The sciatic nerve is the largest single nerve in the human body. It extends from either side of the lower spine and goes down to the buttocks, behind the thighs, and all the way down to each foot. The sciatic nerve connects the muscles in the feet and legs to the spinal cord.
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is irritated, causing sensations of pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness from the lower back down to the areas below the knees. This irritation often results from pinching by a herniated or slipped disc. Other causes of irritation are inflammation, injury, tumors, infections, internal bleeding, and even nearby muscles.
In some cases, sciatic nerve pain can be so debilitating that sufferers have trouble walking properly. Depending on what caused the irritation, sciatica can last from several days to several weeks. In some people, the pain remains for good.
The pain is usually addressed using over-the-counter pain medication, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Taking into account the many potential adverse effects of NSAIDs, they may not be ideal for long-term relief, especially for those who suffer from chronic sciatic nerve pain.
Homeopathic remedies for sciatica are varied and could be a cheaper, safer alternative to NSAIDs. The following are herbs that can soothe both nerve pain and inflammation and thus, are ideal for sciatica:
- Devil's claw – This herb is often used to mitigate pain from osteoarthritis. Its effects have been compared to those of chemical pain medications. Devil's claw may also be used to reduce inflammation.
- White willow – An ancient treatment for pain, white willow bark contains salicin and has been compared to aspirin. It may be taken by itself or as part of blends along with other anti-inflammatory herbs.
- Ginger – This vegetable has many health benefits. Its ability to relieve pain and inflammation has been proven by some studies to be superior to that of NSAIDs. Ginger does this by inhibiting the release of chemicals that lead to an inflammatory response in the body.
- Garlic – This aromatic vegetable is packed with compounds that, like ginger, inhibit the chemicals that start the body's inflammatory response. These compounds are partly responsible for garlic's heart-friendly properties and its popularity as a treatment for arthritis.
- Rosemary – This fragrant herb is popular for its culinary applications, but its rich phytochemical content also makes it a potent treatment for a wide variety of conditions, including inflammation and nerve pain.
- Cloves – Like rosemary, clove is known largely for its taste. Its essential oil, however, is famed for its anti-inflammatory effects. One of its most common applications is for soothing toothache, although it can also be used for nerve pain.
- Basil – Aside from imbuing dishes with that distinct Italian flavor and fragrance, basil is also a powerful anti-inflammatory herb. It reduces the concentration of natural chemicals in the body that upregulate the inflammatory response.
- Turmeric – This yellow spice contains curcumin, a compound with both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Turmeric may be taken as a supplement or in the form it is known best – as an aromatic and flavor enhancer in juices and dishes.
Although these very rarely cause any adverse effects, it's best to get the advice of a healthcare specialist, especially if you suffer from other chronic conditions or are taking any other treatments that may interact with the herbs' active ingredients. (Related: Reduce nerve pain with the waterhyssop medicinal herb (bacopa).)
Find other home remedies for nerve pain at Remedies.news.
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