6 Potent Herbal Remedies For Sciatica

Has the sciatic nerve pain resurfaced to bother you again? Pressure or damaged nerve can result in initiation of mild to sharp sciatic pain or burning sensation, often affecting only one side and extends from the buttocks to the sole of the affected foot. The pain is mostly accompanied by weakness, attenuation in the level of sensation and sometimes numbness too.

If you have tried all the over the counter medicines or other forms of conservative treatment (even physical therapy) but found little or no respite from the nerve pain, it is time to seek the help of natural herbs. Let’s take a look at some of the herbal remedies for this nerve condition.

Top Herbal Remedies For Sciatica

1. Oil Of Wintergreen Alleviates Sciatic Pain

Oil of wintergreen is probably one of the most effective herbs that provide relief in several medical conditions, such as gout and sciatica. It aids in reducing muscle or joint aches owing to the natural abundance of a constituent called methyl salicylate, which follows the same mode of action as aspirin and inhibits prostaglandins.

Thus, the pale coloured, aromatic essential oil is solely meant for external use and is not to be consumed in any form, whatsoever. Apply and rub a diluted solution of Wintergreen oil over painful joints, lower back and legs at least two to three times throughout the day. Concentration of less than 25% is recommended so as to minimize the chances of transdermal absorption.

2. St. John’s Wort

The use of St. John’s wort is regarded as one of the most trustworthy alternative cure for recurrent nerve pain caused by sciatica. According to the information provided by the National Center for Complementary Alternative Medicine, Hypericum perforatum, otherwise known as St. John’s Wort is a herb which has the potency required to alleviate many health related conditions, such as mental depression, nerve pain as seen in people with sciatica or shingles as well as poisonous bites.

Massage the affected leg area with a herbal mix prepared by combining approximately eight to ten drops of the herbal extract and a few tablespoons of olive oil (or any other essential oil). The anti-inflammatory and nerve relaxing action offers noticeable relief. This herbal treatment is, however, contraindicated in pregnant females. Also, one must consult a doctor regarding safe and optimal dosage as the herb has a tendency to interact with certain medicines.

3. Burdock Renders Relief

Another herbal alternative for relieving sciatic nerve pain is Arctium lappa, commonly known as Burdock. Indigenous to Europe and northern regions of Asia, till date, the seeds and root portion of Burdock has served many medicinal purposes, such as in cases of cancer, diabetes, skin conditions of eczema or psoriasis and inflammatory disorders too. Consuming burdock herbal tea alone or in combination with dandelion root can certainly provide relief. Fresh or dried form of burdock root can be used for preparing herbal tea.

Being a laxative and uterine stimulant, its use is not recommended in pregnant women. Also, patients who are hypoglycemic and on medications for the same must avoid consuming this herb as it may raise the level of blood sugar or cause fluctuations in the normal level of sodium and potassium.

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4. Juniper

If you are recurrently troubled by the sharp sciatic nerve pain, a herb named Juniper may provide much needed relief. The berries derived from Juniperus communis offer herbal cure for many ailments, such as chronic kidney or bladder disorders, gout, arthritis and sciatica. Besides working as a strong diuretic, anti-microbial and carminative, Juniper also has the ability to curb pain. It does so by inhibiting the formation and consequent action of prostaglandins.

Do seek medical consult prior to using this herb so that you are well aware of all the possible adverse effects and contraindications. Some of the notable side effects include allergic reaction towards the herb which results in skin rash or cough.

5. Jamaican Dogwood

Jamaican dogwood, also known as fish poison tree, has been put to use for treatment of pain and inflammation since many years. It is only the root portion that must be used for alleviating nerve pain. As this herb is a potent sedative, it should only be used under careful medical supervision. For the same reason, Jamaican dogwood is not given to young children or expectant mothers. For topical application, a dose of two to four grams is sufficient.

6. Cayenne For Sciatica

Capsicum annuum is a beneficial herb that reduces the sensation of nerve pain and offers help in resolving lower back ache and nerve pain (as experienced in sciatica). The presence of capsaicin is responsible for pain control. You can either use purchase ointments containing cayenne or go for capsule form.