Any herbal remedies for sciatica/leg nerve pain?

I have been having sciatica/nerve pain in my legs for about 9 months. Have had x-rays, MRI, EMG, and other tests and all indicate that I have no spinal problems or nerve problems. I am not diabetic. The doctors are totally confused about what is causing the problem. I tried chiropractics and physical therapy and neither one helped. My doctors are prescribing pain meds but I would really prefer a natural or herbal alternative. Has anyone else encountered a problem like this and how did you cope with it?

There's many good suggestions here, but have you tried just plain old ice.
Never put ice directly on your skin, but try putting it into a ziptop bag, put that into a damp clothe, and put that onto you effected side buttock for about 20 minutes.
This should help relax the piriformis, which could be in spasm, causing sciatic nerve pain.
And, if it doesn't help, you didn't spend a fortune. Or even a buck....
But, normally it helps.

yes its called a spleef, and you can get it anywhere in america.ask your pharmacist it worked for me.

there are herbal ointments as well as baths but i found releif through conventional medicine and keeping off my feet for a while..try accupressure

Have you ever received massage therapy? Sciatic nerve impingement is often a result of a tight muscle known as the piriformis. A massage therapist will know exactly how to find the muscle and work out the tension.

Below is a detailed description of your options if you go the naturopathic route:

Oil of wintergreen, which contains methyl salicylate, is widely used externally for its anti-inflammatory activity for arthritis, rheumatism, sciatica, and sore muscles. The tea of the herb has a refreshing astringent taste and is used as well for nephritis and neuralgia, irritated bladder, and children's headaches.

Part Used: Herb
Preparation/Dosage: 1 cup 2-3 x daily (Infusion)
Organs/Systems Affected: Integumentary, Digestive

Oil of wintergreen is too toxic to be used internally.
Source: C. Hobbs' Herbal Advisor.


Supplementary support for the nerves speeds the healing of a sciatica. B vitamins are essential sublingual tablets are recommended. Calcium and magnesium are helpful against spasms which often contribute to the pain. For milder cases or chronic recurrences, evening primrose oil is an excellent anti-inflammatory; its essential fatty acids nourish the nerves.

The intense pain and tension associated with a sciatic attack can be quickly relieved with a number of herbal remedies.

鈥?Rub St. John's wort oil diluted in olive oil onto the affected area, especially before going to sleep, to relax the nerves.
鈥?A hot, stinging-nettle bath is a proven remedy for acute sciatica. Soak 4 cups of stinging nettle leaves for twelve hours in cold water. Warm up the liquid; strain and add to bath water. The patient's chest should be out of the water. Soak for twenty minutes, do not dry off, but put on a cotton-terry robe and sweat in bed for one hour.
鈥?Chamomile has a calming and healing effect on smooth muscle tissue. Apply directly onto skin or take internally as tea or 10-20 drops of extract in a cup of liquid daily.
鈥?Horsetail builds connective tissue. Take as a tea or extract as directed for chamomile.
鈥?If there is tension due to emotional stress, take borage, St. John's wort, lemon balm or valerian tea three times daily for their calming properties. If you have a juicer, 1 tbsp. of fresh horsetail, yarrow, borage or celery juice daily is an excellent way of supporting the adrenal glands and soothing the nerves.
鈥?Hot, moist packs help relieve the pain and increase blood circulation. Apply chamomile, horsetail, hayflower, or white or black mustard seed. A mustard seed pack should not be left on for more than ten minutes because it can irritate the skin. You may prefer to apply a flax seed pack. Put crushed seeds into a small cotton sack and dip for ten minutes into hot water before applying.
鈥?Garlic milk helps reduce inflammation in the case of a bad sciatica attack. Crush two raw garlic cloves and mix the pulp with 1/4 cup of milk. Bring this to the boiling point if you feel the raw garlic flavor is too strong, but raw garlic is the most effective. Drink 1/2 cup daily.

Maybe try increasing calcium in your diet. and maybe try
that chinese pin therapy (sorry really tired and can't think of
the name of it) but when they are done putting the pins in
you look like a pin cushion. And then they take them out
it is supposed to help with circulation. ACUPUNCTURE
thats the name.

I don't have any herbs to recommend, but I have to suggest yoga.

I have a friend who was virtually disabled by her sciatica, which was caused by compressed discs. She was scheduled for surgery, but discovered some other health problems during the pre-op appointment. Since the other health problems meant she wouldn't ever be able to have the surgery, she started yoga...In about three months, she is entirely recovered!

Best of luck...I certainly hope you can have the kind of recovery my friend is experiencing!

I don't know if this helps but, acupuncture was not only successful but cured one of my toughest to treat patients. I've been a chiropractor for 16 years and I just couldn't help this lady and she 's tried all kinds of natural remedies, finally she tried acupuncture and had amazing results, I still am very impressed.

Sciatica:
http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/sciat...

I use the mineral selenium when sciatica pain becomes acute. Selenium is a natural occuring mineral that has analgesic properties. It helps take the edge off; doesn't take the pain away totally. Because I am on a fentanyl patch with vicodin for breakthrough pain I also use exercises, such as squatting for some relief.

For myself, I try to keep busy to deal with the pain. Just laying/sitting around seems to make the pain worse.