Sciatica is a symptom caused by some injury or damage to the sciatic nerve, often something like a herniated disk, says the Mayo Clinic. The sciatic nerve extends from each leg into the hips and buttocks and all the way up the spinal cord. When that nerve becomes pinched or injured, it causes pain in the back, buttocks and legs. The pain can be severe and although Mayo says that it typically resolves without treatment after around eight weeks, you can try some herbal remedies to alleviate your pain a little faster.
Oil of Wintergreen
This natural herb is a topical treatment to help alleviate sciatica pain. Its active ingredient is methyl salicylate, which is also used to help manage inflammation in diseases like rheumatism and arthritis, in addition to muscle pain and sciatica. It should be applied two to three times a day, rubbed into painful areas--but do not take the treatment orally.
Vitamins
Taking a vitamin supplement can help to alleviate sciatica pain. Try B-vitamin supplements as well as magnesium and calcium supplements to help manage muscle spasms that make sciatica pain worse. Evening primrose oil, which contains essential fatty acids, works as an anti-inflammatory treatment.
Other Herbal Remedies
St. John's wort can be effective against sciatica pain, whether used topically (mixed with olive oil and rubbed into the painful spots) or orally as a supplement. It helps to relax and calm the nerves. Chamomile is another soothing herb that can encourage muscles to relax. Try drinking chamomile tea, adding between 10 and 20 drops of chamomile extract to a drink or rubbing it onto the skin. Horsetail can also ease pain and may be taken the same way as chamomile. Garlic milk is a good herbal remedy when sciatica pain is severe because it can help to manage inflammation. To make it, mix together two crushed cloves of raw garlic with ¼ cup milk. Boil it if the flavor is too much.
