Home and Natural Remedies for Sciatica Relief
Treatments to relieve sciatica can vary depending on the severity of the pain. Most of the time it’s possible to reduce it with rest, painkillers, and some healthy habits. But are there any natural remedies for sciatica? Find out here.
Although many people are used to using conventional drugs, there are a number of natural ingredients that can provide relief. In fact, as they don’t usually cause side effects, they’re considered one of the best options.
Best of all, they’re very easy to prepare and can be used as many times as needed. That’s why we’d like to share some recipes to provide some relief for you.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is a pain that originates from an irritation of the sciatic nerve. It’s described as a pulling or pinching that can even paralyze the sufferer. In addition, it can be accompanied by numbness, tingling, and difficulty moving.
The severe pain starts at the waist and usually spreads to the thigh and knee. Although it can be mild, in many cases it becomes a cause of disability. It’s also one of the most common reasons for people having to take time off work.
Some of its causes include:
- Herniated discs
- Deformities of the joint or bone
- Trauma from accidents
- Physical overexertion
- Tumors and inflammatory diseases
The best natural remedies for sciatica
Severe pain caused by sciatica should be attended to by a professional, who usually recommends anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants. However, in addition to this, you can consider some of the remedies we give below.
Willow infusion
The infusion of willow bark contains an active ingredient known as salicin, the same ingredient as in aspirin. Thanks to this property, this simple natural remedy can help relieve sciatica and other similar ailments.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
- 1 teaspoon of willow bark (5 g)
Preparation
- Bring one cup of water to a boil.
- Once it reaches boiling point, add the willow bark.
- Let it steep for 10 minutes and then strain it.
How to use
- Drink a cup of infusion every 8 hours.
Note: Avoid this remedy if you are allergic to aspirin. If you’re taking other medications, consult your doctor before use.
Nettle
The anti-inflammatory properties of nettle leaves are useful for reducing sciatic nerve irritation. External application promotes circulation to the affected area and has a soothing effect.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of water (1 liter)
- 3 sprigs of fresh nettle
Preparation
- First, pour the water into a pot and bring it to a boil.
- Once it reaches boiling point, add the nettle and leave it on a low heat for 10 minutes.
- Then, wait for it to rest for a few minutes and strain it.
Directions for use
- Soak a cloth in the hot infusion and apply it to the painful area.
- Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Repeat 2 or 3 times a day.
Thyme and oregano
Thyme and oregano contain essential oils and antioxidant compounds that have a positive effect on the body. They have always stood out as allies for pain, as they have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that produce relief.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of water (500 ml)
- 1 tablespoon of oregano (15 g)
- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme (15 g)
Preparation
- Start by heating the water until it reaches boiling point.
- Then add the herbs and let it boil for 5 minutes over a low heat.
- After this time, let the drink stand and strain it.
How to use
- Drink a cup of infusion in the morning and another one in the afternoon.
Garlic
Garlic contains an active ingredient called allicin, which helps to improve blood circulation. Because of this, taking garlic every day can help relieve muscle aches and sciatica.
Ingredients
- 1 clove of raw garlic
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (10 ml)
Preparation
- Crush a clove of raw garlic and mix it with olive oil.
How to use
- Consume the remedy every day on an empty stomach.
Have you tried these remedies to relieve sciatica? Remember to use them constantly until you get some measure of relief. Also, try to complement them with gentle exercise and a good diet.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Valat, J. P., Genevay, S., Marty, M., Rozenberg, S., & Koes, B. (2010). Sciatica. Best Practice and Research: Clinical Rheumatology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.berh.2009.11.005
- Highfield, E. S., & Kemper, K. J. (1999). White Willow Bark ( Salix alba ). Biochemistry.
- Porcuna, J. L., Nouveau, A., & G., P. (1993). La Ortiga. Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism.
- Folcarà, S. C., & Vanaclocha, B. (2000). Usos terapéuticos del tomillo. Revista de Fitoterapia.