Sciatica is the name for pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve pathway—your sciatic nerve branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down both legs. So sciatica usually affects just one side of your body.
The sciatic nerve compression causes most sciatica cases by narrowing the spine, bone spur on the spine, or a herniated disc. This causes pain, inflammation, and in some cases, numbness in the affected leg.
The sciatica pain may be severe and can usually be associated with significant leg weakness, bladder, or bowel. Such severe cases may be eligible for surgery if left uncorrected. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential when dealing with sciatica or other secondary conditions.
Sciatica pain usually increases the risk of inflammation. Therefore, your healthcare provider might prescribe pain relievers to ease your pain. This form of treatment can help to temporarily relieve the intensity until you’re able to schedule a consultation with a chiropractor that focuses on fixing the primary condition.
On the other hand, you can try a few natural herbal remedies which can help alleviate the pain and inflammation and give you some relief.
Natural herbs to relieve sciatica pain
Some ancient herbs have been found to help relieve sciatica pain. These herbs grow naturally in India and other parts of the world. Common ones include:
1. Garlic
If there is anything that garlic is known for, it is the benefits that it bestows on the heart. It plays an important role in regulating blood cholesterol (1) and blood pressure (2). However, very few people are aware of the analgesic effects of garlic. In addition, garlic has very potent anti-inflammatory properties and effectively relieves sciatic pain.
So, how do you enjoy the benefits of garlic? First, eat a clove or two with warm milk or water in the morning daily. Doing this will go a long way to relieving your pain. However, there’s one thing you should remember. Garlic has a powerful odor. It is also known for its very pungent taste.
2. Indian aloe vera
Aloe vera has many health benefits, including digestion, skincare, weight loss, and hair care. In addition, Aloe vera is rich in glycosides like aloin, known for its potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. This helps provide relief from pain and minimize the risk of inflammation (3).
There’s the powdered form of aloe vera. It is also available in gel form. Both contain medicinal properties. A gel/powder/pulp of aloe vera mixed with 1–2 pinch of turmeric proves very effective in relieving sciatica pain.
3. Bitter chamomile
Bitter chamomile is classified as an aromatic herb. It contains essential oil, aromatic compounds like farnesene, chamazulene, bisabolol, and flavonoids. It also contains plant acids. These compounds possess potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain-relieving properties (4). The flowers of bitter chamomile are usually compressed to extract the essential oil, which is used the relieve pain and inflammation. To use bitter chamomile, mix a few drops with a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil and massage gently on the affected part of your body. Do this at least twice daily to relieve sciatica pain.
4. Valerian root
Valerian root contains relaxants that help your muscle relax and provide relief. Valerian root is also enriched with volatile oils that help relieve chronic nerve and muscle pain. Valerian root has analgesic properties that ease pain and provide quick relief (5). You may take it as a supplement thrice daily for a week, or you can take the tea form of it. To prepare the tea, steep ¼–½ teaspoon of valerian root in water. Strain it, allow it to cool, and drink. You may add honey to give it a more appealing taste.
5. Nutmeg
Nutmeg has a unique taste and flavor. It is a well-known Indian spice that induces sleep and helps in relaxing the muscles. Nutmeg is also rich in saponins and myristicin. Both help relieve sciatica pain, neuralgia, and rheumatic pain. These active components inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators and pain-causing neurotransmitters, thus facilitating pain relief and inflammatory conditions like sciatica (6).
Takeaway
The herbs listed in this article are safe and can be used as home remedies for sciatica. But if your condition doesn’t improve or you experience other symptoms alongside the pain like leg swelling, consider scheduling a consultation with a chiropractor that focuses on fixing the primary condition and not just focusing on managing the symptoms.
