil several times, strain and reserve. Drink 10ml twice daily, morning and evening.
4. 10g each of Angelica sinensis and Ligusticum chuanxiong, 3 centipedes, 6g each of Cicada molt and licorice, 10 earthworms (baked dry), 13g processed Aconite root (decocted for 30 minutes first), 13g each of Saposhnikovia root, Uncaria hook, and dried Ginseng. Decoct in water, take one dose daily, divided into morning and evening servings.
5. Fresh poplar bark 60–100 grams. Add 1000 milliliters of water to the bark, bring to a boil, then use the hot steam to fumigate the affected cheek area. Place a small stove beneath the vessel and gently heat over low flame to maintain steady, even steam for 40–60 minutes per session.
6. Angelica sinensis and Ligusticum chuanxiong, each 10 grams,3 centipedes, 6g cicada slough, 6g licorice, 10 earthworms (roasted dry), 13g processed Aconite root (decocted for 30 minutes first), 13g each of Saposhnikovia root, Uncaria root, and dried silkworm pupae. Decoct in water, take one dose daily. This treats facial paralysis.
7. One piece of fresh ginger.Slice ginger lengthwise. Use the cut surface to repeatedly rub the affected side's upper and lower gums (opposite the drooping corner of the mouth) in alternating left-right motions until a burning or heating sensation occurs. Perform 2-3 times daily. One treatment course lasts 7 days.
8. 150g each of small red ginseng, female golden reed, and artemisia.2500 ml white liquor. Soak for half a day before use. Take 20-40 ml once daily.
9. 10g white peony root, 9g scrophularia root, 10g asparagus root, 9g dragon bone, 9g oyster shell, 30g soapberry branch, 20g hematite, 15g Achyranthes root. Decoct in water, one dose daily.
10. Cinnamon powder (decocted), aconite root, ephedra, Ligusticum root, codonopsis root, white peony root, apricot kernel, saposhnikovia root, scutellaria root, stephania root, white aconite root, licorice root.
10. Ground cinnamon (for decoction), aconite, ephedra, chuanxiong, codonopsis, white peony root, apricot kernel, fangfeng, scutellaria, fangji, white aconite, licorice, asarum, centipede, earthworm. Decoct and take orally.Separately, wrap the warm residue in double gauze and apply to the affected area, moving it as needed during application. Apply heat several times daily.
11. Aged croton seeds (most potent within 1–2 years). Remove shells and pound the seeds into a paste (do not add water, oil, etc.).Shape the paste into a cake using the patient's palm, place it on the affected palm, cover with cellophane or plastic wrap (padded with a cotton ball to create a raised surface), and secure with a bandage. After one day, flip the cake over and apply for another day.After two days, remove the croton seed, mash it again, and form into a new cake. Apply to the affected palm for one day. This method fortifies the body, dispels wind, aids yang, disperses cold, warms meridians, and unblocks channels. It is primarily used to treat facial nerve paralysis.Simmer Tianma, whole scorpion, appropriate amounts of dried tangerine peel and ginger, pork, raw rehmannia root, and goji berries into a soup. Whole scorpion combined with certain ingredients nourishes yin blood and dispels wind. Suitable for patients in the middle or recovery stages, especially those with liver and kidney yin deficiency. Pregnant women should use with caution. Those with both external and internal wind symptoms, dizziness, tinnitus, or limb numbness may consume this soup.
Facial Paralysis Care
1. Avoid Exposure to Wind
When outdoors, protect the face with a scarf to shield against wind. Individuals with a history of facial paralysis are particularly susceptible to recurrence during winter and should prioritize facial warmth more than others.
2. Protect the eyes
Since the eyes cannot close tightly or blink reflexively, patients should wear sunglasses outdoors to prevent inflammation from sunlight or foreign objects. At night, cover eyes with sterilized gauze or wear an eye mask to avoid injury. Use eye drops if dryness occurs.
3. Learn self-massage techniques
Gently press facial muscles with moderate pressure to help alleviate facial numbness and tension.
5. Learn Skin Care Techniques
The face may feel tight, so apply moisturizer to keep skin hydrated and prevent worsening of facial paralysis symptoms.