Pinched nerves can be a painful and chronic condition. Nerves can be pinched by a slipped disc, a muscle spasm or a tumor pressing on the nerve. Conventional treatment may include NSAIDs, antidepressants and narcotics, but these can have unpleasant side effects. Herbs may help relieve the pain, muscle tension and inflammation caused by pinched nerves. Consult a health-care provider to determine the cause of your pinched nerve before starting herbal treatment.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort, or Hypericum perforatum, is a perennial shrub with yellow-spotted flowers. Traditional healers use the flowering tops to treat mild mood problems and back pain. Active ingredients include hypericin and hyperforin. In their 2000 book, "The Herbal Drugstore," White and Foster state that St. John's wort has a calming effect on the central nervous system, which reduces pain sensations, muscle tension and spasms. They advise using a standardized extract. This herb can make you more sensitive to sun exposure, so take precautions when you are outdoors in sunshine.
Jamaican Dogwood
Jamaican dogwood, or Piscidia piscipula, is native to the West Indies and a traditional remedy for nerve pain, migraines and insomnia. The root bark is rich in flavonoids, acids and tannins, and has nerve-relaxant, pain-relieving and antispasmodic actions. Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster say that the herb works by inhibiting COX, the enzyme involved in pain and inflammation. You can use Jamaican dogwood as a tea, extract or tincture. Do not use it if you are pregnant, and do not give it to children or the elderly. If you experience numbness, tremors, salivation or sweating, discontinue use and consult a doctor.
Skullcap
Skullcap, or Scutellaria lateriflora, is a perennial herb with potent nervine, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic actions. Herbalists use the aerial parts and roots to treat epilepsy, inflammatory diseases and nervous disorders. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann recommends skullcap tincture or tea to relax painful nerves and relieve spasms. Do not combine skullcap with any other sedative or sleeping medications.
Siberian Ginseng
Siberian ginseng, or Eleutherococcus senticosus, is a woody shrub native to Siberia. Traditional healers use the root as an adaptogenic tonic, which is an herb that relieves fatigue and helps the body adapt to stress. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink claim that the herb improves endurance, immunity and resistance to stress. Hoffmann advises using it to help your body cope with the stress caused by nerve pain. You can combine Siberian ginseng with skullcap and St. John's wort in teas and tinctures to relax pinched nerves, relieve pain and help your body reduce stress and tension. Do not combine Siberian ginseng with cardiac or blood pressure drugs, or with antibiotics.
References
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
