Herbal Sciatica Remedies

Not an illness in its own right, sciatica is a symptom of irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the buttocks and into the leg. A herniated lumbar disc can trigger pressure on the nerve as it exits the spinal column, but other causes are also possible. Herbal remedies, some centuries-old, offer relief from the discomfort of sciatica. However, check with your doctor before beginning any regimen of self-treatment.

Hayseed Baths

Botanist James A. Duke, author of “The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook,” tells of 19th-century Bavarian naturopath Parson Kneipp’s observation that alpine farmers used hayseed baths to relieve the discomfort of back as well as joint and muscle pain. The seed heads fell from the grasses the farmers cut and stored to feed their livestock. Taking things a step further, Kneipp developed therapies using hayseed in bath bags or incorporated into hot poultices to be applied to affected areas. Germany’s Commission E, which evaluates herbal remedies for the government, found that Kneipp’s poultices were effective in treating sciatica and a variety of rheumatic conditions. Duke reports that hayseed contains a rich supply of coumarin, “a camphorlike substance that boosts local blood flow when applied externally,” according to one of Germany’s leading herbal physicians. Consult with a medical professional before using hayseeds or any other herbal remedy.

Stinging Nettles

Herbalists have long used stinging nettles–both internally and externally–to relieve the pain of sciatica. Known scientifically as urtica urens, the nettle can be used to brew a tea that sciatica sufferers can drink and/or bathe in, according to naturopathic doctor John Lust and herbalist/acupuncturist Michael Tierra, authors of “The Natural Remedy Bible.” Ideally, the herb should be picked fresh, using gloves, gathering a good-size potful to steep in a tub of water. If fresh nettles are unavailable, use two to four ounces of dried herb per tub of water. To further strengthen the pain-relieving properties of the tea, add several slices of fresh ginger root. If you’re looking for instant relief, brush the affected area with a freshly cut branch of stinging nettle. Check with your doctor before using this or any other herbal remedy.

Native American Remedies

In “Secrets of Native American Herbal Remedies,” author Anthony J. Cichoke, a chiropractor and nutritionist, offers recipes for a trio of herbal teas that can provide relief from sciatic pain, as well as other forms of back pain. All of these remedies have their roots in Native American folk medicine. For the first tea, combine 2 tsp. crampbark and 2 tsp. kava kava root with two cups of water, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Cool and strain the brew. Drink no more than one cup daily. To make the second tea, steep 2 tsp. St. John’s wort leaves and 1 tsp. coltsfoot leaves in two cups of boiling water for 15 to 30 minutes. Cool and strain. Drink 1/2 cup in the morning and 1/2 cup at night. Make the third tea by covering 1 tsp. chopped valerian root and 2 tsp. of white willow bark with 2 cups of cold water and allow it to steep overnight. Strain and take in doses of 1 tbsp. each to ease pain caused by nerve irritation. Limit total daily use to 1 cup daily. Consult with a medical professional to see if any of these remedies might be appropriate for you.