When the sciatic nerve is unhealthy, the disorder is manifested by a radiating pain along the lower back and progresses down the buttocks and the legs. The health issue is known as sciatica and is usually a symptom of a larger health problem, such as a herniated disk. Symptoms that often occur concurrently with sciatica are muscle weakness or numbness and loss of bowel or bladder control. Once the disorder that causes sciatica is treated, the nerve condition usually recedes within a couple of months, according to MayoClinic.com. Herbal treatments may be used to alleviate sciatic pain, but these treatments should first be discussed with a qualified health care provider.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice harvested from the bark of a tropical evergreen tree. The two main types of cinnamon are cassia and zeylanicum. The best cinnamon grows along the coastal strip of Sri Lanka near Colombo. The cinnamaldehyde compound in cinnamon is the medicinal element that has hypotensive and spasmolytic effects and acts to increase blood flow. These actions can have a positive effect on sciatica, which is characterized by excessive yin energy. According to traditional Chinese medicine, cinnamon bolsters your body's yang energy. Cinnamon is an ingredient in the Chinese formulas Sanbi Tang, Duzhong Fengshi Wan and Duhuo Jisheng Tang, which can be used in the treatment of sciatica, according to the Institute for Traditional Medicine.
Astragalus
Astragalus is an adaptogen that has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to fortify the immune system against disease. The herb is particularly useful for treating sciatic nerve pain, according to the Institute for Traditional Medicine. The herb strengthens qi and increases yang energy. Astragalus is included in the following Chinese formulas that can be used in the treatment of sciatica: Sanbi Tang and Renshen Lurong Wan. The recommended dose of astragalus for the treatment of sciatica is 250 to 500 mg taken three to four times per day. You should only take astragalus supplements after talking to your doctor.
Clematis
Clematis is a leafy plant that grows indigenously in Europe. It has white or pink flowers that contain the plant's medicinal compounds. Clematis has anti-inflammatory properties, bolsters the flow of meridians and controls nerve pain, according to the Institute for Traditional Medicine. Clematis is found in the following Chinese formulas that can be taken for the treatment of sciatica: Shujing Huoxue Tang, Ling Juantong Tang and Texiao Yaotong. Clematis taken alone to treat sciatica is typically a dose of 30 to 40 grains of the leaves in a medicinal tea per day. Consult your doctor for medical clearance before treating your sciatica with clematis.
