Numbness is a particularly common symptom with multiple sclerosis. It can often be the first symptom with which a patient presents to a physician subsequently leading to a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Numbness can affect a very small area such as a small spot on the face or it can affect whole areas of the body, such as legs, feet, hands or arms. It can be transient, meaning it lasts only for a short time, perhaps an hour or two; or can last for a considerable period of time.

Usually, numbness does not affect day to day activities but in severe cases, it can interfere with a person's ability to function normally. For example, if the numbness is in an entire leg or in both legs, it may hamper mobility.
Numbness can affect any part of the body; including the face, mouth, lips, tongue, the trunk, arms, hands, legs, feet, and also the sexual organs of both males and females. Should the tongue become numb (quite common), care should be taken to avoid injury when eating.

Natural Cures for Numbness
Foods and Spices
People with a taste for strong, spicy flavors may experience fewer problems relating to poor circulation. Garlic is commonly considered to be a superfood because of its apparent ability to lower cholesterol, combat hypertension and enhance heart function. Additionally, garlic may defeat numbness in the feet by optimizing the health of the circulatory system. Cayenne pepper--and possibly, other forms of pepper--are also well known for their ability to dilate blood vessels and improve circulation to the extremities. Another pungent spice, ginger, has also been used to enhance heart health and improve circulation throughout the body. For people who don't enjoy strong flavors, ginger, garlic and cayenne are available in extracts and capsules.

B-Vitamins
B-vitamins are a class of nutrients that are essential to the proper function of the central nervous system and cardiovascular system. For this reason, individual B-vitamins and B-complexes are frequently used to restore circulation and reduce sensations of numbness and tingling. Because they are water-soluble- the body flushes out whatever is not needed--there are few risks associated with B vitamins. Niacin, or B-3, is especially useful for restoring healthy circulation to the hands and feet through the dilation of blood vessels. Cyanobalamin, or B-12, is also critical in supporting healthy circulation, as is its close chemical cousin, folate (also called B9 or folic acid). Look for highly absorbable B-vitamin complexes containing particularly high doses of these three nutrients.

Herbal Support
Traditionally, herbalists have often recommended hawthorn berry as a naturopathic treatment for poor circulation or numbness. Hawthorn is commonly used to treat hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, and it appears to lower blood pressure and enhance circulatory function. Hawthorn berries may actually work by strengthening and dilating arteries. Ginkgo biloba, commonly known for its ability to enhance memory by improving circulation to the brain, is another popular candidate as an herbal medicine for persistent numbness. Ginkgo may improve the function of blood vessels in the neck and spine, as well as the function of the vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the feet.