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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
"Great staff,very flexible scheduling.Perfect for my extensive last minute appointments.Moderm techniques and very through approach by Dr.Brenner.Highly recommend."
ARLON A.
"Dr. Brent is excellent!! He definitely knows what he is doing. If I could give them 100 stars, I would. Dr.Brent is very knowledgeable he makes you feel very comfortable and explains everything for you to understand. Friendly staff in the front office is always a plus and his fur animals are amazing!!!!"
LISSETTE L.
"f are amazing not to mention the fur baby staff! You get the best service during every visit and patient wellness and experience is their number 1 priority! I would recommend if your looking for exceptionally great service you visit Dr. Berner and staff for your Chiropractic needs!"
TERESITA C.
"Had some trouble with my low back from being in a chair all day due to work. Came in to see Dr. Brett Burner and was welcomed graciously by the staff. Dr. Burners is very knowledgeable and friendly and helped me get back to 100% I recommend to all of my friends and colleagues regardless of any pain. Keep Up The Great Work"
ALEX P.
"I absolutely love the staff at Full Life Chiropractic! They are extremely helpful and attentive. Dr. Crystal is wonderful and has already helped me tremendously! She is caring, compassionate, very knowledgeable, and an attentive listener. I HIGHY RECOMMEND Full Life! :)"
SARAH D.
"Walking in was a breath of fresh air! Meeting Dr. Brett allowed me to realize that putting myself first is deserving and his bedside manner is fabulous! I am excited to work with him to improve my quality of life. He is extremely passionate and wants to help where he can! I am no longer afraid to start this new journey! Don’t walk run to his office!! He will give you your cape back!"
B. L.
"Great staff,very flexible scheduling.Perfect for my extensive last minute appointments.Moderm techniques and very through approach by Dr.Brenner.Highly recommend."
ARLON A.
"Dr. Brent is excellent!! He definitely knows what he is doing. If I could give them 100 stars, I would. Dr.Brent is very knowledgeable he makes you feel very comfortable and explains everything for you to understand. Friendly staff in the front office is always a plus and his fur animals are amazing!!!!"
LISSETTE L.
"f are amazing not to mention the fur baby staff! You get the best service during every visit and patient wellness and experience is their number 1 priority! I would recommend if your looking for exceptionally great service you visit Dr. Berner and staff for your Chiropractic needs!"
TERESITA C.
"Had some trouble with my low back from being in a chair all day due to work. Came in to see Dr. Brett Burner and was welcomed graciously by the staff. Dr. Burners is very knowledgeable and friendly and helped me get back to 100% I recommend to all of my friends and colleagues regardless of any pain. Keep Up The Great Work"
ALEX P.
"I absolutely love the staff at Full Life Chiropractic! They are extremely helpful and attentive. Dr. Crystal is wonderful and has already helped me tremendously! She is caring, compassionate, very knowledgeable, and an attentive listener. I HIGHY RECOMMEND Full Life! :)"
SARAH D.
"Walking in was a breath of fresh air! Meeting Dr. Brett allowed me to realize that putting myself first is deserving and his bedside manner is fabulous! I am excited to work with him to improve my quality of life. He is extremely passionate and wants to help where he can! I am no longer afraid to start this new journey! Don’t walk run to his office!! He will give you your cape back!"
B. L.
"Great staff,very flexible scheduling.Perfect for my extensive last minute appointments.Moderm techniques and very through approach by Dr.Brenner.Highly recommend."
ARLON A.
"Dr. Brent is excellent!! He definitely knows what he is doing. If I could give them 100 stars, I would. Dr.Brent is very knowledgeable he makes you feel very comfortable and explains everything for you to understand. Friendly staff in the front office is always a plus and his fur animals are amazing!!!!"
LISSETTE L.
"f are amazing not to mention the fur baby staff! You get the best service during every visit and patient wellness and experience is their number 1 priority! I would recommend if your looking for exceptionally great service you visit Dr. Berner and staff for your Chiropractic needs!"
TERESITA C.