Sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain, occurs when your sciatic nerve -- the largest nerve in your body -- is damaged or compressed by other structures in your body. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that sciatica is a symptom and itself is not a medical condition. There are many possible causes of this common musculoskeletal complaint. Herbal medicines for sciatica may help relieve your pain or discomfort, but you should discuss the use of herbs with your doctor first.
Sciatica Information
Sciatic pain, which ranges from mild to severe, is pain that radiates, or travels, from your lower back down the back of your leg. In some cases, sciatic pain may reach the back of your calf and beyond. Possible causes of sciatica include herniated or bulging disks, narrowing of your spinal canal, vertebral fractures and, in rare cases, tumors. Sciatic pain is often worse after sitting or standing for prolonged periods.
Herbal Medicines
Herbal medicines have long been used to help treat sciatica. In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," herbalist and naturopath Sharol Tilgner states that commonly used herbal remedies for sciatica include St. John's wort, juniper, burdock, yucca, devil's claw, dong quai, alfalfa, burdock, chaparral and black cohosh. Other helpful herbs for this condition may include slippery elm bark, oat straw and white willow bark -- an herbal remedy that contains salicylic acid, an effective pain reliever.
Featured Herb
Juniper is an herb that is often used to treat sciatica. Tilgner notes that juniper is used to treat numerous ailments, including sciatica, arthritis and gout. Juniper possesses strong anti-inflammatory action, which may help explain its ability to treat musculoskeletal conditions such as sciatica. Phyllis A. Balch, a nutrition expert and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," reports that the fruit, or berries, of the juniper plant are used in herbal medicines and supplements.
Additional Information
Although sciatica itself is not life-threatening, this symptom can lead to several health complications, including reduced sensation in your leg, partial or total loss of leg movement and leg injuries due to lack of sensation. You may also experience side effects caused by prescription drugs for this condition, and sciatica may be a sign of a serious underlying problem. If you develop the symptoms of sciatica, visit a qualified health care professional to be properly evaluated and treated.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Sciatica
- National Health Service: Sciatica
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
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