The Mayo Clinic states that sciatica is pain that travels along the path of your sciatic nerve, from your lower back to your lower leg. Your sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in your body. There are over a dozen possible causes of sciatica. If you are considering using herbs to help treat your sciatica, first visit your physician to discuss herb-related risks and benefits.
Sciatica
Possible causes of sciatica include narrowing of your spinal canal or the holes through which your spinal nerve roots pass, herniated intervertebral disks in your lumbar spine, trauma and tumors in your spinal canal or on the sciatic nerve. Other causes of sciatica include piriformis syndrome, spondylolisthesis and infection. Some of the most most commonly experienced signs and symptoms associated with sciatica include pain, numbness and tingling in your leg, and lower extremity muscle weakness.
Useful Herbs
Herbs have long been used to help treat musculoskeletal problems, including sciatica. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, an herbal medicine expert, naturopathic doctor and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," three of the most useful herbs for sciatica include burdock, juniper and St. John's wort. Other herbs possess anti-inflammatory action and may be helpful in treating sciatica, including devil's claw, yucca, black cohosh, chaparral, dong quai and alfalfa. These herbs may be particularly effective when taken together as a formula.
A Commonly Used Herb
St. John's wort is a commonly used herb in treating sciatica and other health complaints. St. John's wort is a plant that grows throughout the United States and Europe. The aerial, or above-ground, parts of the plant are used medicinally. St. John's wort has anti-inflammatory, astringent, antibacterial and vulnerary action. St. John's wort is used to treat pain associated with nerve irritation, numbness and tingling, such as sciatica. St. John's wort is also used to help treat depression.
Disclaimer
Some herbs should be avoided if you are pregnant or have certain medical conditions. Herbs may contain powerful constituents that can cause unwanted reactions in your body if not taken appropriately. Herbs, like prescription medication, should be taken under the supervision of a qualified health care professional. Your best source for herb-related information may be a health care professional with extensive training in botanical medicine. Although many herbs may be effective in treating health problems, using herbs does not guarantee a cure.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Sciatica
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
