I learned from a diabetic friend that it's a very good idea to use this kind of oil on your feet regularly. Apart from the soothing, it is a good way to check your feet for little wounds or any other irregularities, and treat those before they become a big problem.

He even uses nail polish on his toenails () as part of a general "take good care of your feet" ritual. It sounds a bit silly at first until you realize that it really is a good idea to care for & inspect your feet regularly.

I have found over the years, experimenting--back when I had much more pain and burning than I do now---- that ANYTHING that blocks the air sensations to the skin where the PN symptoms are will work to some extent. Putting plain Aquaphor ointment can reduce burning even I've found.

So the oils, will form a coating on the skin for a while and block the sensations of temperature from the air.

I think this can be very subjective too. I tried Tiger Balm once when I found it at Costco. Even though it had higher menthol levels, it did NOT work for me at all. In fact I gave it away to a member here finally so as not to waste it. But the Biofreeze does work for me amazingly, and it has less menthol in it. The gel must enable it to be absorbed quickly to work on those nerves.

These oils and menthol do not change anything IMO. They just suppress the sensations for a while to allow you to sleep or walk or whatever.

Hopeful,

I use the essential oil of peppermint. I have two sources who provide very high quality oils. Nature's Gift and Original Swiss Aromatics. You have to be careful when purchasing EOs because many time they are of low quality and/or adulterated.

http://www.naturesgift.com/

http://www.originalswissaromatics.com/

Some safety issues, especially with peppermint.

1 - Never put them in eyes or ears. Be very careful when using it on your face to keep the peppermint oil away from your eyes. The fine lines around your eyes act like channels that will draw the oils towards the eye.

2 - Most EO's should be diluted with a fatty oil like cold pressed olive, coconut or sesame oils.

3 - To flush the oils from the skin or eyes in case of an accidental spill or if it's irritating the skin, use a fatty oil. Do not flush with water, it will just spread it.

3 - The safest place to apply EOs is on the bottom of the feet. The arch of the feet represents the stomach/digestive track in reflexology. Putting the oil on the corresponding reflex of the foot will have a direct effect on the organ.

I too rub it on my tummy if it's upset. I also place a drop on the top of my hand and touch my tongue to it because a full drop in your mouth would be too overwhelming. Essential oils are very powerful when used correctly.

I put a couple drops under my tongue, and yes it IS very strong, but I don't mind and it really works for heartburn. For some people it is too strong. My sister likes to drink it in water.

Also, you are right, it is very important to make sure to use QUALITY oil when injesting, which is why I use Natures Sunshine.

Thanks everyone. I'm going to order and try it. Also, I see a lot of people use Benfotiamine. I understand it is B1. What type of relief is everyone getting from it?
Thanks!

Benfotiamine is a long acting form of Thiamine. Thiamine is a cofactor in the metabolism of carbs. Also is is a cofactor in the metabolism of aldehydes. So it is helpful for impaired glucose utilization, and for those drinking alcoholic beverages.

It can help with burning pain, the most. It has been used in Europe for over a decade successfully for diabetic patients.