Bell's Palsy (Facial Palsy)

🌿 Overview

Bell's palsy is a paralysis or weakness of one side of the face caused by a lesion of the facial nerve, usually from a viral infection. It commonly follows a respiratory infection or results from chilling of the face. Symptoms appear suddenly, which can cause it to be mistaken for a stroke — but Bell's palsy affects only the face, not the limbs. The prognosis is generally good: 80% of those with partial palsy recover completely, and three-fourths of those with complete palsy recover without any treatment. Meat-eaters develop it far more often than vegetarians.

Common signs

• Sudden onset of weakness or paralysis on one side of the face.
• Drooping of corner of the mouth, sometimes with drooling.
• Inability to close the eyelid on the affected side, with watering of that eye.
• Pain behind the ear on the affected side.
• Pain in the temple or neck.
• Tingling or pricking sensation on the skin.
• Impairment of taste.
• Most recover in 2 weeks to 3 months.

🔎 Why it happens

Common causes and triggers — spotting yours is often the first step to relief.

• Viral infection attacking the facial nerve (most common cause).
• A chilling of the face during sleep (cold air draft on the face while the body is covered).
• Injury or irritation of a sensory nerve root.
• Decayed tooth putting pressure on the nerve.
• Following a respiratory infection.
• More common in meat-eaters; rare in vegetarians.
• Most common between ages 20-40.

✅ What to do

Gentle, practical steps you can take at home — start at the top.

1. This is the most important specific nutrient for nerve repair in Bell's palsy.
2. Supporting minerals: Calcium (2,000 mg per day), magnesium (800 mg per day).
3. Flaxseed oil: Take 2 tablespoons daily for essential fatty acids to support nerve healing.
4. Warm compresses: Apply warm, wet washcloths to the affected side of the face twice a day for 20 minutes each time.
5. Follow with gentle massage, moving upward and backward.
6. Night protection: Make sure no cold air draft is blowing directly on your uncovered face during sleep — this may have caused or can worsen the palsy.
7. Charcoal poultices: Apply charcoal poultices over the weakened nerve area at night.
8. Maintain a low-salt diet to reduce fluid accumulation around the nerve.
9. Eye care: If the affected eye cannot close, apply pure water to it 4 times daily to keep it moist and free from dust.
10. Wear sunglasses to reduce evaporation.
11. Occasionally close the eye manually with your finger to rest it.
12. Wear an eye patch at night to protect it from drying.
13. Facial exercises: As the muscles begin to function again, practice before a mirror: wrinkle the forehead, close the affected eye, purse the lips, move the mouth side to side, blow out the cheeks, try to whistle.

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🍽️ Eating to help

Food is one of the gentlest medicines — small, steady changes help most.

Vegetarian diet reduces risk significantly. Avoid meat. Eat whole-food diet with emphasis on B vitamin-rich foods. Flaxseed oil daily. Low-salt diet during recovery.

💬 Ask Remy about Bell's Palsy (Facial Palsy)