Sciatica Treatment Aromatherapy: Apply a cold press and/or lightly massage the sciatic region with the essential oils of chamomile, lavender, or birch. Diet: Eat organic foods rich in thiamine (vitamin B1) and magnesium, since both nutrients act as natural muscle relaxants. Such foods include dark leafy green vegetables, yellow vegetables, whole grains, and raw seeds and nuts. Eliminate coffee and other caffeinated beverages, chocolate, and all sugars, and drink plenty of pure, filtered water. Herbs: Mix equal parts of willow bark and St. John's wort tincture and take half a teaspoonful three times a day. You can also massage the affected areas with warm St. John's wort oil to help alleviate pain. Other useful herbs that can be taken as teas or tinctures to tone the sciatic nerve are black cohosh, chamomile, fenugreek, juniper berries, mugwort, parsley, rosemary, and skullcap. Homeopathy: Useful homeopathic remedies include Colocynth, Viscum album, Lachesis, Rhus tox., Aconite, Arsen alb., Lycopodium, Mag phos., Ruta grav., and Atropa Belladonna (6X potency) for neuralgia. Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the application of water, ice, steam and hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating a wide range of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a self-care program. Many Naturopathic Physicians, Physical Therapists and Day Spas use Hydrotherapy as part of treatment. We suggest several at-home hydrotherapy treatments. Please seek the advice of your alternative health care practitioner before undergoing these procedures to make sure they are appropriate for you. Nutritional Supplementation: The following nutrients can help to ease sciatic pain: vitamin B-complex, vitamin B1 (thiamine) vitamin B12, vitamin E. calcium, magnesium, and manganese sulfate. Topical Treatment: Apply moist or dry heat to the affected area for one hour, four times a day. Close Browser/Window To Return To The Main Menu |