Herbal Sciatica Remedies

Sciatica is pain that runs through the lower back, pelvis and back of the legs along the pathway of the sciatic nerve. Most people who experience sciatica find that the pain comes and goes. There is no medical cure for sciatica, and treatment usually focuses on reducing pain and inflammation. Many people choose to take a holistic approach to sciatica treatment. Herbs have been used throughout the world for centuries to relieve back and joint pain and reduce swelling.

Choosing and Obtaining Herbs

• Herbs can be purchased at almost any health food store or nutrition store, but the freshest and most potent herbs generally come from holistic health stores. Many different types of herbs can help reduce the pain, swelling and muscle spasms associated with sciatica, and you may have to try more than one herb to find what works best for you. Some herbs have potentially dangerous side effects and should not be mixed with other medications, so it is always advisable to check with your doctor prior to beginning any herbal treatment. Some herbs, such as Jamaican dogwood and Chinese angelica, are not recommended for pregnant women or mothers who are breastfeeding. Wintergreen oil can be toxic if ingested. Willow bark contains salicin (herbal aspirin), which can cause gastrointestinal problems and ulcers. Hayseed and willow bark have both been recognized by Commission E, a group of herbal medicine experts chosen by the German equivalent of the FDA, as effective pain relievers.

How to Use Herbs

• Most herbal sciatica treatments involve ingesting herbs in their raw forms, drinking teas or other beverages containing herbs or applying herbs externally in the forms of ointments, poultices, rubs or baths. Jamaican dogwood ingested in its raw form three times a day can help make sciatica pain manageable and reduce spasms. Raw turmeric has been used in Asia for centuries to relieve pain. Turmeric can also be mixed with milk if you find it difficult to ingest raw herbs. Mixing turmeric with butter oil and garlic creates a topical paste that can be applied directly to painful spots. Chinese angelica and willow bark are often used in teas to relieve pain and reduce muscle spasms and inflammation. Wintergreen oil and St. John's Wort oil rubbed on affected areas can help reduce swelling and pain. Chamomile tea used topically also has pain-relieving qualities. Mustard oil and garlic mixed together make an effective massage oil for sciatica pain. Hayseed applied externally in the form of a bath or compress can help alleviate pain as well.