I currently have a massage client who is experiencing Bells Palsy. All tests were done at the hospital to rule out other potentials and the Docs gave a diagnosis of Bell's Palsy. I am wondering, which virus's usually cause Bell's Palsy and how often is it viral compared to a potential fall, injury or cranial misalignment affecting the facial nerve ect? I am wondering what an antiviral protocol would look like for Bell's Palsy and to learn a bit more about this from a natural health perspective. Thank you !!

David said: Bells Palsy has many causes and is sometimes idiopathic (no known cause). It can be caused by Lyme disease (a spirochete), viruses such as herpes simplex-1, EBV, Herpes zoster, viruses that cause colds, influenza and COVID. It also can occur in pregnancy (usually the 3rd trimester), autoimmune diseases, as well as trauma and TMJ issues. These are the most common causes and there are probably many more. If the cause is viral (the only way to know is if there is plausible timing with a viral condition), the antivirals we have discussed such as Honeysuckle flower or SJW, would be combined with nerve anti-inflammatories (SJW, Sweet Melilot, Ligusticum chuanxiong, Mullein root) and I would also suggest acupuncture and topical Hypericum oil with gentle heat.